READING TIME: 3 min 34 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/2025
UPDATED: 03/15/2025
Photography is more than a craft—it’s a means of preserving the fleeting moments that define our lives. Few embody this philosophy more deeply than Nikki Santerre, a fine art photographer whose work transforms emotions into heirlooms. With a keen eye for nostalgia and a dedication to building lasting relationships with her clients, Nikki captures love in its purest form.
From the very beginning, photography was about more than images for Nikki—it was about connection. “My heart for nostalgia is at the core of who I am. A love of photos has always been there, but my business officially began as it is known today in 2013.” Over the past decade, Nikki has refined her craft, embracing both digital and film photography to create evocative narratives that stand the test of time.
Her approach is rooted in authenticity, a principle she carries throughout her entire process. “Fine art, but more true,” she says when asked to describe her style. “Emotive, yet gentle.” Her goal is not just to capture an aesthetically pleasing image but to tell a story—one that resonates with each client on a deeply personal level.
As a hybrid photographer, Nikki seamlessly blends film and digital mediums to create a cohesive collection of timeless imagery. “I love to diversify the final collection through using multiple mediums. I’m a huge fan of texture.” This approach allows her to craft galleries that are not only visually stunning but also deeply emotional.
Her camera choices reflect this artistic philosophy. “I switched to Sony three years ago after being a Canon girl for a decade. My Contax 645 is my go-to for luminous, creamy skin tones on film. I have a supply of gold, I mean rare Fuji400h, that I save for very special projects. I added a Leica to the family last year and have been enjoying that experimentation.”
The editing process is just as meticulous as the capture itself. “Every image I deliver has been touched by me in some way. I work hard to create consistency throughout the final gallery even though I use a variety of mediums.” The result? A carefully curated collection of images that feel both cohesive and emotionally rich.
Nikki believes that her ability to connect with clients on an emotional level is what sets her apart. “Emotional intelligence is my superpower. I am an empath, so I have the ability to anticipate people’s emotions as they are experiencing them.”
This intuitive approach allows her to adapt to the energy of each wedding day. “I lean into this intuition to be able to know what my clients need at any given moment—space, a good laugh, a glass of champagne, quiet time, a dance party, etc.” She doesn’t just document a wedding; she becomes a part of it, ensuring that her couples feel at ease throughout the entire experience.
With a philosophy rooted in intentionality, Nikki takes on a limited number of weddings per year to ensure each couple receives an elevated and intimate experience. Every wedding is unique, and she tailors her approach accordingly. “Absolutely! I create custom collections for each of my clients based on the needs of their event. No two wedding weekends are exactly the same.”
She also encourages her couples to immerse themselves in the moment rather than worrying about the details. “Set yourself up to have the ability to LIVE your wedding day. This means being able to be present, and trust the execution of your event to professionals. Your final gallery will be more meaningful if it represents lived experiences rather than a blur.”
For Nikki, photography is not bound by geography. She often travels with clients to their favorite destinations to capture their love stories in meaningful locations. “I love any coastal town. You bring the water, I’ll bring the camera.”
Her personal favorite? “I’m partial to Charleston because my husband and I were engaged there and it’s my favorite city. East Coastal weddings have my heart, but close second favorites would be Colorado or The Oregon Coast.” These locations, with their natural beauty and romantic ambiance, serve as the perfect backdrops for her storytelling.
Reflecting on her journey, Nikki offers words of wisdom to those just starting out. “Keep your eyes on your own paper when determining what it is that YOU want for your life and business. No one is going to show up on your door and give you permission, and what other people are focused on doesn’t have to align with your goals.”
She emphasizes the power of small, consistent actions. “Take an action step, even the tiniest one, in the pursuit of your goals every day. Micro actions can have macro results.” And perhaps most importantly, she urges photographers to cherish the people in their lives. “Take every opportunity to photograph your parents, grandparents, and those of your clients.”
For Nikki Santerre, photography is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong mission to create enduring legacies. Through her artistry, empathy, and dedication to storytelling, she crafts images that are as emotive as they are timeless. Whether capturing artisan-crafted weddings or documenting the quiet beauty of motherhood, Nikki ensures that every frame holds a story worth remembering.
