Meet Nicole Shaheen of Smiley Nicki Photography in Central

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Shaheen.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story isn’t anything crazy- I have always wanted to be able to capture moments that could be cherished forever! My family knew I had always been into amateur photography, so for Christmas in 2015, my aunt, grandma, and mom and put money together to buy me my first camera. About a month later, I started my small business called Smiley Nicki Photography, because “smiley nicki” is my nickname, and what better way to describe what my pictures will be like? Smiley, of course. I used my business to mostly take senior pictures for people at my high school in El Paso, Texas, and pretty much any experience that I could get. Although photography is my favorite hobby, it is not what I will always be doing in life- it is not my only passion. My true passion is for children and non-profit organizations that work with children because I want to be able to truly impact them. I am going to be an intern for Make-A-Wish Arizona this summer, and graduate from GCU next spring with a degree in Health Care Administration and a minor in Social Work. As I continue to work with kids throughout my life, I hope I can use my photography to capture the pure joy children have that we often forget to express.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Photography is not easy, but some people make it look that way. The biggest struggle for me has definitely been a comparison to other photographers, especially when I moved to Phoenix (everyone in Phoenix is so ARTSY). The thing I have slowly learned is that everyone has a different style and that’s what makes every photographer so special. People will choose you to their style of liking and that is okay! We are here to make them happy!

Smiley Nicki Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am willing to photograph anything, of course, but my favorite moments to capture our family and couples (cheesy, I know). I love having to tell my clients to do silly things to capture the cute candid moments. There are so many tricks I love using to get people to laugh, and I think that’s what people enjoy the most about shooting with me. Usually, after a shoot, a client will tell me that they felt awkward at the beginning, and by the end, it just feels like we are hanging out as friends. It is important for people to feel comfortable around their photographers because otherwise, their true facial expressions won’t come out.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success can often be counted by experience, money, accomplishments, and more. However, for me, success is when a person is happy with what they’re doing, yet still stable in their lives. Yes, happiness is so important, and the true epitome of life, but it is still important to be responsible.

Having passions, interests, and big dreams are always encouraged. But, finding what you love is only half the equation because people need to be able to make a living. I love that I can do both by having a happy medium of both my passions!

“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Pricing:

• $60- Couples, Seniors, Families, etc.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 9154226318
• Email: nicoranji97@gmail.com
• Instagram: @smileynickiphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smileynickiphotography/

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