Our adventure began before dawn. 

When Niki called me to book her session (One half in the summer, one half in the fall) I knew instantly that we should do a sunrise session. Being my first one, I was a little nervous, but after how smoothly it went and how GORGEOUS the pictures came out, I know I’ll be booking lots more whenever I can! 

Our Thursday morning started off early. I felt bad for poor Niki and Mckenzie (my makeup artist), but they both had no problem with waking up around 3:45 and getting started at 4. I picked up some Dutch, picked them both up at 6, and we drove to our location, arriving about 20 minutes before the sun came up. After almost locking my keys in my car (I’ll blame that one on the cobwebs still in my brain), we grabbed our bags and started shooting. 

After meeting with Niki the week before her shoot and getting to know her better, I was so excited to use an orchard as the setting for our session. Everything about the morning was perfect- the weather, the sunlight, Niki’s hair and makeup and her wardrobe- all of it went off without a hitch! Not only was the setting perfect, Niki was the most wonderful model in the world. She is thoughtful and considerate, down to earth, and so sweet and fun! The whole time she kept asking me about myself, which was so backwards- this day is supposed to be about HER, and she was wondering about ME! 

Another thing that I love about Niki is how easy-going she is. I had never really gotten to know her super well in our time together at school, but we could have been great friends because I’m a planner, and she’s a “I’m down with whatever you are thinking” kind of girl. It made our session so relaxed and fun! She was on board with anything I threw her way or had in mind. Whether it was getting up at 4 am, reaching for apples off the tree, striking random poses in a matter of a couple seconds, or saying hello to a huge pack of turkeys- Niki had a huge, beautiful smile on her face the whole time and brought so much fun energy to the day! 

Niki is a senior at Kuna High school this year, and an incredible volleyball player. She loves surrounding herself with people who make her laugh, and she gets business DONE! She is going to be getting a full ride to college next year because of her amazing spiking/setting skills, and her hair is TO DIE FORRRR (FOr realz, yo… every girl’s life goals… legs and hair, can I get an amen?) I am so excited to spend more time with her in the fall and capture more of her beauty and sweet but strong personality! Stay tuned to see more of Niki in the coming weeks!