Meet Niki Cram

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Cram.

Niki, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi there! I started shooting around age ten when my Aunt gave me my first point and shoot film camera. I took pictures of everything and anything. Soon after, my brother started racing amateur Motorcross and I got my first digital camera. I dreamed of working in the action sports industry and shooting for a living, but I didn’t know how to do it. Flash forward to 18 with no idea what I wanted to do in life, I took a community college photography class and fell in love. I immediately started striving in my art classes and was barely passing my English & anthropology. With action sports photography as my initial intention, I quickly realized that I was a lifestyle shooter and found my lane. I decided to pursue photography and complete my certificate. One teacher, in particular, took me under his wing and became a mentor to me, having me assist his big commercial jobs and coaching me through being an independent contractor. After graduating and getting a taste of what it was like in the industry, I decided to quit my 9-5 and go full-time freelance. It was the scariest thing I had ever done but by far the most rewarding. I have met so many amazing people in this industry, and have continued to grow as well as develop my craft and style.

Has it been a smooth road?
One of my main struggles along the way has been having a loss of confidence at times. The creative industry is also evolving and it is so easy to feel like you’re being left behind. Knowing your worth and your value is the key to working in a field like this.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a freelance lifestyle/fashion advertising photographer based in Orange County. Storytelling and making beautiful imagery is speciality. My goal with every image is to make the viewer feel like they stepped into a moment. I shoot fashion, lifestyle, products, models, weddings, events, real estate, and everything else you could think of. Photography is my true passion, and I strive to make every single person I work with feel comfortable and have fun!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Being in Orange County, I am happy because I am in the middle of San Diego and Los Angeles so I am in a perfect place to travel either north or south.