We were lucky to catch up with Nikki Michelle Charnstrom recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

Oddly enough, legacy is something I have been thinking a lot about lately. After turning 30 last October, I have discovered that self-reflection is truly one of the most important aspects of life. It keeps us grounded and focused on the things that matter — a necessary sanctuary away from the chaotic world we live in.

In taking the time to reflect on my life, my business, and my goals, I have felt a great sense of responsibility for the legacy I am building both at home and in my work. When I think about the legacy I hope will live on after I am gone, one thing is for certain — I hope people will remember how I made them feel. I like to believe I am an empathetic and loving person, and I seek to utilize those qualities in every area of my life. Especially, when it comes to my loved ones and those whom I have the opportunity to connect with through my photography or my writing.

As a photographer, it is incredibly important to me that anyone who steps in front of my camera knows how truly beautiful they are inside and out. I feel it is my calling to show others just how deeply loved and valued they are by capturing their lives through my lens and encouraging them every step of the way. There is no greater feeling or reward in knowing I could be a source of light, love, and empowerment in someone else’s life — even if it is only during an hour-long photo session.

I believe that I have been given these gifts in order to build a legacy that is both nurturing and kindhearted, all for the hope that others realize their immense worth and potential. We all deserve to feel loved, supported, and seen — that is the legacy I hope to leave behind.

Nikki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Nikki Michelle Charnstrom, an Arizona-based photographer and freelance writer. I started my photography business in 2017 shortly after graduating from Northern Arizona University in 2016 where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a minor in Photography.

I never intended to start a photography business but as life often goes, my path took a turn I could have never expected and I am beyond grateful to have my camera in hand. These last seven years have been an incredible journey filled with highs and lows, successes and failures, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

It wasn’t until 2022 that by an odd yet destined turn of events I left the corporate world and took a leap of faith into turning my side-hustle into a full-time photography business. Although I didn’t know it at the time, that step (although scary) would end up being one of the best decisions I could ever make. With each passing day, I find more and more affirmation that photography is a huge piece of my heart and soul.

The deeper I dive into my role as a photographer, the greater my love for storytelling grows and evolves. Lately, I have become even more obsessed with capturing the lives of others in such a way that feels true to who they are on a level of authenticity and pureness like never before. I didn’t even realize it until recently but I have been shifting my focus from stiff and “perfect” poses to being fully present in the moment with my client. When I have that camera in my hand, everything else fades away and I am lost in the act of making a memory and documenting it from start to finish.

Of course, I want to deliver the best photographs possible but it’s so much more than that. It doesn’t matter who or what I am taking a photo of, that moment in time is precious and fleeting and I don’t want to miss it. Life is a beautiful and wonderful experience we all get to play a part in, and I am beyond humbled by the fact that I get to play the part of the storyteller.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Tapping into a community, without a doubt. In complete transparency, I owe so much of my business’ growth and success over the past few years to the incredible community of creatives in Arizona and across the country. The way they have supported and inspired me in my photography journey has truly changed everything.

At the time when I first launched my business in 2017, I didn’t know any other photographers in the area nor did I know how to connect with them. I didn’t think much of it then but learning how to run a business would have been much easier if I had a group of like-minded individuals to learn from and share ideas with.

If there is one piece of advice I have for any business owner who is just starting out (or already established) is to get involved in your industry’s local community. By making connections with other photographers, videographers, florists, makeup artists, hair stylists, models, and other creatives in the industry, I now have a group of fellow artists that I can go to for advice or vice versa. I can’t tell you the amount of times another photographer has referred me to a client or texted me at the last minute if they can’t make it to a session. That type of support goes such a long way and it is essential if you want to take the next step in your business. Facebook is a great place for connecting with a local community as there are countless groups you can join and participate in — it’s really worked wonders for me!

Community over competition is not just a cheesy mantra we like to repeat but a genuine reminder that we are all in this together and there is value in supporting one another.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I love this question! As much as it’s both a blessing and a curse, I am a big social media advocate. We live in a world that craves connection and social media is one tool that can help us stay in touch.

I know it sounds crazy but my business runs off social media. For me, Instagram has been the most successful social media platform for sharing my work, building my clientele, and nurturing relationships. When I photograph a family who is expecting a baby or a recent graduate about to take their next step, I can’t help but become so invested in their lives that following them on social media is a given. I simply must know when their baby is born or how their first day of college went!

Connecting with my clients during their session is a top priority that continues long after the session is over. You best believe I’ll be commenting on your anniversary posts or sending a heartfelt “you got this” message when I see you’re having a bad day. We all need someone in our corner rooting for us through all of life’s highs and lows.

It feels weird to say that this is how I “foster brand loyalty” because I don’t necessarily see it that way. Instead, think of me as your friend and cheerleader who genuinely loves being a part of your life in any capacity — even if it is simply following you on social media, I am here for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charnstromcaptures.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/charnstromcaptures/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharnstromCaptures/
• Other: nikkicharn.contently.com

Image Credits
Charnstrom Captures Photography, LLC