I’M NICKI! THAT’S ME FALLING ON MY FACE AND MY SON!
IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE, RIGHT? I’M CONSTANTLY SEEKING BALANCE. BALANCE BETWEEN MY WORK AND RAISING FOUR KIDDOS. BALANCE BETWEEN STAYING CURRENT AND STAYING AUTHENTIC. THE LITERAL BALANCE REQUIRED TO STAY UPRIGHT ON A SUP OR SURFBOARD!
I EMBODY THE OVERLAP BETWEEN BEING POLISHED AS A BUSINESS OWNER AND RIDING THE HOT MESS EXPRESS ALL THE WAY HOME.
MY LIFE IS EXTRAORDINARY, BUT IT’S ALSO RELATABLE. MY CLIENTS ARE MY PEOPLE AND THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE INVITING ME IN TO DOCUMENT WHAT THEY LOVE MOST.
I’ve enjoyed a unique ride through the photography industry…
A few of the stops include my time in a professional darkroom, studio manager for a commercial photographer, documentary assignments in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and the corporate staff photographer for a national defense contractor.
MY WORST PHOTOGRAPHY GIG WAS TAKING PICTURES AT FRAT PARTIES FOR A COMPANY IN MY COLLEGE TOWN! MY FAVORITE JOB? I CAN'T DECIDE. THE BEST IS YET TO COME! In 2009 I switched gears and starting documenting the extraordinary moments of everyday people. A strong photograph has the superpower to ignite the most intense of emotions, whether it’s part of an editorial piece or of your parents stealing glimpses at one another as you say your vows. I continue to love what I do and the people I’ve met along the way.
Q&A
Can I see an example of an entire wedding gallery?
Yes! I recommend it! Shooting a wedding is time management, people management and art direction all rolled into one. Both creativity and technical expertise are imperative. Viewing a full wedding gallery is the best way to see how successful a photographer is at wearing multiple hats while still making their client feel wonderful.
Can I choose the location of my family session?
Yes! I will do my best to honor your specific requests. Don’t have a place in mind?…I can match you to the perfect location based on what I learn about your style and interests. It’s important to remember that many locations within require specific permits and I will also lead you through the less exciting (but often required) logistics of your session.
Do you shoot military homecomings?
Yes! I love documenting military homecomings, as well as last flights, promotion ceremonies, change of command, and retirements. You can find examples of this work at Homecoming ~ by Nicki Bursae.
Do you offer mini sessions?
No. Mini sessions are awesome, but they don’t compliment my personal approach to shooting. If a mini session is what you are looking for, I can help direct you to the perfect photographer. I know many local photographers that put together the most righteous sets/ themes for every holiday and season!
Did you go to school for photography ?
Yes! My formal background is a bachelor of science in cinema & photography from Ithaca College as well as coursework at both the New England School of Photography and The Center for Photography at Woodstock.
My less formal background involves countless books, online classes and learning from other awesome artists!