LGBTQIA+ Owned, Women-Owned
LGBTQIA+ Owned, Women-Owned
Nikki Russian Photography
‘Til Death Do Us Party!
Hey, I’m Nikki! Cat lover, introvert who loves parties, metalhead, queer af and exclamation mark over-user!!!
My photography style is candid, fun, timeless and authentic to who you two are! Candid photography is about catching genuine smiles, hearty laughter, a loving look and finding out how you two fit together. I have a gentle and empathetic nature which helps couples to feel comfortable around me and actually enjoy being photographed!
It’s important to me that you get gorgeous photos throughout the day but still get to enjoy your wedding day, your way!
Based in
Melbourne, Victoria
Works with couples
Melbourne & Victoria
Average spend
$3200
My queerness has been at the forefront of my business since I began my career, and it continues to drive my passion for capturing and uplifting LGBTQIA+ love! I cut my teeth in the queer clubs of Melbourne in the first years of my career, worked for Midsumma Festival as an official photographer for a few years, and the very first wedding I photographed was a lesbian wedding!
I have since gone on to capture countless beautiful queer weddings and engagements for couples who have put their trust in me, knowing they can feel comfortable around someone who wholeheartedly supports the entire LGBTQIA+ community, who understands the fight it took for us to be able to get married, and who is SO excited and sentimental seeing you two celebrate your love!!
Based in
Melbourne, Victoria
Works with couples
Melbourne & Victoria
Average spend
$3200
My queerness has been at the forefront of my business since I began my career, and it continues to drive my passion for capturing and uplifting LGBTQIA+ love! I cut my teeth in the queer clubs of Melbourne in the first years of my career, worked for Midsumma Festival as an official photographer for a few years, and the very first wedding I photographed was a lesbian wedding!
I have since gone on to capture countless beautiful queer weddings and engagements for couples who have put their trust in me, knowing they can feel comfortable around someone who wholeheartedly supports the entire LGBTQIA+ community, who understands the fight it took for us to be able to get married, and who is SO excited and sentimental seeing you two celebrate your love!!
What’s your dream wedding theme? Bucket list type’ve theme.
I’ve been so lucky to already photograph some dream weddings, so maybe something more outlandish and off kilter, like a wedding that kicks on to a nightclub with the couple and wedding party still in their wedding outfits! Or maybe a wedding at a bush doof! Or a ceremony in a mosh pit!
What’s your favourite wedding moment to capture?
Ooh that’s gotta be a tie between couples portraits and the dance floor!
During portraits I get to have full ‘control’ over direction in terms of positioning for best lighting and backdrop, creating photos that’ll be hung on the couples wall or printed in an album, or used as their new social media profile picture! I also love getting to spend time with just the couple to check in with them, and it gives them a chance to check in with each other and have some sweet and fun intimate moments while we frolic around taking photos.
Then once the formalities are done and it’s time to party, I love to be right in the middle of the dance floor laughing along with guests, capturing the vibes and those high-energy (and tipsy) shots from the dancefloor!
How do you capture the unique personalities of the people you work with?
I’m great at observing so I can usually feel out what direction and guidance would work for a couple and might not work for another. I also think that if a couple feels comfortable around me, they’re able to relax, have fun and just be themselves, which I think comes through in their photos! I also get a good idea of the couple’s dynamic, personalities and type of affection from getting to know them at our initial meeting. I’m also skilled at being sneaky with capturing moments that reflect the couple without them realising!
