Nicki is a Los Angeles–based photographer who has spent the past thirteen years documenting families, brands, and all the glimmers in between. Known for her soulful, story-driven work, she brings a deep sense of connection and presence to every frame—especially when she's shooting on film.

In 2021, Nicki was diagnosed with leukemia—a traumatic and life-altering experience that changed everything, including the way she approaches her work. During her cancer treatment, she made herself a quiet promise: if she ever returned to photography, she'd slow down, shoot on film, and pour her heart into honoring the everyday beauty that surrounds us. That promise is now her guiding light.

Here's a little glimpse of what Nicki is going to share with us:

In the Wake of What Matters: How Illness and Stillness Led Me to the Heart of My Work

This intimate and heartfelt talk is a reflection on how a cancer diagnosis radically transformed my relationship to photography—and to life. What began as a season of fear and loss became a gateway to presence, clarity, and truth. Through the stillness that illness demanded, I rediscovered film—not just as a medium, but as a way of seeing. Slowing down became sacred. Letting go became a form of trust. And each frame became a place to pour my soul. This is a story of grief and growth, surrender and awakening—an invitation and a grant of permission that you too can find deeper meaning in your work without needing a wake-up call. My hope is that this session leaves attendees both cracked open and grounded, inspired to create from a place of intention, intuition, and truth.