Today we’d like to introduce you to Nika Alikhanova
Hi Nika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, I’m Nika. I was born and raised in Azerbaijan but lived some of my teen years in Kazan, Tatarstan. In 2018, my husband and I moved to Houston to start a new chapter in our lives. He continued his work in the IT industry, and I began a career in Accounting. At the same time, I developed an interest in photography. After a few attempts, I decided to focus on my full-time job and set photography aside, but the passion never left me—I always knew the right time to pursue it would come.
In 2021, my daughter was born. I would occasionally pick up my camera to capture special moments with her, but photography remained more of a personal hobby. Everything changed in September 2023, when I did a photoshoot with a friend. The response to the photos was overwhelmingly positive, and my friends encouraged me, saying, “Photography is your thing. You should go after your dreams and do what truly makes you happy.”
That encouragement sparked something in me. I started small: photographing family and friends, and eventually took on clients. Over time, my confidence grew, and so did my portfolio. Today, I focus on capturing emotions and moments that tell a story through lifestyle, family, and individual photoshoots. It’s been a journey of rediscovery and pursuing what lights me up, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, there were challenges. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure what my style was or what it wasn’t. I would take on all kinds of photoshoots—birthdays, events, photographing businesses, and more—just to gain experience and figure out where I fit. Over time, as I gained more experience, I discovered my true style and passion.
I decided to step away from photographing large gatherings because I wanted to focus on connecting with individuals, understanding their stories, and making each photoshoot feel personal and meaningful. I’ve realized that what I truly love is capturing emotions and creating timeless photos that people can cherish for years to come.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a lifestyle and portrait photographer specializing in capturing emotions and creating timeless, authentic images. I work primarily with families, individuals, and couples, tailoring each session to reflect their unique stories and personalities.
My inspiration comes from many places. I’m deeply inspired by Peter Lindbergh’s photography—his ability to highlight raw emotions, vulnerability, and the beauty of simplicity resonates with me. I also draw inspiration from the artwork I see in museums and the cinematography of certain movie scenes. These influences help me focus on light, composition, and the emotions behind every frame, striving to create images that feel both natural and cinematic.
What makes me most proud is the trust my clients place in me. Seeing clients return for multiple sessions and hearing from new clients who were referred by friends or family is incredibly rewarding.
The most satisfying part of my work is delivering a finished gallery to my clients and receiving their heartfelt reactions. When they tell me how much they love the photos or how meaningful the experience was, it reminds me why I do what I do. Those moments of connection and joy are what truly set this work apart and make it so fulfilling.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When I finally found the area I wanted to focus on—lifestyle, individual, and family photography—I took some courses to gain more experience. With practice, my confidence grew, and it was during this time that I met my first mentor, who really helped me grow.
As for connecting with others in the field, social media has been a great tool. I’ve met fellow photographers through Instagram and other platforms, and some of them even became models for my photoshoots. Collaborating with other creatives has been incredibly rewarding, as I truly believe that when creative people meet, magic happens.
One piece of advice I would give is to be open to learning and always surround yourself with people who inspire you. Whether it’s through workshops, online communities, or even reaching out to people you admire, building those connections has been key to my growth as a photographer.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikaalikhan_photo/
- Other: Email: alikhan.nika@gmail.com
