Niki was amazing and made me feel so comfortable and beautiful during my photo shoot! :) She really took the time to make sure we got a bunch of different poses/angles to ensure there was enough variety in each outfit. She was so friendly and invitingI I would highly recommend her for any photo shoot needs. read more

I was both excited and really nervous to do a boudoir photo shoot. Niki made the process so easy! She made me feel comfortable and beautiful. She walked me through different poses that made my photos come out gorgeous! I really enjoyed the process and love how it made me see myself differently. I would highly recommend working with Niki! read more

Niki was AWESOME!!! I went to a Bridal expo with my friends in the beginning of this year; and my friend said I should definitely give this a try and later in the year, I finally spoke with Niki and finally did my photoshoot. I was a little nervous first because I have never done this kind of photoshoot before - but she made it seem so easy and comfortable for me to be me! Towards the end of my session I opened up more and more comfortable with everything I personally would recommend her if anyone wanted to give this a try. She is a wonderful person and Diana the make up artist was awesome too. She knew exactly what she needed to make me look beautiful for the shoot. read more

I had been looking into doing this for a long time. I reached out to Her story images and got a response immediately. When we talked on the phone, I knew I wanted to book. Niki felt like talking to a friend that I haven't seen in awhile, but you pick up like you seen each other yesterday. I have been struggling with my self image for years, and it hit me harder this year, after the birth of my 3rd kid. I was having a hard time recognizing myself. On the day of the shoot, I arrived and immediately felt comfortable. Diana did an amazing job with my hair and makeup. Then when we started the shoot, Niki was amazing, showing every pose and talking me through if I forgot the next pose. She really is the best hype woman from beginning to the end. I felt comfortable the entire time. When I went back to see the photos, I was completely blown away. I couldn't believe that was me. She was so patient (I also brought my 9 month old and Niki was so sweet and extra patient as baby was trying to grab everything) and helpful when it came to picking out which photos I wanted, and if I could have I would have got them all. I left feeling this new found confidence that I have never felt before. It was such an amazing experience that left me seeing myself differently. If you're hesitant about doing it, don't be. You will not regret it. You might be mad you didn't do it sooner. read more

The initial consultation with Niki was incredible, it already felt like we were friends and I knew we'd get along great on the day of - very important when someone is photographing you! When I arrived there was a sign on the door with my name on it which was the sweetest touch, it really made me feel like I was important and accepted. Getting ready was a breeze, Diana Anaya did a beautiful job with my hair and makeup while I sipped on some tea and we all got to know each other - she's now one of my preferred vendors (I'm a wedding coordinator)! Once the time came for photos, Niki Stefanelli took time to explain and demonstrate each pose before having me attempt them - her advice to stretch beforehand came in handy. DON'T SKIP IT. A boudoir shoot is a workout. She also went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable with each pose, she even tried a few shots I'd requested! I went way past what I thought my comfort level would be and took a few photos in the nude, and I didn't feel awkward or nervous one bit! Niki was so reassuring and a TOTAL hype woman. I loved that the shoot was in her home, it had a very warm and comforting feel which overall added to the experience. Her editing of the photos was a big selling point for me - there was (I'm assuming) some light and color correcting, but she makes sure you look like you - no extensive model-style photoshopping! You get to see yourself as you are - beautiful, stunning, gorgeous! I'll definitely get more pics done in the future, it was the best experience! read more

My boudoir session with Her Story Images was empowering, fun, relaxing, and celebratory all in one! I highly recommend working with Niki. She puts a lot of time and care into the session to make sure that you walk away loving your photos and feeling like you told the story you wanted to tell. Diana also does an incredible job with hair/makeup and nailed the bold look I was going for. After a year of COVID, it felt amazing to feel pampered and get dressed up! Niki does a great job of suggesting poses and ideas that showcase your uniqueness and personality, and she's very centered on embodying strength and empowerment. You'll feel very comfortable and at ease working with her! I see a lot of photographers over-editing boudoir photos to the point where I can't even tell who the person is, but Niki does an amazing job of showing you as YOU, in the best way possible. Her photos are elegant, strong, and tell the story you need to tell. This was a celebratory photoshoot after a number of tough transitions and loss in my life, and a kickoff to a new start. I think every woman deserves this opportunity. Don't hesitate to reach out to Niki! read more

Her Story Images - Two of my favorite photos - Boudoir Photography Near Me

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Niki deserves more than 5 stars!! I found her at a bridal show I went to, with my sister in law, and from the moment I met her she was amazing! I wanted to surprise my husband with a boudoir shoot for his birthday. Scheduling was easy and her communication throughout the whole process was easy, quick, professional, and informative. If you don't have a lot of lingerie, no worries she has a whole closet of different sizes and picks you out a few to try on and looks at them on you before the shoot to let you know if it will photograph well. The photo shoot is done in her beautiful home in the Oakland hills and the scenery is gorgeous. Another thing I was nervous about was the posing! I've never done anything like this, but Niki walked me through every pose positioned me and even got down on the ground to give me examples of what the pose looked like! During the photo shoot she made me comfortable and encouraged me the whole time. After the shoot you schedule back for your viewing appointment to see all photos taken and order! I took forever and she was patient and kind going back and forth between photos to help me decide which I liked best. When the finished product was delivered it was more beautiful than ever. Even the packaging was sleek. I highly recommend Her Story Images and Niki. I can't wait to do this again, it was an amazing FUN experience with gorgeous results. If you are the least bit nervous but always wanted to have that confidence book with Niki and you will be blown away!!! read more

Niki is 100% a badass professional whom I trusted wholeheartedly throughout this entire process. But she is more than just a super talented photographer - she is such a genuine human being. After being able to talk with Niki and get to know her a bit more while getting ready and even beforehand during our first call, it was super apparent that I was working with someone who was not just passionate about her work, but also passionate about her clients. And Niki directing the actual shoot was just brilliant - never had I felt that at ease in front of a camera! Even prior to getting changed and starting the shoot, it was so great to hear Niki's ideas and thought process for how and what she wanted to do with each outfit. With this having been my first time at any kind of photo shoot (I'm excluding my early teen visits to take mall studio pics with friends lol), Niki's direction and ability to show and talk me through poses and expressions really made me feel like I was in good hands. Despite having felt nervous and anxious initially about the whole thing, I ended up loving the experience and had a lot of fun! I cannot recommend Niki (and HAMU by Diana!) enough! read more

Niki is INCREDIBLE! I was both excited and nervous to arrive at my first boudoir shoot and I was immediately made to feel comfortable by Niki. The shoot itself was so fun - she provides great direction and makes you feel like a super model. For that alone, I'd recommend her services to everyone. I never like pictures of myself - but I was hopeful these would be better, so when it came time to return to Niki's for the photo review session, I was feeling similar feelings to what I felt right before the photoshoot. I was Blown Away when Niki started the slideshow she had put together of my images. I couldn't believe the images were me! I left with so much confidence and a beautiful album of images to give my husband as a wedding gift. 100/10 for Niki's services! read more

Absolutely loved my photos from Niki and working with her. Lots of great communication from the start. Good tips before you shoot and resources of where to get things. Most of all I felt comfortable and at ease through the entire process that you'd think could be embarrassing and awkward. She really cares about YOU! Diana did my hair and make and was also phenomenal! I felt beautiful and highly recommend this experience and working with Niki! read more

Niki is a real professional. She made me feel very at ease before, during and after the photoshoot. She thinks of little details that make her clients feel special, like there was a little note board on her front door that said, "Welcome, Janel!" when I walked up to her house on the day of my shoot. She has a great collection of outfits you can try on if you don't have a lot of lingerie, and she knows all the best poses to make your body look amazing in the photos. They turned out great. I bought way more than I thought I would. read more

Niki is a true professional and wonderful artist. I booked a boudoir session as a gift for my fiancé on our wedding day, but the session turned out to be more of a gift to myself. During the session Niki made me feel at ease almost instantly, constantly checking in to make sure I was feeling comfortable and confident. During my ordering session I could hardly believe the girl in the pictures was me. It's so easy to get caught up in your day to day life, you forget to appreciate your own beauty as a woman. These photos rejuvenated the confidence I have In my body and myself. The final product came out beautifully. I was so impressed by the high quality materials used - my prints and album will last a lifetime! This experience is one I would recommend every woman do for themselves. I can't wait to get into the studio for a second shoot some day soon! read more

Her Story Images - Boudoir Photography Near Me

My partner gifted me a boudoir session with Niki, and I was absolutely blown away by the entire experience. Even before our shoot Niki was very helpful. She provided lots of great information about pulling together a flattering look; I even texted her pictures of shoes I was considering bringing and got excellent guidance from her. Diana did my hair and makeup and made me feel gorgeous, and Niki kept me feeling so comfortable in front of her camera. Both of them were incredibly warm and fun to chat with. I often freeze up and feel awkward during photos, but Niki was a fantastic modeling coach. And I'm so pleased with the beautiful professional prints we received! read more

If I could give a million stars instead of just 5 I would... As I sit down to write this review I have tears in my eyes. Literally. I will never be able to truly express my gratitude for Niki and Her Story Images. I have a couple of long-distance friends who have had boudoir photo shoots and it was something I started to consider doing for myself. My 35th birthday was New Years Eve of 2020. A milestone birthday for me in many ways. Not only the last day of an incredibly tough year, but a year I spent doing a tremendous amount of personal growth, particularly around being at peace with being a single woman. Being single for many years had long been a source of shame, as I longed for partnership. This was especially present approaching 35 and telling myself a story about where I "should" be at my age and stage in life. It wasn't until my work with a life-changing coach that I truly started to value myself by taking care of my body, mind, and soul. Allowing myself to grieve in my longing - in order to move through the pain and emerge in a beautiful new light of self-love. I came to a place of inner peace, and the pain and shame associated with being single was lifted from me like a magical exorcism. It seemed perfect to gift myself a boudoir shoot for my 35thbirthday - as a celebration of all that I am! So I started searching for photographers in the Bay Area. There was something special about Niki as I browsed through her gorgeous portfolio and website. I saw women of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, ages and stories. I could FEEL her love through her narrative as I read more about her... then we talked on the phone and that sealed the deal for me. I knew Niki was going to be my photographer, but I had NO idea how much love, time and energy she would put into preparing me for my experience. I don't even want to give too much away - because I think new clients should be surprised as I was on this journey. But I will say that what resonated most about Niki and her work is the theme of SELF LOVE that flows throughout everything she does. I was constantly reminded to honor my body as it is, to ask my inner critic to take a backseat, and to truly enjoy feeling amazing during this experience. Every aspect of preparation was taken into account, every question was answered, and every nervous bone in my body was calmed under her loving care. The shoot itself was a day I will never forget. Hair and makeup by Diana was exquisite and I felt like a complete goddess the entire time. From the moment I showed up at Niki's beautiful home I felt cared for, special, doted on and part of the creative process to make my photo shoot everything I had imagined and more. And that was just the shoot itself... the photos - OH MY GOD. Incredible. True works of art, in every way - Niki is an absolute master of her craft. I now have these works of art as a reminder forever of who I am, my inner goddess shining through me on my darkest days. Niki gave me a gift I will never ever let go of. Since I have had this photo shoot done I have said multiple times "EVERY woman should do this one day.." and no photographer could have been more perfect to compliment a self-love journey than Niki Stefanelli. I believe one of her many gifts is helping remind women of the true goddess within them, which is what she did for me. Niki I am forever grateful you came into my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! read more

Niki is an amazing photographer who captures your beauty. She makes you feel so comfortable in your own skin because she is so understanding, professional, funny, and just so much fun to work with! She understands how to capture the most flattering pics with natural light and direct you in different poses with ease. Niki is creative and her positive energy help capture the best soulful pictures. She is truly the best! I highly recommend her! read more

I loved working with Niki! Not only do we share the same name, but she made my experience so comfortable. Niki is an amazing photographer, very understanding, and helpful. I loved the experience and my photos! Can't wait to share them with my fiancé! read more

I had a head shot session with Brady and she was awesome. I was nervous and it was one of these hot days but Brady was professional, patient and calm. She took the time to explain to me the instructions and she showed me how a small movement of our body parts up down to the sides makes so much difference. so it was easier to follow her instructions. I am so happy to finally start using a new headshot after resisting 15 years!! read more

Niki is such a professional photographer and she really did a great job in catching my beauty as a woman. I never realized I could do a boudoir photography session and looked so good at it! It really made me feel more confident and happy of who I am as a woman. I highly recommend Niki as she's very comfortable and easy to work with, not to mention how high quality her work is! read more

I did a shoot with Niki in July 2020 for my 30th birthday. I am not someone who considers myself "sexy" - but Niki sure helped with that! She made me feel incredibly comfortable and I was so pleased with the results. I would recommend Niki to anybody looking for a fun and empowering shoot! read more

When I signed up for a session with Niki, I was really nervous! But she put me at ease right away and had lots of creative ideas on how to pose me to accentuate my assets :) and minimize the parts of my body I was more self-conscious about. She provided me with a great variety of images from which to choose my favourites. Thanks, Niki! read more

I absolutely loved working with Niki! She's so comfortable to be around and you can trust her to comfortably pose you to really show off your authentic, feminine energy. You can definitely tell she's a natural with connection and getting you to look stunning! read more

Every part of my experience with Her Story Images has been fabulous! From start to finish, Niki has been professional, easy to talk to, organized, and efficient. I was comfortable even in the moments I thought I wouldn't be. Working with Niki is like working with a super talented friend and confidant! She explains every step and offers advice, which is so helpful and considerate, especially if you've never done this before. The poses Niki taught me combined with her incredible talent made for beautiful, incredibly natural looking photographs. Her stylist, Diana, is also incredibly skilled and works wonders! She did exactly what I asked for and envisioned when it came to hair and make up. Both were so accommodating, patient, kind, and so much fun to work with! If you're looking for an opportunity to embrace and lift yourself up, to feel liberated, to do something bold and new, and you're looking to do it well...Her Story Images comes HIGHLY recommended! I'm so happy I decided to do this with Niki! The experience was well worth it! read more