Why
is it Called Cricket?
My name is Laura Nikas and I am the sole photographer for
Cricket. Everyone asks me why I would call a portrait studio
Cricket. The answer pretty much sums up my attitude toward
photography: Cricket sounded to me like a fun, relaxed place that does not take itself too seriously!
The
Cricket Philosophy
Cricket
is a custom portrait studio. That means your session
is tailored to you, a unique individual, beautiful
in many ways, inside and out. Before scheduling
your session, we will meet just to chat so I can
find out what's most important to you about your
finished portraits. I take pleasure in providing exceptional personalized
attention to each client. I want my clients to be
truly happy and welcome your ideas and special requests.
I believe that the most beautiful, most fascinating,
and most wonderful person in the world is the individual
who happens to be in front of my camera at any given
moment. Because of my complete involvement in every
session, you can be confident that Cricket will
capture you at your very best.
About
Your Portrait Session
I
understand that preparing for a portrait can seem
like a lot of work! Many clients agonize over every
detail
of clothing and appearance. Cricket will assist you
in making these decisions. I can consult with you
in your home and even discuss the potential placement
of your portrait so that the colors we choose will
harmonize with your décor. I will optimize the concept,
the location, the lighting, and the composition of
your images, so that you can relax and forget all
the stresses in your life for a couple of hours.
My fun and enthusiastic approach to portraiture will
turn your session into a mini-vacation!
The
Cricket Guarantee
Cricket
absolutely guarantees that you will be thrilled with your
portraits. If you aren't thrilled,
I will do whatever it takes to make you happy, or I will
give you all your money back. No hassles and no hard
feelings either. I want you to love your portraits, or
I don't deserve your money. It's as simple as that.
Résumé in Brief
-
January
2010: Laura earns the "PHOTOGRAPHIC CRAFTSMAN"
degree from the Professional Photographers of America
(PPA). To earn this degree, photographers must produce and teach a series of educational seminars for other photographers, and they must take place outside the applicant's hometown. Laura accepted invitations to teach other professinal photographers in many Texas cities, including Austin, Lubbock, McAllen and Fort Worth.
-
January
2007: Laura earns the "MASTER OF PHOTOGRAPHY"
degree from the Professional Photographers of America
(PPA). To earn this degree, images are entered in
juried, international print competitions over
a period of several years and
must be judged to be among the best of
each year's entries
-
Laura
has been honored with San Antonio's top photography
award for five consecutive years. The Professional
Photographers Guild of San Antonio (PPGSA) chose
Laura as their "PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR"
for 2006, as well as 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
This honor is achieved by presenting consistently
exceptional work at PPGSA's monthly print competitions.
-
2002:
Laura is
awarded the "CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER" degree,
as determined by the rigorous testing and portfolio
review requirements
of the
Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
-
1986 to 1992: Staff
Photographer for the Dayton (Ohio) Daily
News, covering news, sports, fashion,
and food photography for the newspaper.
-
1986:
Ohio University, Master of Arts program: Visual Communications.
-
1983:
Brown University, BA, History and Linguistics.
