Today, we’re getting to know Niki Marusich-Peel a little bit better! This is part of a series of interviews we will be having with KIKI members. If you would like to be interviewed go to our interview page and answer a few questions!
Website/ Blog: www.nikimphotography.co.za
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/nikimphoto
1. When and how did the photography bug bite you?
I was about 13 and digging in my mom’s cupboard…. and I found a Pentax! Which is way better than a pair of oversized shoes. So I asked my mom to show me how to use it, but she had no idea. So the next stop was the bookshelf for the manual, and the camera lab to get some film. I have not stopped since.
2. Your house is on fire, your family, equipment and pets are safe, but you only have time to take 2 items, what would it be?
Our wedding photos and my jewellery box.
3. If you could have a conversation with anyone about anything, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I think I would sit down with Stephen Fry and talk to him about anything and everything. His sense of humour is unrivaled and the amount of knowledge he holds is just amazing.
4. What can you talk about for hours? (apart from photography)
My dog. It’s sad, I know.
5. What makes you really angry?
Rude people. I was taught to be courteous to everyone, no matter who they are or what job they do. When I see/hear others being rude it makes me angry. That and littering…
6. You help an old lady load her groceries in her car; only to find out she is extremely wealthy. She wants to buy you something to say ‘thanks’. What would you choose?
To be honest, I would probably only choose a chocolate :) I would feel too guilty otherwise. Oh yes… and I would eat it, not give it away. I’m nice, but not that nice.
7. What subject matter do you love shooting?
I adore macro work. I used to spend hours crawling around in my dads garden, taking photos of bugs. Now that I actually have a macro lens, its like a whole different world! The shapes and colours are just too beautiful for words.
8. If you could only take one lens on every shoot (even if you don’t currently own it), which one would it be and why?
Canon 35mm f1.4 L
9. If you had all the time in the world to do one photography project, what would it be?
Night photography. I recently downloaded a really wonderful Camera Dojo podcast where Troy Paiva was interviewed. I immediately google him and found the most amazing collection of images! That changed my whole outlook on what can be achieved with a few hours and a bit of creative lighting.
10. Have you ever had one of those embarrassing moments at a shoot? Would you tell us what happened and how you survived?
I fall, regularly. But the most embarrasing was the last fall, down an embankment holding my camera, a bunch of props, and with my backpack on. After that I realised you just have to laugh these things off. Unless you are the guy who fell in the pond at the wedding. Then you should be embarrased :)
11. What music do you listen to when you have to get through long hours of admin and editing?
The household iPod is jam-packed with offbeat music. Anything that is not ‘the norm’, goes perfectly in our house (much to the dismay of my husband). On tough days, I rock the editing to Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, The Head and The Heart, Empire of the Sun, Arcade Fire, Local Natives, and a stack of other gems!
12. Which aspect of your craft are you the least and most confident in?
I am most confident in working with couples and getting their real smiles to come out. And that really helps to create a natural feel to my photos. I am least confident with off camera lighting, mostly because I have never had to use it before, and it seems pretty daunting. But I would really love to learn, especially for the first dance photos!
13. When you have to make big decisions, which do you prefer? “Flipping a coin”, “Comparing the pro’s and con’s” or “going with the flow”.
I sit down with my husband and go with the ‘pro’s vs con’s’ route. It really helps to have another person who can help you look at sides/aspects which you may never have considered before that moment.
14. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
It would have to be Croatia. My great grandparents came over from Croatia and a bunch of extended family still lives over there, so I would love to go stay with them and explore the town. I think the house that my great-grandfather grew up in is still standing, so it would be one of those really special trips.
15. Give a link to one of your recent shoots that you absolutely loved shooting? Why did you enjoy it so much?
absolutely adored shooting Rolecia and Leon’s Picnic wedding. The love between the couple and also within each family was just amazing. Every detail was well thought out and full of creativity. The day brought rain and gorgeous soft sun, both with perfect timing. It was just magical, and I would do it again 100 times!
