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Nikki Charnstrom | AZ & TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER

@charnstromcaptures

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Playful, vivid imagery with a depth you can feel. ♡
Capturing authentic moments in AZ & beyond. ✈︎
Inquire on my website.↴

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It’s time for a fresh introduction. Hi, I’m Nikki Michelle Declair (Charnstrom is my beloved maiden last name) and I have been a photographer for EIGHT years. 📷🥹

I started my business in 2017 after I took family photos for some dear friends of mine I met in college at NAU — talk about the butterfly effect. 🦋✨

As a journalism major, I never intended to pursue photography as a career (even though it’s my minor); yet, here we are and IT IS MY PASSION.

I cannot even begin to express how blessed I am that I get to live and breathe photography every single day. 👏🏼 God certainly knew what He was doing when He placed those amazing friends in my path who spoke life over me and told me I could do it. 💛

Here’s a fun, little list of some things you should know about me:

- I LOVE Jesus. Born and raised a Christian in the church, my faith has been a part of my story for my entire life — but something new has taken root and I feel a connection to Jesus like NEVER before. 🥰

- I am an Arizona native (although, born in Iowa) and this state will forever be home. 🌵

- As a former barista in my college years, making lattes at home is one of my favorite daily rituals. ☕️

- After eight years of dating, my hubby and I finally got married last September in San Francisco — BEST DAY EVER. 🥲

- Quality time and words of affirmation are my love languages. A simple text to say “thinking about you” just makes my heart sing. 🫶🏼

- Lastly, the BEST part about my job is capturing life through the lens of beauty and truth — documenting the precious gifts that exist ALL AROUND US. 💫

If you’ve made it this far, tell me what YOU love most about photography in the comments. ⬇️ I want to know WHY you cherish photos too!

Photos captured by my gifted friend, @desertpeonyphoto 💕
Edited by yours truly, me! taken in Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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a year ago

Jason & Audrianna 💍 | 02.22.25

It was an absolute honor to capture the Kendall wedding in Yuma, Arizona earlier this year. Their day was filled with so much joy and genuine love as they said “I Do” inside the gorgeous @oldstpaulsaz. 🤍

Following their ceremony, we drove to a nearby park where we captured intimate, riverside bridals before heading to their cozy, backyard reception. ✨

Dancing, cigars, cake, and even a musical performance by the groom himself were just a few of the special touches that made Jason and Audri’s day truly theirs. 🎶

It was incredibly hard choosing which photos to include here but these are a collection of some of my favorites from that stunning February day. 🫶🏼

#arizonaweddingphotographer #weddingphotography #yumaweddingphotographer #phoenixweddingphotographer #historicweddingvenue #azbride #destinationweddingphotographers

🏷️: Arizona wedding photographer, travel wedding photographer, candid wedding photography, documentary style wedding photographer, backyard wedding taken in Yuma, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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a year ago

An early morning spent in the field on baby girl’s due date gave us these precious moments. 🌾🥹

Family maternity sessions that embrace togetherness and simplicity will forever fuel creativity. ✨ taken in Phoenix, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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6 months ago

If I could summarize this engagement session in very little words, “free-spirited laughter” is what comes to mind. ✨ Arron and Jessica were unapologetically themselves during our sunset frolic through the field.

We made jokes, waved hi to the cattle, and watched the moon rise higher into the cotton candy sky. 🩷

I already know that their wedding day will be filled with joy and the most unforgettable goofy moments. I cannot wait to capture their best day ever this December. 🥹

#azengagementphotographer #azweddingphotographer #fieldphotoshoot #engagementsessions #authenticlovemag taken in Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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14 days ago

Some of my favorite photos — black & white edition. 🤍

#azphotographer #photographer #blackandwhitephotography #weddingphotographer #arizonaphotographer taken in Phoenix, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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25 days ago

Can you believe that this is my childhood best friend and her adorable son? 🥲 Maddy and I spent years together sitting in our bedrooms listening to music, burning CDs of playlists we shared, and practicing for the sixth grade talent show.

What a beautiful gift it is to have the opportunity to see her all these years later as a mom. Photography is such an honor and the way chapters of life seem to come full circle out of the blue is a blessing. 💛

#azfamilyphotographer #motherhood #mama #photographer #familyphotoshoot taken in Phoenix, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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a month ago

The time I was both a wedding photographer AND wedding officiant for my two best friends. 🥹🤍🌸

I was on the phone with Megan when she told me they were going to plan an intimate backyard wedding with their closest family members. Of course, I told her I’d loveeee to capture their special day but then, she absolutely STUNNED me with her next words, “You know, John and I actually have discussed that we would love it if you’d be the one to marry us.”

I was totally surprised and in awe — truly humbled by this entire experience. 🥲

What an absolute beautiful morning it was to both witness and wed my best friend to the love of her life. 🥰 I’ll never forget this moment for as long as I live.

So, officiating weddings? I might just be adding that to the list of the coolest things I’ve ever done as well as my offerings for future couples. 💛😉

HUGE thank you to my husband and partner @alexdeclair for being the one behind the camera while I was officiating. He did an amazing job documenting all of the moments. 💗

Here’s to the Ferrari’s! 🎊 taken in Phoenix, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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2

a month ago

Sometimes the best family photos are the ones captured as you’re living life together, in that moment, just as you are with no major posing or direction — simply leaning into the playfulness that naturally unfolds. 💗✨🥰

Keywords: studio family session, az photography studio, candid photography, az family photographer, photo shoot, family session, studio session #azfamilyphotographer #phxphotographer #familyphotoshoot #studiophotoshoot taken in Phoenix, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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a month ago

Professional head shots that showcase your spirit and personality? I am SO there. 🤩🌸

Thank you to @_raisetheruth__ for trusting me with such special photos! I am so excited for this new endeavor of yours with @rem.counseling. 🫶🏼

#businessheadshots #azheadshotphotographer #professionalphotographer #azphotographer #scottsdalephotographer taken in Heritage Square, Phoenix by @charnstromcaptures

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2 months ago

I first met Phillip and Ari at THIS exact location a handful of years ago when we took their anniversary/baby announcement photos…now, I can’t believe we captured their ENGAGEMENTS in the same spot. 🥹🌵

Words cannot describe how much this family means to me. They have brought me into every single milestone since DAY ONE and I am reminded why I do what I do when I spend time with them. ♥️

What a beautiful thing it is to be so intricately woven into the lives of those who CHOOSE to invite me in — I am sincerely humbled by this. 🥲

Congratulations to my favs, @arianne_tavilla and @phillip.maya on finally doing the dang the thing! 💍🥰🎉

#engagementphotoshoot #mustang #classiccars #azengagementphotographer #azweddingphotographer taken in Phoenix, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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3 months ago

SURPRISE FRIENDS! For the third year in a row, I am offering Pay-What-You-Can Mini Sessions this August! 💛

Despite the busyness of life these past few months, I felt the Lord whisper, “I will give you the strength to do MY work,” and when God speaks, it is always best to follow His instruction. 🙌🏼

I am so excited to see who accepts this gift, in its purest and holiest form, as I follow the call Jesus has placed on my life as a creative. ✨

Interested in booking a PWYC mini session? All of the info you’ll need is contained within the slides above. Once you’re ready to secure your date, simply send me a DM or email at
charnstromcaptures@gmail.com — and let’s get you all scheduled. 🫶🏼

Sincerely, thank you for spending your hard-earned money (no matter your budget) and trusting me with your most special memories this summer. I am humbled to be the girl with the camera. 📸

XO,
Nikki 💛

#paywhatyoucan #minisession #azphotographer #christianphotographer #azfamilyphotographer taken in Phoenix, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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3 months ago

A birthday cake smash for the happiest boy! 🎂

I feel that these photos truly illustrate just how much fun we had capturing both family photos and celebratory one-year photos for this adorable trio. 🥹 What a joy it is to be a part of these moments!

#cakesmashphotographer #azphotographer #azfamilyphotographer #familyphotoshoot #fieldphotoshoot taken in Phoenix, Arizona by @charnstromcaptures

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3 months ago