nikki in the woods, by the bay

This was my first attempt at portraiture and I could not have asked for a better model. Nikki is a good sport, to say the least. She is the kind of person who unabashedly laughs and smiles as you make her pose in front of a bunch of awkward teenagers playing a very.serious.game of capture the flag, who continues to follow you "just a little bit farther, I promise" into the scary critter-infested woods, and who happily jumps around in the freezing cold ocean while tourists and crab fisherman gawk. 

She also happens to be a gorgeous girl, a fiercely talented dancer, and all-around sweetheart. Oh yes, and I am lucky enough to call her my sister (in-law). Hey Nikki, thanks for trusting me to take your portrait :)