A little peak at the cuteness I photographed today...

Downplay/Cincinnati Band Photography

Downplay is a up and coming band from Columbus, Ohio. They were in town for a show at the new ICF Fightclub at Longworth Hall. I was contacted by one of the club's promoters about doing a promo shoot with the band before their show on Friday. They were a super cool group of guys who were down for whatever I wanted to do. Their style fit perfectly with mine, so the shoot was more fun than work.

I was dying to see what ICF was like so I went down to check out their show later that night. This club is very cool. The perfect venue to showcase bands. They have a kick-ass stage and plenty of room to rock out. They also have a balcony surrounding the club with awesome views from every angle. I hear its a pretty happening place when they have MMA fights too.

Check out the bands here Downplay, Livid, The Host, Pulse 8, Calloused

These boots were made for walking...

Every girl has a favorite pair of shoes. I'm talking about a pair of shoes that makes her feel like she can do anything, that somehow give her immediate confidence to conquer the world as soon as she slips them on. Its five inch stilettos to some, and a pink pair of Chucks to others. Whatever they are, these are the shoes that can make dreams come true. My tall, black riding boots are these shoes to me. They are flat, stylish, and comfortable. When I put them on I suddenly feel unstoppable. The older they get, the more I adore them.

Today I asked Dave to take some pics of me for my new website. I was a little nervous because like most photographers I hate to be in front of the camera, it feels so strange. I know Dave has a good eye, so I trusted he would do his best to make me look good. I was still hesitant about going through with the shoot.

I had a mini fashion show in front of my mirror trying on dress after dress, heal after heal. I love a cute dress as much as the next girl, but its not something I can wear everyday. My dresses are saved for special occasions and vacation. I always admire the girls who can get away with a cute dress and wedges as their everyday getup. I wanted to look professional and proper. Nothing was working, I felt like I was trying to be something I'm not. (not that I am not professional, just a little more casual Friday professional)

I wanted these pictures to represent my personality. After much deliberation and frustration I put on the clothes I feel most comfortable in. My black skinny jeans, my Jimi Hendrix tee, and my ass-kicking riding boots. I looked in the mirror and I felt like me. And while I stood in front of the camera those boots gave me the confidence to work it like a super model.

This is my art therapy...

I got up today full of energy and inspiration. I don't know what I dreamed about last night, but it had me in an extra nostalgic mood. I ran a couple of errands then went off to what I call my art therapy session. I love to go out exploring in my car with nothing but my camera and my 50mm lens. No phone, no radio, no computer, I just drive around in complete silence and let my mind unload. I become a tourist in my own backyard, admiring the beauty of Cincinnati with the enthusiasm of a child.

I usually go to KY and travel all of the neighborhoods along the Ohio river. I feel safe there, I can find my way home if I get lost. Today I threw a wrench in my usual plan and changed my route to River Road in Ohio. I needed a change of scenery and I am always scouting out new locations for portrait shoots. I drove down Route 50 until I hit the state line of Ohio and Indiana.

It was a gorgeous drive and I met some new friends along the way. Today was a good day.

Cincinnati Senior Portraits

I had a beautiful day with my sister Natalie shooting her Senior Portraits. Natalie is a country girl with a big heart. She appreciates the beauty of an old rusty truck as much as a beautiful field of flowers. She has a great eye for photography so we were bouncing ideas off of each other all day. We started on a friend's farm, then cruised around Boone County, stopping whenever something caught our attention. She showed some really cool locations that I will for sure be using again. Thanks Natalie.

If you are interested in Senior portraits in the Cincinnati area please feel free to contact me at www.nikitagrossphotography.com and I will send you information about my packages.

"O great creator of being grant us one more hour to perform our art and perfect our lives."

Jim Morrison

Cincinnati Warped Tour

The warped tour hit Cincinnati this past week and I had the pleasure of taking my little sister Livvy for her birthday. When we got there it was down pouring. I could not believe what I had gotten myself into, my jeans were soaked to the knees before we even entered the gate. Livvy and I snuggled under my umbrella long enough to get our tickets and then she took off to go hang with her friends. I spent the day hanging my with my camera. I am so glad I was able to sneak it in, though from the look of things press passes were fairly simple to get, there were tons of photographers in front of most of the stages. Who needs a press pass, I love having random security guard heads in my shots, it gives them character!

My favorite band of the day was a local band called Banderas, they put on a great show. If you ever get a chance to see them go.

Please do not steal without my permission and if you do at least give me a link. Thanks