Last year, Nikki reached out to me at a pivotal moment in her life—she was on the tail end of her journey with breast cancer and wanted to document this transformative experience through portraits. The whirlwind of her treatment had made it feel almost unreal, and she expressed a deep need for tangible evidence of her existence and humanity. More than anything, Nikki wanted to see herself from a different perspective and immortalize her story. Her desire to reflect on her journey was both poignant and inspiring.
We first met at her home in Kommetjie, where we drank sparkling water on her balcony while watching surfers catch slippery waves just a stone’s throw away. As is my practice, I took time to get to know her before picking up my camera. Like most challenges, her journey was not entirely linear. After her diagnosis, she underwent a mastectomy, extensive chemotherapy, and breast reconstructive surgery. The months of recovery were challenging, but today, she’s back to climbing rock faces.
Despite the pain she has endured, she embodies strength and resolve, determined to live her life on her own terms. Nikki is not only a survivor but also a doctor, climber, surfer, mother, yachtswoman, creative writer, traveler, and adventurer.
It quickly became clear that we needed to capture Nikki in nature, specifically in two of her beloved worlds: water and rock. After discussing several location options, we settled on the Cederberg—a place close to her heart and a backdrop where she has spent countless hours rock climbing.
This was my first visit to the Cederberg, and I was blown away by its surreal, Salvador Dali-like orange-red rock formations. But more than the scenery, I was moved by Nikki’s incredible spirit, strength, vulnerability, and bravery. During our shoot, her hair was just beginning to grow back, and while her “chemo curls” were fading, the scars remained. I aimed to capture the essence of her soul and the resilience that she embodies.
As I reflect on our time together, I am reminded of the healing power of storytelling through photography and the importance of feeling seen. Photography transcends mere visuals; it captures the emotions and experiences that define our lives. It allows us to confront our journeys and document our growth, offering a tangible representation of our life. In this intimate portrait process, we can reclaim our narratives. We celebrated Nikki’s journey, creating a space for her to acknowledge her triumphs and transformations.
I’m truly honored that Nikki trusted me to create this series and admire Nikki’s bravery for allowing me to share these images; I hope they inspire other women facing similar battles to see that there is always hope.
