Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Vara.
Hi Nikki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Armando:
I first leaned into photography about nine years ago as a creative outlet, capturing family moments and milestones. The turning point came when our friends asked us to photograph their short-term rental property, something we had never considered before.
Once we brushed up on the techniques needed for that shoot, the response was so positive that more short-term rental projects started coming our way. From there, it naturally evolved into interior design and architectural work. That experience became the catalyst for us to actively seek out new projects, build relationships, and earn client referrals. In conjunction, I was also able to seek out and receive mentorship opportunities by assisting prominent Texas based interior photographers. This allowed me to learn, assist, and understand the world from other professionals, for which I am so grateful for.
Over time, those opportunities helped us diversify our portfolio and establish a strong footprint in San Antonio’s design and architecture community.
Nikki:
I come from an extremely creative and artistic family, my parents and sister all have degrees in fine arts, have taught art, and continue to work as artists in their own fields. Creative expression was something I absorbed from a very young age.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Texas State University in 2014 and went on to intern and work for several independent firms and showrooms in San Antonio. While my design career was evolving, our photography business was also growing in parallel.
When we welcomed our daughter, I made the decision to fully commit to our photography business, stepping into a creative director role. This allowed me to experience the best of both worlds, staying immersed in the world of design, which I’m deeply passionate about, while viewing it through a different lens and experiencing all of the wonderful and chaotic moments of new parenthood alongside Armando.
My role as creative director enables me to pursue business development ventures, build client relationships, plan our shoots with detail and I look forward to see what we would like to achieve next and how to support our design community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges in developing a niche in architectural and interior design photography in San Antonio was that most established design firms, whether independent or corporate, already had their preferred photographers.
Early on, it was difficult to find projects where clients would give us a chance to demonstrate our skills. The architecture and design community in Texas is incredibly close-knit, many professionals have known each other since design school or have worked together at various firms. For a while, those strong existing relationships felt like a barrier. However, we broke in one project at a time, and each project led to a new referral. Now, that same close-knit network has become a community we’re grateful to be part of and are still organically building within. Relationships mean everything to us, and that’s something we never take for granted.
Another challenge has been finding our rhythm and consistency while still attracting new clients. For a long time, we had a ‘say yes to everything’ mentality, which led to overbooking in some months and slower periods in others. In the design industry, there are so many moving parts and inevitable delays that directly impact when we’re brought in to photograph a project. We’re just now finding a good balance, aiming for a comfortable number of projects each month while allowing other work to fall into lighter periods. We wouldn’t say we’ve perfected it, but we’re always learning, adjusting, and growing.
We’ve been impressed with ARMANDO VARA PHOTOGRAPHY, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Armando Vara Photography is a husband-and-wife team based in San Antonio specializing in interior and architectural photography. With over six years of experience, we focus on capturing the unique character, artistry, and intention behind inspiring spaces.
What sets us apart is our personal approach, being born and raised in San Antonio, we deeply understand the culture and community we serve. We don’t just take pictures; we collaborate closely with architects, designers, and creatives to tell the story of their work through compelling, thoughtful imagery that highlights the project, and ultimately to create the best marketing tools for their business or brand.
We’re most proud of our ability to bring a fresh perspective to every project while maintaining authenticity and respect for the vision of each space. Our images aren’t just photographs; they’re visual narratives that help our clients connect with their audiences and elevate their brands.
We want readers to know that our services go beyond just capturing beautiful images. We aim to be trusted partners in showcasing the heart of every project, from residential homes to commercial and hospitality spaces. Whether it’s through fine-tuned lighting, composition, or attention to detail, our goal is always to create compelling imagery that leaves a lasting impression and truly represents the client and the story they are aiming to tell though the project.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people might not know about us is that before we heavily invested in our own photography gear, we rented a lot of it based on the needs of each shoot. Photography equipment can be quite expensive, so this was a practical way to work.
When we purchased our home, I started a passion project to transform a dingy, outdated hallway walk-in closet into a beautiful linen and utility closet inspired by Nancy Meyers’ taste. I’m proud to say I achieved it, creating the kind of gorgeous, organized space Nancy herself would admire.
The irony is that as we gradually acquired more and more of our own camera gear, it completely took over that closet. Now, instead of linens and towels, it’s all filled with cameras, lenses, and photography equipment. I’ve tried to make the gear look pretty, but honestly, there’s just no way! Despite trying to organize a copious amount of gear, each project has allowed us to invest into our business and it’s a blessing to have the tools we need, even if they’ve taken over my dream closet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.armandovara.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandovaraphoto
- Facebook: tik tok | @armandovaraphoto
- Email: nikki@armandovara.com | armando@armandovara.com
