Photography Queen Vicki Baker shares some ‘hidden gems’ she carries to make sure she’s always business and photo ready.
Vicki Baker, local legend and photography queen, has been serving us smiles and beautiful photography for years here in Naples, Florida. If there is an event, you can bet your bottom dollar this vibrant and talented woman will be there to capture the moment and steal your heart.
She’s become synonymous with good food and great conversation through her new endeavor, Naples Hidden Gems, where she travels to different eateries and shares her insight and interviews with her loyal followers.
It’s no wonder she carries a few go-to items with her at all times, to keep her primed and ready at a moment’s notice. Join us for this delicious and exciting interview with Vicki as she shares her “hidden gems” with us.
LUXYMOM®: Congratulations on your new endeavor! We are so happy to have you with us. To begin, what is Naples Hidden Gems, and why did you start it?
Vicki: Naples Hidden Gems was started back in March as a way for me to raise awareness for the local restaurants during COVID – to lift the “hidden gems” right in our own backyard. I am a firm believer in community first, and I wanted to support our local eateries on a large platform where we could all celebrate great food and promote locals for local. The idea has since grown into a full-blown LLC and we have almost 7,000 followers on Facebook, so the movement has been tremendous. I also have the privilege of being a guest host on the podcast 239 Uncensored.
LUXYMOM®: You have always been quite the local legend when it comes to photography, and now that you are working more towards food photography and interviewing people with your business, what are some things you always have with you?
Vicki: I always have a mini tripod, portable light, and notepad with pen in my bag. This is great for bloggers and photographers that need to take a great shot or conduct an interview at a moment’s notice. The tripod adds stability, the light gives you a polished edge, and the video has dimension. This is also helpful for the beauties who love to take selfies.
LUXYMOM®: Speaking of selfies, do you have a little gem of information to take a better selfie?
Vicki: I always tell people to go outside and find a shaded area. Never point into the sun, and never hold the phone below your chin.
LUXYMOM®: What is your favorite MUST have item?
Vicki: I always have lipstick. Lipstick completes your look, and you don’t need a full face of makeup to rock a great lip. Just throw on your favorite shade and you are ready to go. My go to is Lolita 2 by Kat Von D. It is creamy and stays in place so it a wonderful go-to.
LUXYMOM®: What is something unexpected that you carry in your bag?
Vicki: I always have a mini sewing kit in my bag. You never know when a button will pop, or an adjustment needs to be made. It is great to always be prepared and having one of these little gems on you allows you to fix a situation in a pinch.
LUXYMOM®: What kind of bag do you carry?
Vicki: I carry my little Coach cross body bag. I need to be hands free to work and this little bag is my go-to. It is big enough to carry my tools of the trade, but versatile and small enough it doesn’t get in my way. I can put my mini sewing kit, SD cards, and extra batteries in it with no issue. Once I am done working, I go out to my car and put my little bag away and simply put my keys in my pocket. I travel light.
LUXYMOM®: Since the arrival of COVID, have you changed up any of your staples?
Vicki: Oh my, yes! Since I am always in and out of different restaurants, I have a collection of masks I carry on me. In my bag right now, I have my New England Patriots mask and my reindeer mask with lights. It is fun to be festive!
LUXYMOM®: If you could tell our readers one little gem, what would it be?
Vicki: Community is about taking care of each other. A restaurant is not just four walls – it is about the people, the story, and the work that goes into it. I hope to keep growing Naples Hidden Gems and help small businesses – because when you give back, you get back so much more.
Stay tuned, there are big things coming, LUXYMOMs®!