Noah the National History Bee Contender

Today I would like to introduce you to Noah. 

This past summer I had the chance to photograph him and his awesome family while on vacation at our favorite camping spot, Tablerock Lake.  Some things I learned about Noah in the short amount of time I spent photographing him:  1.  He doesn't like getting his picture taken.  2.  He is quite the jokester.  3.  (And ladies listen up)  He is a ladies man.

Let's just say he really didn't want me to photograph him and he really didn't want me to photograph him by himself.  So what happens when that goes on during a shoot?  I pull out the jokes and start talking to him and just do my thing.  Well, in the course of all this, I did my think and decided I needed to make him laugh and made the comment that I was gonna push him down the hill and we were gonna go rolling and I bet at the end he would be laughing.  The next thing that happened was one of the most hillarious but embarassing things a young man of his age has ever said to me -- "I think I would like that."   Myself along with his mom and dad, Lori and Denny laughed quite hard but the best thing is I got my sweet shot of Noah SMILING.  Good story.  :)

Here is the exciting thing about Noah I found out today:  Noah and another Piper Middle School student, Jacob Sharp are heading to Wichita today to compete in the National History Bee.  They competed against over 1000 kids in the opening test round and made the 10th percentile in their region. This covers all US and world history.  This is so awesome and such an accomplishment!  I wish them both the best of luck today!  You two have made Piper proud!!!!

Photography Idol

Having yourself critiqued among peers is a very scary thing.  But I also believe that in order to allow myself to grow as a photographer it is something that must be done.  Oh, and there may or may not have been some swanky prizes for the winner of this contest.  So I decided to enter the Photographer Idol contest with the  Chic Critique Forum The next step in deciding to do this is what image would I choose?  I have so many favorites!  So I asked for help from my oldest daughter with the very simple question, "If you have to choose an image of mine that just speaks to you, which one would you choose?"  Well it didn't take her but a second to answer me and I agree.  I fell in love with this image the minute I set it up.  I didn't need to even look in my camera to see what it spoke to me.  Wish me luck.

Carnival Mini Sessions!!

Last year I did several sessions at the Fair.  They were such a huge hit that I already have spots booked for this year's fair!  These spots will fill up fast!    The session is 30 minutes, 10 digital images with print release and a custom 11x14 "This is Life" Canvas.  You can choose from 1 of 4 custom canvases with an image of your choice.  And to get the Carnival Party started the first 10 people to book a session by Monday, July 23rd get 5 additional digital images!!  Woot woot!!  These sessions are great for Celebration Love, family, children and SENIORS!  Yes, you!!!  And 2013 Seniors, I am talking to you now, if you are thinking about doing a senior session with Nicole Renee email the studio for special pricing on this fun Carnival Session because it can be added on to a booked session!!

The Birthday Boy.

Look at that handsome and sexy man.  That is my husband.  Today is his birthday.  Birthdays are a time of celebration in the Gravatt household, as I am sure the same with all of you.  And also in the Gravatt household it always involves food.  Favorite restaurant, favorite dinner, favorite dessert.  Whatever the birthday person wishes the food will be there :)  It is also a time to reflect why I am so very grateful for those in my life. 

Happy Birthday Michael Ray.  You are the love of my life.  Today I wish you everything that birthday's are made of.  You have been and continue to be a blessing that I count every day.  And I have told you before but Eric Church says it best in his song........

I'm a long gone Waylon song on vinyl,
I'm a backrow sinner at a tent revival,
She believes in me like she believes her bible,
And loves me like Jesus does.

I'm a lead foot leaning on a supped up Chevy,
I'm a good old boy, drinking whiskey and rye on the levee,
But she carries me when my sins make me heavy,
And loves me like Jesus does.

All the crazy in my dreams,
Both my broken wings,
Every single piece of everything I am,
Yeah, she knows the man I ain't,
She forgives me when I can't,
And the devil, man, no, he don't stand a chance,
'Cause she loves me like Jesus does.

Always thought she'd give up on me one day,
Wash her hands of me, leave me staring down some runway,
Yeah, I thank God each night, and twice on Sunday,
That she loves me like Jesus does.

All the crazy in my dreams,
Both my broken wings,
Every single piece of who I am,
Yeah, she knows the man I ain't,
She forgives me when I can't,
And the devil, man, no, he don't have a prayer,
'Cause she loves me like Jesus does.

Yeah, she knows the man I ain't,
She forgives me when I can't,
That devil, man, he don't stand a chance
She loves me like Jesus does.

Creative Live with Christa Meola

Oh my gosh.  This blog post is gonna be a long one I am afraid.  But I think most of my personal posts are so hang on tight!  Last Thursday I boarded a plane set for Seattle.  Seattle, Washington is the home of CreativeLIVE and it is a worldwide creative online workshop for photographers.  I was blessed to be picked to attend one of the workshops with Christa Meola a very talented and sexy boudoir photographer that is based out of New York and LA but travels to lovely places all over the world photographing beautiful sexy women.  I was picked with five other amazing photographers who since have been dubbed by Christa "The Sexy Six Pack".  I will dive into those five beautiful people in a bit.

This was my first experience to attend an actual workshop.  I have watched CreativeLIVE many times, but to actually be there was a completely different experience all together.   I am just going to get out of the way right now that I.DO.NOT.FEEL.COMFORTABLE.IN.FRONT.OF.ANY.CAMERA.  Live cameras or still.  It is a personal hangup for my own reasons and something I have to work on myself, which Christa so made me do right quick ;)  but is going to be a growing process with me.  I am ALMOST 40 years old and it is sad to say that it has taken me this long to finally address some things with my personal self that I just haven't ever done.  I have been a mom for 21 years and for 21 years that has been a huge part of my self presence.  Why is this important right now in my life or pertain to what I do as a profession?  There is a huge reason; I want to make women and moms who feel just like me feel and look beautiful in front of my camera.  I need to be in touch with my own beauty so I can help them feel beautiful.  Do I do that now?  I think if you asked my clients who I have shot did they feel beautiful, and their answer is yes.  I see beauty.  I can point out things about a person that I feel are beautiful but sometimes it is hard to convey in a photograph what the most proper way of moving a person to show what that beauty is when you yourself, don't see that in yourself.  (Can I say now I apologize if there are run-on sentences -- I am a photographer, not an English major ;p )  My three days with Christa and her outward sensuality taught me so.many.things.  I will say this first, Christa may not feel this way about herself all the time, but this is why she is a teacher -- she knows how to teach this and to lead by example regarding this subject.  Being there, with Christa, watching her with models, real women, us -- Christa is a SENSUAL GODDESS.  She has this presence about her and her femininity.  I have never been around someone who exuded such a sensuality about her of which I could watch and take away from by just honing in on little things she does.  Is she a normal person, absolutely!!  She is a chick you sit down with and laugh with be serious with but she is also that person that knows exactly where she is in her profession and area of her profession.

The morning of the first day I woke up at 5:30 for an 8:00 a.m. on-set call time.  Aside from the two hour time change, I was so completely excited, nervous, giddy and SCARED TO DEATH.  I walked through the door and I can't even begin to explain how welcoming the CreativeLIVE crew is.  First impressions are everything right, and the first person to welcome me was Celeste and she was sooo sooo super sweet and awesome and gorgeous.  You have this picture in your mind of how everything is in your head but it was so not what I expected.  I can't tell you how much I adore that whole crew.  I am sure they make everyone feel that way because it is who they are, but I felt the love for what they do.  I have to mention Teth and Kellan because they were always up in our space attaching microphones, changing batteries and yelling ;) at us for muting our mics and forgetting we had.  God Bless Kenna and LaRae.  They are the hosts whose pretty mugs light up the screen and field everyone's questions out there in the internet world.  They were so supportive of us all and  I heart them.   There are so many  people behind the scenes that I didn't get everyone's names but I have a special fondness for Craig, and he knows why ;)  I was in Seattle because of his voice and I am so so appreciative of him.   I can't mention CL without mentioning John Cornicello.  He was the dearest, sweetest man who you just wanted to hug.  He knows his stuff.  I hope to one day be able to visit and work with the CreativeLIVE family again.

Ohhhhhhhh did I mention I am awkward in front of the camera.  Doing this on-air no do-overs thing only exaggerated my awkwardness.  I have a deep respect for anyone who does this regularly.  Every time I felt like I was on camera my face got all flushed, I stuttered and felt like I needed to take off the 25 layers I didn't have on.  I should have had a case of deodorant shipped to me.  I think back now and I am not sure I will be able to watch any of the footage because I might drop to the floor getting an extremely good laugh at myself.  I know my children did.  I won't go into detail on experiencing the feeling of failing because what I am going to focus on is what I learned from what happened my first time shooting on camera and I should have just listened to my teacher, Christa, but rather listened to the ringing in my ears that I couldn't get past for fear of doing just what I did which was not be myself.  Contrary to internet belief, I am not an amateur and whether someone thinks I hold my camera the proper way is like telling someone they don't poop the right way.  Really?  I am a creative person and the way I hold a camera was not why I was there learning from Christa.  I was there to learn how to direct to get sensuality out of someone and learn from the best, among other things.  I was there to improve my weaknesses.  Ahhhhh, what can I say about the world wide web.  Until you have walked in the students shoes please have a little more respect for them.  I guess I was naive coming in thinking there wasn't going to be critiques of my work.  I also didn't expect the messages and emails I got of people supporting me.   You who did, I thank you, thank you, thank you.    I am posting some images at the end of this of my second go around and I freaking love them.  Do I wish I had more of her body in them yes, but I LOVE THEM.

I wasn't the only student there feeling the same things as I was.  There were five other people who had never met who will now forever be my friends.  I am a big believer in people coming into your life for reasons and times.  I am blessed to have been placed with these five.  We are THE SEXY SIX PACK.  B.  I will start with B. because he was the first student I saw when walking into the door.  Oh what a teddy bear.  He is sweet, kind, talented and a gentleman.  What you saw on camera was maybe 5% of who he is.   He voiced his weaknesses but he is not a weak man at all.  He is a six hour trip away :)  Carlo.  Carlo, Carlo, Carlo.  The Britalian.  I could just sit and listen to him all day long.  He is just absolutely awesome and giving.  He was so willing to listen to all of us discuss our businesses and offer advice and just listen.  He is Italian adorableness.  He is so passionate about what he does.  And he has an awesome other half who I feel like I know, his wife, Faby.  Jen.  I didn't realize when I met her but she is Jen, the photographer who stood up to high school bullying and refused to take some mean girls pictures who were being ugly to another individual.  That is who she is.  I am gonna say she is a force to be reckoned with along with being adorable and beautiful on the inside as well as out.  She is a girl of one-liners.  She made me laugh A LOT.  She walked with me to Starbucks to get a white moccasin.  Brandy.  Brandy was beautiful.  She was a calming presence in our group and as B said, she is just full of grace.  Michelle.  Michelle was my Nikon buddy who I got to connect with on a non-Canon level.  ;)  Michelle was so supportive.  So supportive.  She was the first person I looked at when my first shoot didn't go well and she just hugged me with her eyes.  When I got to her she did hug me and tried her darndest to build me back up.  She was beautifully awesome.  I can't wait until we all get together again. 

There are so many different things I took away from my time in Seattle with Christa.  Um, can you say edit backwards?  LOL!  I can't thank her enough for this opportunity that was given to me.  I was so honored to have stood beside her learning and absorbing all things Christa.  Did I say she can rock some heels?  She made me face things about myself that I hadn't ever voiced.  I could say thank you a million different ways but I will be sure to show her what I have learned and have taken away from my three days with her. 

So I guess the final thing to say in the CreativeLIVE lingo is 3,2,1 IT'S A WRAP!!  I can't wait for everyone to see where Nicole Renee is headed!!

 

 MICHELLE!!!!

 CARLO!!!!!

 BRANDY!!!!!

 CHRISTA AND CRAIG!!!!

 B!!!!!!!!

 LaRAE!!!!

 JEN!!!!!!

Bring on 2012

Well it is my annual yearly recap that I have come to share with all of you.

2011.  I can't ever say that a year was a bad year.  I mean, to say that 365 days of a year were all bad, is a strong statement for anyone.  Now, what I can say was there were certain days that 2011 could just have back.  Certain days that you wished you had just slept through.  Certain days you just want to punch it out of the calendar.  Yes, there were a few in my 2011.

 2011 brought blessings, happiness, joy and even tears.   It was a year of a loss in my life that just took the wind out of my positive sails.  A year that I asked God "why?" even though I knew in my heart that it wasn't God's fault or intention or doing.  I also know that believing in my faith and holding on to it helped me push through that time.

2011 was a year that brought me closer to my dad.  I mean, it has been 21 years since I have lived with him.  To have him move in with me for a month, I'm not gonna lie, was a scary thought.  We have a routine, our quirks as a family, our way of doing things.  To bring someone in your house and have them be a part of it day in and day out was a little like agreeing to do wife swap.  What if he thought I was a horrible cook and my family just said so occasionally but he was the one to actually think I sucked and was poisoning my family.  What if my ability to tune out all the chaos was his non ability to and drive him to the nut house.  What if me being used to just going to the bathroom with the door open lead to some horrible awkward moment when your dad sees you wiping at 39 years old.  Well, for the month he was here it was actually really great.  My kids had a grandparent here every day when they woke up.  Ellie bean, who is our little bundle of making you feel special with excitement every time she sees you made my dad feel special every single day.

2011 was a year that I set some goals and failed miserably in even attempting them.  I'm gonna act like I didn't set them.  :)

One missed goal was an epic fail on my blogging abilities.  I never made time to cultivate and grow this part of my business.  No excuses, I just didn't do it.  But being true to myself, I'm not going to beat myself up over it, I'm not going to give my lack of being present in this part of my business any more thought.  I will move forward.  Period.  End of non blogging story.  With that being said, IT'S 2012 people!!

2012.  Wow.  It just doesn't seem like it is even possible since I still remember thinking Prince's song 1999 was so far off I was going to be an old lady when I was gonna party like it was 1999.  Well I should be crumbling to ash now, since we are 13 years past the reference of 1999 in that historical song of our lives.  And yes, I say historical.  Don't act like it wasn't.  With that being said, I welcome 2012.  This is the year -- I am going to say it -- THIS IS THE YEAR I TURN 40.  Yes, I know you are all like, say what?!  2012 is going to be an awesome life changing year.  I said it.  You all have to hold me accountable because come 2013 and it wasn't I am going to blame you, not me.  Just kidding.  I am going to kick 40s ass.  Really.  This is the year I am going to change things on the outside.  I made a commitment a long time ago to change things on the inside and I truly work on this every single day.   I want to make these changes on the outside though because I want to keep up with my children.  I want to be present in their lives when Haley says she is going for a run and I can join and keep up.  I want to be able when Kylie wants to play keep away with a soccer ball and I can actually give her a run for her money.  I want to be able to keep up with my two little ones.  Big goal, I know.  But it is one I intend to work very hard on.

I wish you all a 2012 full of things that you want it to be.  You are all in charge of your own 2012, what will you make of it?  Whatever you do I wish you many blessings along the way and I wish you the ability to stay present in your 2012.  Make it full of confetti and glitter and happiness.  I am.

Keith Urban

My name is Nikki and I am a Keith Urban fan.

If you know anything about me either knowing me personally, through my posts on facebook or twitter or reading my bio on my website, one might think I am a little crazy for Keith Urban.  People I am not crazy. I truly just enjoy good music.  I am a huge lover of music and if you are too, I am sure there is that one person that just mesh's with you and everything they put out just can turn a frown upside down.  That is the very reason why I heart his music.  We mesh well together.  He would tell you the same.

 I have never missed a show that he has played in Kansas City, at least I better not have.  He had me at the very first concert oh so many years ago at the Beaumont Club.  He had me when I walked down to front row at Sandstone and he sang to me no, he really did :) barefoot on his little carpet.  I haven't missed a show that he has played in Kansas City and then have sprinkled in a few shows here and there around the good ole US of A.  See, it is not so bad I am depriving my four children and hubby.  It is, what has been the past few years, an indulgence that I treat my sister to for her birthday.  No, it doesn't matter when her birthday is, if his tour is coming WE ARE GOING no matter what the month.  I have her hooked.  After the first few shows where I didn't care who went I just had to go, turned into I had to share my love with somebody and get them hooked on the Keith Urban drug as was I.  Let's not also mention the fact I have attempted and failed 18 times with Backstage Experiences.  (gasp)  God help me if I win one to Australia  or Canada.  I might have some splaining to do to  Mr. Gravatt.  lol.


Friday night was no exception, except that this time I actually convinced my friend Ali to join us so she could also experience what I wish everyone would experience with me and we took my 9 year old niece, Emma.  Just what is this "experience" that I speak of?  Well, let me tell you...........

It is happiness.  It is melodic beauty coming into your ears.  It is rock and roll.  It is country.  It is confetti in the air.  It is passion.  It is a living thing that gets in your soul and stays there floating.  It is a euphoric high that you don't come off of for days.  It is a feeling you want to follow him to the next city because you know it is in driving distance.  It is magical.

Yes, I was standing at the front of the stage, but I have stood in all areas of arenas to watch him and it is the same experience every time.  He draws you in from the first second and you can't help but explode with wanting to let loose and just be uninhibited at a concert.  He is heartfelt, he is welcoming, he shows his love.  I mean, first off, who stands there and tells everyone that security isn't going to be bothering anybody because this is his fans night to have a good time.  He wants you to stand on chairs and be as obnoxious as you want.  Those are his words!  Also, who takes ten minutes out of a concert to read fan's posters they have made and then bring someone on stage who at the very least thought they were going to be making a sign to show their love and then in a whirlwind has that adorableness hugging you on stage?!  This tour is all about his fans.  His stage is a ramp.  A ramp......don't think I didn't want to go all 80's rock on him and rush the stage and tackle him.  But the two concerts this year I have been to it hasn't happened.  He walks well actually he kind of is a fast jaunt through the crowd to another stage to get closer to the fans who aren't in front.  He is mauled, clawed and practically molested but he still does it.  He goes not once, but twice!  The second time he goes usually further out on the side or the back of the arena and stands on a chair sings and then gives his guitar to someone!  His guitar.  Now It truly is something you have to be a part of.

Can I give his band some love?  Every single one of them had a small solo and I heart them too.  They can sing their asses off.  We got a little bit of U2, Tom Petty and frickin ACDC!  And then a little Paul McCartney was also thrown in there.  Do I have you wanting some yet? LOL!

Oh, Keith Urban.  Your music makes me happy.  Your music makes me more productive when I am editing 750 pictures from a senior session.  Your concerts make me dance.  Your concerts leave my voice gone the next day.  Your concerts make me smile reminiscing with my 16 year old daughter of all the moments he smiled at us or we sang to each other.  I sang You're Gonna Fly with him and he smiled and nodded his head at me.  Ahhhhhhh.  Or let's reminisce when he patted his heart and opened his arms up to my 9 year old niece.    She cried.  She hasn't stopped talking yet about it.  Your concerts make me want to write a 1000 word essay on my love of Keith Urban and his "experience".

So until next time Mr. Urban, I say to you, these are the days I will remember.........  


Oh and I can't leave without sharing my love, love, love of this new video.  


http://youtu.be/7dtfBxUTXRY




Or a couple pics from the concert :)

Being Happy for Others and Birthday Lasagna

So I have been working really hard lately on getting everything just so for the new website, blog, product guide, specials and just plain awesome stuff that my life seems to be flying by. But I promise that once it is all over and done, Nicole Renee Fotographie will be everything I always wanted my business to be and more. More? Yes, more. You see I had goals. I set them and even though I haven't met every single one YET, I still work on them. It is a constant process and let me tell you there wouldn't be one goal met without my determination and the support from my husband and a few family and friends who have helped push me and want more.

Why am I talking about this? Well, the other day I got a message on facebook. It was from a young photographer who had a couple questions and so I asked her when she would be free and I could call her. We ended up chatting for quite awhile and I answered any questions she had and I could tell she was quite excited just to be talking to someone else who had the same passion as her. Later that evening I had a ding on my phone and looked and someone posted on my facebook wall. I hope she doesn't mind but here is what she posted "Dear Nicole - I can't thank you enough for all the advice you just gave me over the phone! You put so much more confidence in me than I ever thought I could have. I have so much respect for you as a photographer. I look forward to going to some of your shoots with you and learning even more! Xoxo" I find it unsettling that it probably crossed her mind that she was writing to someone who may not give her the time of day. I help people as much as I can. I am always willing to share my knowledge with others, but I also know that there is so much for me to learn. As is with life. I mean if you already know everything where is there for your life to go but where you are. Learning is beautiful because your wings get streched and there always is room for improvement and more furry little feathers right? I mean, I am hoping that mine will eventually having diamonds or something because I like sparkle. LOL!

My point to all this is coming, I promise. Like, riiiiggggt now.

Recently there have been some things that I have seen and heard and just been around that made me go hmmmmmmmmmm. Why is it that we as human beings are so willing to accept people when they are hurting or failing and reach a hand out to them because you feel sorry for them, but it is so hard to accept the ones who are having successes, starting new ventures and soaring in their life? I don't quite understand this concept. I try to be the person when someone is starting something new to offer my help. I try to be the person when someone is down to give encouragement. I don't really think it is a hard concept. But it seems lately with it being so easy to access other people's lives through all the social networks, my little bubble that I used to live in has expanded quite a bit and opened my eyes to such negativity in this world. People are mean. People are so willing to try to knock others down just because they are so afraid of someone else becoming more successful in their eyes. Why not just be happy and encouraging of others in this human race. Why not try to lift others up because I promise when you do there is going to be someone right there lifting you too. Just a little thought. And I don't mean to let others walk all over you who constantly try to. But this is about encouragement. Making people a priority who only treat you as an option will be a discussion for another day. LOL!

So in closing I just want to say to encourage, lift, and be happy for others. I promise you will be a happier and more fulfilled person.

And I couldn't blog without a picture.......my handsome hubby on his birthday with candles in his lasagna. We're cool like that.

And I don't want to end this without a little love to my studio mates, Josh and Jenny Solar from Solar Photoraphers. I learned about their super duper new business venture on the plane to Las Vegas when they hadn't told the world yet. I can't tell you enough how awesome I think this movement they are bringing to this crazy world is. I encourage you to take a look and show them some love........

www.thehappyfamilymovement.com

Happy Birthday My Love

Dear Michael ~

Today, as we are in our life, in our marriage, in our existence together, I thought would be a good day to write you a thank you love note.  I mean, it is your birthday and I thought I would celebrate it by celebrating you.  

I celebrate and thank you ........

......... for being the father you are.  

......... for being my friend.

......... for all the roses you buy just because.

......... for allowing my wings to fly this year in my business.

......... for compromising even when you don't want to.

......... for washing the dishes without a word being said.

......... for going to work every single day because you want the best for us.

......... for building my firepit 30 minutes after suggesting we have one.

......... for talking to me not at me.

......... for loving God like you do.

......... for being as onery as you are even when it makes me crazy.

......... for loving me for all my me.

......... for always letting me know your love for me.

......... for your joy of other children besides ours.

I love you and I hope your birthday is filled with many blessings.

Happy New Year 2011!!!!!

Well It has been awhile since I have blogged.  But I really do have good reason this time.  2010 has been one heck of a year.  I am not sure if any of you read my New Year's resolutions but if you have been waiting a year now to see how I did (I know you have been checking on me day and night since January 1- LOL!) but drumroll please........ I am happy to say I am 6/12s a better person!  I am sure you are like What?  What is that exclamation point for.  That girl is craaazy.  She only made half her goals.  Well I am here to tell you that 12 goals are really hard!  I mean, in reality to think that only one month to become a gourmet chef was going to fly and then start working on another goal was JUST RIDICULOUS!!  But I am proud of the goals I did accomplish.  I set 12 goals and at least worked on half of them!  That is a win to me! I am closer to Michael.  Maybe not because we made it on so many dates, but because I listened more and the times we did make time for ourselves we made sure it was about us.  That's all I'll say about that.  I am 15 pounds lighter.  Woo hoo!  I won't discuss the muscle mass I lost once winter came but am slowly working on it ;)  I learned how to play Farkle, joined a Bunco group, play Apples to Apples and am pretty mean on the Wii.  I am often also a student in Bella and Ellie's Gravatt Elementary School.  And Sometimes I have to even be the principal.  Ellie always has to be the student yadi yada yada!  I attended a couple basketball games with my older girls (that's play to me ;)  And this year, in honor of my studio mates, The Solars, we are going to have some fun fests.  What is fun fest you say?  Well, it is just awesome fun with your kids.  Take a gander if you would like to, but I warn you, I cried.  Solar Family Fun Fest
I also took a big step on the business side........which can I say incorporated March goals and organization goals ;)

For those of you who don't know, I am co-studio mates with 4 other fabulous photographers.  The are awesome people and this has truly been a life changing decision.  I can't say enough about each and every single one of them .  Josh, Jenny, Kelley and Ali are four photographers who are friends, mentors, rockstars of photography, and I am blessed to have had them walk in my life when they did.  Each came in at different times, but I am a better person for it.

Since the start of the my joining the studio, all I can say is wow!  I hung on tight and enjoyed the ride.  I empoyed a Studio Manager/Assistant, Jacob Tarwater, who I can't say enough about and what he has brought to Nicole Renee.  Thank you.

2011 is going to be a great year at Nicole Renee.  I already am in the throws of a special promotion Burlesque that is quite the hit and in February am heading the Vegas with thousands of other photographers for WPPI.  It is going to be a blast.  All of us at The Studio are going with the exception of Kelley, because she is working on bringing a little baby dino into the world.  :)  Soon I will be working on a new website and fun stuff like that.  It is maddening to think of all that needs to be done!!

I hope that 2011 brings to everyone what they want out of it.  Set some goals.  They can't be reached if you don't set them!  Dream a little.  Play a little.  Laugh a lot!  I know I am going to!

Peace and Blessings!

Nikki