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!!!!!!

Michele and Mark

So, this is my BFF.  We have known each other since 3rd grade.   We have been through a lot together in our lives and like she has been there for me (we won't ever mention the time I got my hair done for my wedding and didn't actually invite her to the wedding) , I have always been there for her.  We have laughed, cried, danced, worked together, vacationed and so many other things that there are too many to mention.  I love her like a sister.  She got married last year and decided for her first anniversary to come finally and photograph their love.  I love Mark.  He is perfect for her.  He loves her children like they are his own and that in my book says everything.  Can I also say how hawt she is.  :)

 

January is Burlesque Month!!

And just in time for Valentine's Day I am celebrating sexy!  What is sexy, you say?  Well let me tell you friends, sexy is what you make of it.  Sexy is a smile, a look, an almost kiss, a whisp of hair, a tattoo a fully clothed curvaceous woman owning her beauty.  Sexy is so many things to so many people.  Sexy is owning who you are.

January is just the month to offer Burlesque and this year one of my favorite two shoots I have done is some sexy Burlesque couples.  What an awesome way to showcase your love for one another!  What an exciting present for your husband or wife or boyfriend or girlfriend where you are actually asked to love on each other show each other your love while taking away awesome photographs to remember it by!  I will be offering some weekends in January as well as a few day shoots during the week.  When these weekends are offered, hair and makeup is included which is awesome.  I am also offering payment plans!  There is no excuse!

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 :)

Taylor {Piper High School}

Meet Miss Taylor!  She is a 2012 Senior Model and she rocked her session out!  Taylor wanted a little bit of country mixed with some city, so we did just that.  I love a session when we head to the country and the evening turns into the most perfect sunset with the most perfect light.  Taylor got exactly that.  Isn't she lovely?!

Kelsey {St. Thomas Aquinas}

Up today on the blog is Kelsey!  She is from St. Thomas Aquinas and was such a delight to photograph.  She is a 2012 Senior Model and I couldn't be happier for her to represent Nicole Renee!  We stomped around the west bottoms and she is a beauty.  Be sure if you see her to ask her for a rep card because there are some special discounts she has to pass along!!!