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Saturday, September 11, 2010

learning to dance in the rain...

all kinds of happenings for NLP. tons-o-updates to come, but until then, here's a little peek at what I did today. in the pouring rain. with an umbrella down the back of my coat.


thank you, Lord, for RAIN (in allll forms, y'all.). and little girls willing to play in it.


Thursday, August 26, 2010

a collage montage...

...because uploading one picture that displays many is my kinda post! I knew there was no way under the sun (or the moon, which I've been seeing farrr to much of lately) that I would be able to create separate posts of each recent session, so, this should bring y'all back up to speed....

We'll start with one of my youngest daughter. For no other reason that I want to show her off. Because I can. :) She's a child of many emotions. If you can't tell.

Next in line: love birds. These two are so in love... soo...innn...looovveee.... can't wait to shoot their wedding!


The S Brothers: such sweet boys. That's an easy statement, but it's so true. Boys will be boys, but these two are stellar examples of future good guys. Love them.

NLP's Boy of Summer: Soooo much fun. Seeing so much passion in this guy was incredible. Go down swinging, M!!!

Meet Miss B: I think the words on the collage speak for themselves. B-E-A-U-tiful!

Sweet Baby K: Is he cute or what?! He wasn't impressed with the camera, but I got to squeeze and snuggle him, so really, who cares about the pictures?! (kidding. kinda.) ;)

This next series of photos were from my Mini Sessions. 8 families in 1 day. It was fabulous. I'm doing another in the fall- stay tuned for details!

A few recent family sessions (big love to you ALL!):

G, O and Uncle S. Love how close they are with each other!
THIS.FAMILY.ROCKS.MY.SOCKS. Seriously. They are a blast!

Love these four. Very special family to me. :)
My previous post speaks of my love for these two. I.Heart.Them.
This beautiful couple will be celebrating an Anniversary soon! :)

Beautiful family. Inside and Out! So enjoyed my time with them.

So there ya have it, folks!
I've said before that I'll try and be better about Blogging.
I tried. I stink. I'm sorry.
Facebook just seems to be the go-to spot. The network of all networks. The juiciest of the juice. And, quite frankly, a lot easier to upload, organize and display photos. Do me a solid: check it out, get a better look at recent sessions and become a Fan! Click HERE!

And then have yourself a jazzy day!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Capes and Revelations

October marks the One Year Anniversary for NicoleLee Photography. Pretty crazy, right?

An entire YEAR ago, I began praying for an open door. I began praying for the Lord to reveal to me an opportunity that would allow me to serve Him, serve others, provide an outlet for my creative energy, while providing supplemental income for the fam, AND allow me to still be home with my babies. Yes, I am a woman of tall orders (just ask my husband), but He is a God of Mighty Promise.

Within the past year, I have jumped so far out of my comfort zone that my head is still spinning in wonder. I'm a dreamer. Always have been. Whether my eyes are open or closed, I'm a dreamer. So, to sit here, in this spot, and reflect on how the Lord has made one of my dreams come true is, for lack of better terminology, pretty stinkin' cool.

While the blessings are bountiful and the excitement is ripe, I still catch myself reaching for the Lord asking, "Are You sure?!" Lord, are You sure this is where I am supposed to be? Are You sure this is what You want from me? Are You sure that late night editing sessions coupled with four early morning risers is all apart of Your plan? For me?! Almost as if I've forgotten that this is what I asked of Him. Tall orders and a constant need for reiteration on the original order. I know what you're thinking...

Amidst 13 sessions in need of edits, 4 more in the horizon (and by horizon, I mean week), and the balancing act of stay-at-home-mom-that-still-works-from-home, I literally threw my hands in the air in exhaustion, screaming "THIS IS NOT WHAT I HAD IN MIND!", pleading for answers or a reminder or inspiration. And as I said above, He is a God of Mighty Promise...

Nearly five years ago, I had the privilege to pray for the sweet little boy below (I would have just said four, but N is quick to correct that he is almost five....in April...), as he was born with Spina Bifida. When his Mommy called me a few weeks ago about scheduling pictures, I was elated at the opportunity to finally meet him. I was also nervous at the opportunity to photograph him. I realize how that may sound, please do not misunderstand. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and in order to clearly explain myself, I must be transparent. I was nervous about his wheel chair. I was nervous about how my vision of him would be portrayed through my photographs. While I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that this little boy was going to be spectacular, I did not want my nervousness to hinder my work. Know this: my chief desire in photographing people is to capture who they are and what they have. We all have something. A gift from the Lord, inside of us, that shines. And when it shines, it shines bright. Also know this: I am my worst enemy. My worst critic. So, of course I would sell myself and my character short in thinking I would not be able to decide how to 'incorporate' his wheel chair. Again, the transparency thing.... just bear with me.

Last Saturday, I was introduced to this perfect, precious little dude. The words on the photograph speak volumes to the way I felt the moment I laid eyes on him. Meet N:



We had fabulous conversations about his good pals Woody and Jesse from Toy story, I met his cat, he taught me more about the President and presidents past in ten minutes than I learned from my American Government teacher in an entire year of school, and he stole every ounce of my heart sitting on his living room floor. After seeing his smile, all that mattered to me was having the chance to expose everything he has, and what he has shines bright, baby.

Aside from ingenuity and spunk, N has a little sister. Meet Miss B:



I know. Beauty at it's best, right? I get lost in her magical eyes. They give my heart rest. That may sound strange, but the patience and love behind those lookers could calm the fiercest storm. And while she was hardly impressed with my camera, like her big brother, she stole my heart.

This next series of photographs did me in. It was at the very moment I clicked Save on this collage that the Lord answered, "Yes. I am sure."



As you can see, the wheel chair didn't matter. It fits so insanely perfect in these pictures and in N's life. It's a part of what he has; what makes him shine. It's a part of the patience and love behind precious B's beautiful eyes. And it's the reason that after a year of trial and error and soul searching, I can humbly call myself a photographer. It wasn't until I was able to see past my insecurities, my wheelchair, that I was able to fully understand why the Lord answered my prayer using photography.

To me, perfect lighting and snazzy Nikons are just extras in photography. To me, we can shoot anywhere. To me, an image that reflects God's perfect creation; an image that shines, is photography. To me, photography has nothing to do with skill or talent, but everything to do with Him.

I may not know where NicoleLee Photography will be a year from now, but I do know that the girl behind the camera stands on the Promise of God. And with His help, she will continue to photograph His Creation in His Image and for His Purpose.

F Family, there are no words to express what our short time together has done for my heart. N has something inside of him that each person in this world needs. At the age of four, he has a greater understanding of what matters than most forty-year-olds. You taught him that. His determination coupled with his smile is a force to be reckoned with. He will move mountains! Miss B is bound to change lives with her love and patience. It's hard to believe that at a year old, a child can express such mature emotion. You taught her that. She is beautiful! Your children reflect your brightest attributes. No capes needed. F Family, you are my super hero's.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

When the light turns green, you go. When the light turns red, you stop. But what do you do when the light turns blue with orange and lavender spots?!*

I....can't....get...caught...up....

So. Check out the Facebook Page. All the new (and even some not-so-new!) and fabulous updates are posted there. Let's face it, folks, I'm just never going to be a pro at this Blogging business. Perhaps I could hire someone? Haaaa! Debbie Gibson ain't the only one dreamin'.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Monroe-MI/NicoleLee-Photography/168644141713

*Shel Silverstein (A Light In The Attic)

Friday, July 2, 2010

R & K Engagement Preview

these are, hands-down, my favorite engagements shots, ever. ever! I had such a great time capturing the love between these two. they are so sweet with each other and their love is effortless. it was a honor and a blessing for me. plus, there's few things sweeter than doing what you love with sand between your toes! congrats R & K!! soooo happy for the two of you!




Thursday, July 1, 2010

Oh darling, we wish you were here...*

precious little girl + adorable Mom & dad + cutest baby bump = crazy good photos.

This family was so sweet and so easy going. We had so much fun and my camera lOvEd them! Baby K will join the crew in a few short weeks and I CAN'T WAIT to photograph him. Hopefully he'll cooperate as well as his Big Sissy! Big love A, B, K & Ooma!!! xo

isn't she GoRgEoUs?!?


I think this is my favorite sequence... sooo sweet. :)

*Owl City, Vanilla Twilight

beautiful B babies...

new location, new family, lots of new cuteness.... these two are so precious! they weren't really into sitting still, nor at all amused by the camera. little did they know my camera was hooked on them and their adorable faces. lucky for them (AND me!), they'll have a new baby in the family in a few months! so cute, so cute, sooooo cute!!



Snips and Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails...

and fire and spunk and energy...that's what these little boys are made of!

These little dudes are handsome and cute and fun and ALL BOY. I have two more than their Momma has, and without a doubt she's got her hands just as full. I had so much fun watching them run and run and run and run and run, oh, and run. Non-stop, on-th-go, up, down, in-and-out, go, go, GO! Not to mention, it was like 100 degrees, mid-afternoon, dead heat, solid sun. Marky Marky and the Funky Bunch ain't neva SEEN sweat comin' out their pours compared to these gents! SO.MUCH.FUN.


Since it was so insanely hot, their sweet, sweet Momma treated them to some yummy ice cream!

Monday, June 28, 2010

progress...

I'm makin' some.

It's been a rat race, people. And as my bright (and cynical!) Uncle Dave would say, "The rats are winnin'!" He has a point...

In the last month (I think that's how long it's been since I've boastfully uploaded), I've adjusted to having four children home ALL DAY, got a pool, put the house up for sale, adjusted to having four children home ALL DAY, started my summer months birthday party extravaganza, started the summer months graduation party fest, adjusted to having four children home ALL DAY, took some pictures, met some families, and adjusted to having four children home ALLLLLL DAAYYYYY.

But, without packing lunches and doing homework and racing out of bed in the morning to prepare the lovelies for school, I've also been able to work on my tan, catch up on some reading and enjoy a bit more time playing!

i.heart.summer.

I also heart people and pictures.... Enjoy!

(and maybe next month I'll catch up on the sessions from last month?) (maybe.) (I have four children at home ALLL DAYYY, remember?!)

baby E

Ok, so I could be partial, 'cause this precious little piece of pie is my cousin, BUT is she not the sweetest little thing you ever did see?!?! I am in love with her lips and she has the most beautiful eyes, and toes, and fingers... oh, I just love her!!! And she was soooo peaceful and content for our shoot. According to Momma, she's always good. :) God's work at it's finest, folks...