NEW BLOG!

I have moved! You can find me here: www.nicoleleephotography.com

See you soon!

"All good poetry is forged slowly and patiently, LINK by LINK, with sweat and blood and tears."

You're right, Mr. Alfred Douglas.

I cannot believe my last photo update was in April. Clearly, I have been busy. With cousins, brothers, spring sessions, engagements, a band, a senior, my china nugget and her rockstar 'rents, a big brother, outdoor weddings, baby bumps, family after family, more baby bumps, sweet little girls, sassy little shorties, more engagements, indoor weddings, beach babes, this family and that family, oh, and this one, too, another engagement, another family, this bride and groom, and this one, too.

I made public print on two occasions; interestingly enough from members of the same family. If you know them, you can join me in stating that it's not at all interesting, but more expected. 'Cause they're just cool like that.

First occasion was this shot:

From this article in the Toledo Blade.

Second occasion was this shot:

From this photo contest in the Adoptive Families Magazine.

Pretty groovy, I think.

I've got another baby bump, another senior and a Summer Mini filled with some fab kiddos on the calendar for this week.

Oh, and I can't forget about that other full-time gig I've got goin' on:

Add in end-of-the-year school festivities and graduations for the above gig, a fabulous event the Big Man allowed my dear friend and I to head up, a 30th Birthday Suprise for Yours Truly, planning a baby shower for the bff and a large group of my favorite 3 and 4-year-olds with bats and there's 2 months of NLP in a nutshell, folks. Legitimate excuse for poor blogging skills? Indeed.

End of Summer and Fall Schedule

I kinda feel like I'm ten again and false starting on the PowerPad. Rev'd up and ready to race and jumping the gun. I can hear two gun shots and my brother yelling at me to calm down while cheap-shotting me in the knee.

But let's face it, folks. June done went. And August is football. And football means Fall. and.fall.is.crazy.busy. It books fast. As a matter of fact, I already have 5 sessions booked in October and 3 slots pre-booked for Fall Mini's. Thought I was kidding?

So, here it is.

August Availability
Tuesday the 9th,16th and 30th: 10am/6pm   *9TH AT 6P  NOW BOOKED!*
Saturday the 27th 10am/1pm/6pm *NOW BOOKED!*

September Availability
Saturday the 3rd and 24th: 10am/2pm/5pm *3RD 10AM AND 2PM BOOKED* *24TH 10AM AND 2PM BOOKED*
Tuesday the 13th, 20th and 27th: 10am/5pm *13TH BOOKED!*
FALL MINI'S Saturday the 17th! *BOOKED*

October Availability
Saturday the 1st: 10am *BOOKED!*
              the 8th: 5pm *BOOKED!*
              the 15th: 10am *BOOKED!*
              the 22nd: 5pm *BOOKED!*
Tuesdays the 4th, 11th and 18th: 10am/2pm/5pm *ALL BOOKED*

November Availability
Tuesday the 1st, 8th and 15th: 10am/1pm/4pm *1ST BOOKED*
Saturday the 5th 10am/1pm/4pm *12th BOOKED* *5th 1pm BOOKED*
CHRISTMAS CARD SPECIAL Saturday the 19th!

I also have a couple last minute openings the week of the July 18th, for anyone looking to still get summer pictures! As always, email me with questions! Just a reminder, a 25%, non-refundable, retainer fee is required to book your session.

2012 SENIORS: Look for NLP's Senior Special on Facebook. Coming soon!

And with that, I'll leave you with this:

It looks fabulous outside my office window. Relax in the grass, y'all.

baby Levi

it's pretty groovy that Blogger is down with holdin' your place in line while you're off gallivanting. I may have been quiet lately, but there's juice in the works. and juice is fun. there's a number of sessions to catch up on, but we all know how good I'm not at that, so check the Facebook Page if your curious, George.

meet Levi. he's presh. (and was just as precious in Mommy's belly. see for yourself, here.) and he's a thinker.

and his Mommy and Daddy waited a verrry long time for him. like, years, long. and then he waited until two weeks after his due date. and THEN he waited through two days of labor before showing up. but, as you can see, he was quite worth the wait.

Levi has an older sister. older sister wasn't quite sure of NLP. well, more of what NLP was doing with that black thing in baby brother's face. she was quite protective. and was no fan of the Nikon, even when it was in her face. she'd stare me down and as soon as the camera resumed position for a picture of her, she'd look away. I was able to get one, though. but she's totally giving me the stank eye.



I love dogs like Miss Sadie. I also love these dogs:

I have a thing for wrinkly baby backs, too.

I spent quite a bit of time with Mr. Man (it was fabulous baby fix-ness.). Mommy and I tried really hard to get him in a deep sleep, but sweetness wouldn't have any part of it. he WAS tired...

but more interested in the action. he finally gave up after about two hours.

buuuuuut, as soon as I tried to pose him...

Mommy later reported that he finally gave up after I left and slept for hours. I must admit, being able to see those peepers was pretty fabulous. besides, you can't pose perfect! and he is.

beautiful Madeline

I had sooo much fun with this session! What a 16th birthday present, ey?! A little back story...I met Madeline when she was about 3 years old. Long curly blond hair and those beautiful eyes... she is the cousin of a dear and old friend of mine. (Of whom I recently reconnected with thanks to the ol' Nikon! Check out her lil' studs!) I felt quite at home with her and her (awesome!) Mom. Isn't that fun how nearly 13 years later you can still feel connected to someone?! Madeline, you rock my socks, girl! You are as sweet as you are beautiful. I so enjoyed out time together! Happy Sweet 16, pretty girl! xo

HERE is the rest of Madeline's Session!

S Family

This gorgeous bunch is what I like to call repeat offenders. I've had the pleasure of photographing them three times! (Well four if you count Miss Jaden's dance studio!)  My first time meeting them was at my Summer Mini Session last year and then they joined me again for my Fall Mini Session! As you can see, baby girl sure has grown! She is now turning ONE! Happy Birthday Miss Morgan! It was so fun having them all together and capturing the entire fam. Did Mom to a stellar job on the outfits, or what?! Big love, S Family! Looking forward to watching you big eyed beauties grow!

HERE are more from their session preview!



the skinny. the long-winded, over-amplified skinny.

I totally plan on doing some blogging today (do you  know that I have a Blog To Do List? I do. And there's like 15 items on it. Lord have mercy.). Because I do have multiple sessions AND a wedding that I have got to show you! But, first, a heads up... I was going through my calender and beckoning spring lining up all of the events and promo's (yes, events and promos! woot!), and I realized that I have very few openings this year due to my heavy wedding load! It would be ideal to import a calender here for you to see, but I'm not that cool.

I should probably add that I was a super (uneducated) freak last year and thought that booking 5-8 sessions a week was feasible. It is not. I have four gorgeous kids that I completely neglected to "professionally" photograph. (I know, right?!) I have a husband that deserves a wife. And a house that shouldn't ever be the train wreck that it is was. ;) I have a fabulous church that I love being involved in. You'll find me there Sunday mornings. I'm also there, teaching preschool choir, Sunday evenings. I'm heading up an Outreach in May that I have a passion for, and the Lord reminded me that I was making poor choices when it came to time management (you know, like when I was blaming Him for my dark circles and intense coffee addiction?). Therefore, I am now only shooting on Wednesdays and Saturdays (maybe a couple Friday evenings, if I'm feeling spunky).

I have two weddings a month from May until October (with the exception of September, which there is only 1). Which means that I only have two other Saturdays a month for sessions! Here is how it's lookin' for availability for the next few months:

March: Wednesdays and the 19th
April: Wednesdays and the 2nd, 16th and 23rd
May: Wednesday the 18th and Wednesday the 25th
June: Wednesday the 15th and 22nd and Saturday the 18th
July: Wednesday the 6th and Saturday the 9th
August: Wednesdays and Saturday the 6th

Without sounding cliche? Book early. (I'm also not cool enough (or have the time) to figure out how to do that cute lil' mark above the 'e'. g'head and offer up your free tutorial. I'd dig it.) Anyway... I cannot be as lenient this year and squeeze people in. I have to stick to my guns or I'm gonna have to check myself into the psych ward. You think I'm kidding?! Understand, I am crazy, in love with my camera. I'd sew it to my hip and never get sick of it. I am head over heels for the people I've met this far and uber pumped for the people I still will meet. The rush is resilient. The Lord told me August of 2009 that this would work, but I gotta do it His way! So, there ya have it, folks. My next few months in a nutshell. Well, add in a few stinky diapers and missing sippee cups stinking up the ol' Mercury and we're all set.

(Oh, and for my fabulous previous clients? Yes, there has been a price increase for my sessions. After much consideration and evaluating my first full year, adjustments just HAD to be made. But, I do plan on incorporating many ways for you to chisle some dough off the fees. (pay attention to my Facebook Fan Page. I will do most of my contests there!) And I have a referal program! I love y'all and sooo appreciate your business, so I promise to be fair!)

THANK YOU for your support and encouragement, and for trusting me with your families precious memories!! Here's to another awesome, crazy, busy, GLORIFIED season!




*this is my precious baby #4. I took these last week. LAST WEEK. it had been almost a year... ya feel me?!



spring savings

     Regular Session @ DISCOUNTED Price! Perfect for spring FAMILY or EASTER photos! Featuring LIVE BUNNIES and other SuPeR cUtE props, AND includes special Easter KEEPSAKE! Limited openings! $50 deposit required to book. Email nicoleleephotography@yahoo.com for your spot today!

COMPLETELY BOOKED as of 2/15! (if you'd like to be on the waiting list, please email me!)

iheartfaces weekly photo challenge "hearts"

This is my first time entering the iheartfaces photo challenge, but being that I had a few great "heart" images, I couldn't NOT enter! I had a hard time choosing between four of my favorite, so I left it up to my fans to decide! And here is the People's Choice entry....

....and I am quite happy with their choice! These two sisters hold a very special place in MY heart. The irony in the challenge, the image and the meaning behind it AND my love for these two is beautiful really! You can view their entire Sassafrass Sister Session here. Aren't they lovely?! Big, huge, sassy love to my girls and many thanks to my fans for their help!!

If you have an apple and I have an apple...

So, I'm in the market for a (preferably local) vendor that would be interested in exchanging merchandise for photographs of said merchandise, with the option of marketing/advertising designs. I do all of my own ads with my own photos. If you like what you see, and think your favorite vendor would, too, AND you would like to see NLP pair up with some of your favorite hair bows or tutu's, etc., I would love for you to be the middle (wo)man!

I have a million ideas running through my noggin about PROMOS for the months to come. Some of these ideas would be fabulously incorporated into another business specializing in making our children look even cuter! I'd love to spill the beans, but I'd hate for my brain to be sold...well...given away! (annnnd, anticipation is fun.)

Here's what I suggest: email everyone you know that has one, or knows someone that has one, of these types of businesses and tell them how freakin' awesome NLP is forward this information and this information to those you think would be down to barter. ;)

Here's what I will give you if YOU bring two worlds together: a free mini session jam-packed with your favorite items from your favorite vendor to choose from!

In the words of my superly handsome and brilliant seven-year-old, "Easy cheesy!"

And because I could not possibly create a post without a photograph; here ya go:

{Proverbs 27:17}

think sweetheart. think snapshot.

Click HERE to view the options!

"How did it get so late so soon?!...

...Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?!” -Dr.Seuss

Dude was really on to somethin'.

On one foot, it seems as though August through December lasted all of maybe five minutes, and on the other, as though it lasted five years. If I could recap those months, they would look something like this:

You think I'm kiddin'? 

Ok, ok. I know. That's not me. (I looked worse than that.) But, one day out of those months for sure looked like this:

Yep. Sideways.

I lost mucho sleep, but I gained mucho knowledge (and wrinkles and grey hairs).  And met a ton of cool people in the process. And took a lot of cool photographs that I'm pretty stinkin' proud of. So, all in all, mucho cool.

You're welcome to check out the real deal of my crazy, wild ride here. I devoted the little updating time I had to Facebook. But, alongside some other things, I'm thinkin' that's gonna change a bit this year. (I'll fill ya in on more of that later.) 

That being said, this is what the next few months will look like:

And a little bit of this:

And, for January, a bit of this:



I'm uber excited about what this year has in store. The Lord blessed my brains out in twenty-ten. I NEVER dreamed I would have experienced 96 sessions in a year. NINETY SIX! (with 33 in one month! that was just crazy fabulous!) AND my first wedding (check it)!

NLP is going to be even better this year, peeps. Fresh ideas, more funk and just as much fun.

Get excited.

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.

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!

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.