Art & Soul - Blog

New Blog: http://artandsoulportraits.com/blog/

2011-04-17T12:02:00.004-04:00

I've updated my website address, and blog address too. To find them both, go to:

www.ArtandSoulPortraits.com/Blog

www.ArtandSoulPortraits.com

Thank you!

New Site...Same Blog...

2010-03-31T14:24:00.000-04:00

I've never been a good blogger! I take photographs - but the written word is not my thing ;)

So, I've got the same blog... but a new website. Check it out at nicolecottom.com

New Art & Soul Website...Holt Senior Photographer

2009-10-03T10:56:00.007-04:00

Art & Soul Photography is moving! Well, my site is moving - - and changing. I'm in the middle of building a new site and though it's under construction you can take a peek ;)
Art & Soul Photography (ArtandSoulOldTown.com)
All of the important information is there...but I'm still working on images and final touches.
Once the site is done, I'll have a new blog too - and I'll post more information about that when the time comes.

This is Dustin - Holt 2010 Senior.

Sprinkles...

2009-08-31T23:59:00.003-04:00

Isn't she a doll face! I love her sprinkle of freckles across the bridge of her nose, and her little glasses. She just lost her second front tooth too, which is adorable in itself.
This family was referred to me by Heather, another client of mine. Thank you, Heather (you've got a $50 reward to cash in)! You may remember her cuties from a while back. Two beauties, aren't they :)

Changes...

2009-08-19T00:11:00.007-04:00

I know I've been bad about posting to my blog. I cringe every time I start a new post...it's always the same - - "long time"...

We've had a lot of changes in our lives over the last 6 months, so I do have some good excuses.

I promised this mom I'd post a few pictures of her gorgeous children. Then I've got to get to bed because I have some more surgery tomorrow, and Thursday. For those of you who passed out over my last set of images let me warn you...they're coming. It's my personal quest now, to warn you about skin cancer. I'll drone on about that later.

Here are a few pics!

Celebrate Childhood - Fall Special...

2009-07-24T12:01:00.003-04:00

What an angel, right? She was a busy bee! Little M. did some flower UNplanting and boy did she like the dirt :) It was so cute. She drew an audience posing on the suitcase outside the studio, and she definitely loved being the center of attention. I will be shooting the wedding of M's mommy and daddy which is coming right up. I'm really looking forward to it!

Fall Fun Sessions...

Hurry to book for this special, as it runs for 10 days only, and will become full.
Lets find a wonderful outdoor location you love, and have some fun! These Fall Fun Sessions must occur between September 9th and 19th and can include up to 3 children (2 additional children may be added at $25 each for a total of 5, no adults please). We'll run, play, enjoy the great outdoors and celebrate childhood!

DETAILS:
Save $196
Up to three children (add up to two more for $25 each)
Clothing changes encouraged
Package includes:
Free - Outdoor location session
16x20 mounted wall portrait - 1
11x14 mounted portrait - 2
8x10 mounted gift portrait - 2
5x7 gift portrait - 4
Wallets - 8

Package Price - $500
(1/2 due upon booking, remainder due upon ordering).

Call 517.372.3700 to book your session, or send an email through the CONTACT page of the website.

See you soon!

Newborn...

2009-07-11T16:21:00.002-04:00

Well, this little guy poo'd and pee'd on each and every one of us, but that's what happens when you strip the diaper off a newborn - I mean, what should we expect? ;)
Heather, this is just a peek at a few. Wondering if your super-husband got your pond done yet?

Babies...

2009-03-19T10:37:00.008-04:00

Ugh, I haven't posted images in forever (as my sister loves pointing out to me on a regular basis - thanks, sis).

I just adore kids. Aren't these little creatures so beautiful :)

Thank you...

2009-03-18T23:18:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Amanda, Kirsten, Rick, Elise and Shelley for booking a Spring Incentive session!
We are extending the current offer until Sunday for those who were thinking about it but missed it.
Just drop us a note through the website or leave a message at the studio.

;)

A Spring incentive...

2009-03-03T18:03:00.004-05:00

Thoughts of Spring inspire us to refresh and renew! Out with the old...including pictures!
Wouldn't you love to adorn your walls with big, gorgeous gallery wrapped canvases of your child(ren), and fun, spontaneous family portraits you absolutely love?

Here is a gentle nudge you just can't ignore and it's only for the next 5 people who call the studio. If you do not speak directly with someone, you must leave a message requesting this special and we will return your call.

Call and prepay $1000 which includes your session, and you'll receive $1300 towards your portrait order. This session includes both indoor and outdoor portraits, unlimited locations in the Old Town area, unlimited clothing changes, and up to 5 people (so you can have family and individual portraits done at the same time).

Your portrait session must take place before June 1st 2009.

Hurry, hurry :) We may even use your portraits in our 2009 advertising and displays!

Skin Cancer is something we all need to worry about...

2009-03-02T11:23:00.014-05:00

Though I have enjoyed the cold weather, this winter wore on me in other ways...mostly health-wise. Recently I had surgery to remove more skin cancer from my face. I cannot type it loud enough...PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN AT ALL TIMES! *please*

I know a golden tan looks good and makes us feel good, but really...at what price? Is it worth it to have your face hacked? Have you ever really stopped to think about it, seriously?

My doctors don't know how I got skin cancer. They can't tell if it's from when I was little and I got burned or from weekends of exposure during beach volleyball tournaments in high school. They don't know if it was from when I tanned in college. In fact, they don't really care. I simply have had too much dangerous exposure to the sun. The crazy thing is, I consider myself having had average sun exposure in my lifetime.

My point is, you cannot pick and choose "safe" sun exposure It does not exist. You cannot say, "oh I will just sit in the sun for one hour, or 30 minutes". That is like saying, "Oh I'll just expose myself to a little bit of carbon monoxide, or I'll just smoke ultra-light cigarettes. Exposure in any amount is bad for your health.

What you can do is protect yourself to the best of your ability, every time you are out in the sun.
This means you must apply 30+ SPF sunblock every hour, and try to avoid prolonged exposure between 10am and 2pm. Wear hats to protect your face and ears. Use moisturizers that contain spf protection.
Skin cancer strikes all skin types and colors. You are wrong if you think otherwise.

Here are some pictures from a few of my surgeries over the past 9 months.
The first picture is an example of how small this skin cancer looks on the surface...something you may not take seriously, or not notice at all. You'll see though, it was more than just a little spot they scraped away or chemically treated. This was basal cell carcinoma. The most common and simple form of skin cancer...and it has destroyed areas of my face.

Below is the prep work done before surgery, including dozens of needle pokes, and scraping the surface where they "think" the damaged area starts.

Below is after the doctor successfully completes a MOHS procedure, to make sure all the skin cancer is removed.

This is what I looked like after leaving the hospital, once my plastic surgeon closed the area.
In the O.R. it isn't just happy gas and a few quick stitches...
This is general anesthesia and intubation each time. So not only do I feel pain here, I'm sick from anesthesia and the drug they used to yank me from my deep sleep. Oh and my throat feels great after having a tube forced down it. Again my point is, it's not worth a tan.

Below is squamous cell carcinoma removed in May 08. You can see the amazing job the plastic surgeon did, in the picture above...the scar between my eyebrows was supposed to be a skin graft. I am very lucky my surgeon is a gifted man and was able to close this impossible mess without one.

Below is another area of squamous cell skin cancer on my chest, removed nearly 2 years ago.
This procedure was done by a dermatologist who did not properly close the excision, and this was a non-healing wound. Several week later it opened up again, and ultimately I ended up in surgery. I don't have a recent picture of my scar, but it is a very wide, purple looking keloid.

If you have suspicious areas on your skin, do NOT put off an evaluation by a dermatologist. This is the worst thing you can do! And with all due respect to family doctors, please get a referal to a dermatologist for your evaluation. 3 years ago my family doctor said, "well I'm not sure what that is but I know it isn't skin cancer or anything like that". Well actually it WAS skin cancer Dr. G, and for 18 months it continued to spread. Oh yes, and the dermatologist he finally sent me to (I had to ask 3 times) misdiagnosed my skin spots as discoid lupus (didn't biopsy the spots either!).

By doing my own research, I felt I needed to move on to another dermatologist. He immediately biopsied several areas...all of which were positive for basal cell carcinoma. Big bummer. Though this dermatologist, Dr. R., removed two smaller spots on my arms, and one large area on my chest, two of those areas needed repair later because they were not properly closed. I did not appreciate this doctor at all. Once again I needed to move on.

For over a year now, I have been in the care of a kind, gifted and well-respected dermatologist in East Lansing. She is wonderful. She has completed a fellowship in the MOHS procedure and I have confidence in her treatment plan. Her entire staff is highly trained and really great also.

My plastic surgeon is a great man. He cares about his patients in such a sincere way. He has a special gift...he is a surgically talented man who "loves to cut" as he tells me (with a smile on his face). I know what he really means is he loves to help people heal. Bless his heart. He is the best.

So this is my PSA. Please protect yourself from the sun.

Thank you for reading.

Pass it on!

Extreme Makeover Home Edition Holt, MI...

2008-11-30T08:52:00.008-05:00

Funny how life works. I happen to live about two miles from the home that was built by ABC's Extreme Makeover show. While they were filming the show, I did some freelance work for the CAWL magazine, and also for Mayberry Homes. It was such a wonderful experience!

The show airs tonight on ABC at 8pm Eastern. Join 10,000 of you friends at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State Univ. to watch the show with the Nickless family, Mayberry Homes, the volunteers, radio personalities, and special guests - LIVE! Doors open at 6:30pm. See you there :)

ps. can you guess which was Ty's secret project?

(my apologies for the low-res images - it was the best way to upload several at once)

I'm on my way to a basketball tournament...no time to put these in order, but I'll be adding more later so please stop back.

Owner of Tasmanian Tire Co. presents Ty with a gift.

Ed was testing out the zip line they were attaching to the tree fort...and gave me a little wink before taking off :)

Karen and Bob Schroeder - Owners of Mayberry Homes and the media crew from Kolt Communications.

Some day I'll have a healthy website...

2008-11-29T13:06:00.004-05:00

Though you can see my website just fine, I'm still having problems on the administrative end.

I cannot add or delete galleries or images. So please continue to be patient. The company who hosts my site isn't exactly concerned - in fact, getting a response from them would be like trying to have Donald Trump over for dinner.

Just for fun, here is a picture of my awesome family - we had this taken in September :)

Courtesy of English Photography - englishphoto.com

Recovering...

2008-11-20T11:51:00.003-05:00

Typically I shy away from antibiotics but not this time! I'm mid-course now and feeling amazing compared to 7 days ago. Thankful to be working, I'm here at the studio fixing my website and email issues, and drinking lots of water.

Please continue to contact me via the email address below for another two days.
ArtandSoulOldTown.com should be up and running again by tomorrow evening.

Oh and I couldn't leave you without an image.

Thank you ;)

I'm sick, my website is sick...

2008-11-18T13:32:00.004-05:00

...and one of my daughters is sick (poor baby). My website is completely down. Though I love my website interface, the company leaves little to be desired when it comes to customer service. They are terrible...absolutely terrible. I hope to have it back up by the end of the week.
I've been very sick also. Today I'm starting to come around a bit, but I think it's going to be a week or so before I'm back to feeling like myself again :(

Just wanted to give you a quick update. If you need to contact me regarding Art & Soul - please use this alternative email address: nicolecottom@gmail.com

Thank you.

That's why it's my favorite stairway...

2008-11-11T15:45:00.004-05:00

There is an ugly little stairway right near my studio. It's dusty, worn and dirty...and I love it!

It's this little gem of a place where sunlight collects and illuminates the eyes and skin in the most fabulous way - I refer to it as 'my special stairway' to the kids. When I stop there to shoot, my clients often think I'm kidding. Surely I wouldn't photograph their children there amongst the candy wrappers and leaves...would I? Yep :)

Trust me, I say. And what do they say when they see the images? Oooooooh wow, now I get it.

I love that part.

Hello World.

2008-10-30T10:48:00.002-04:00

Newborns are amazing. They arrive in this world with personalities and characteristics they develop in utero. Meet Avery. She spent much of her time sticking her tiny foot under her mommy's rib cage. Can you tell?

This session was done in the comfort of the family's home. Mom and dad could relax, grandma could watch, and miss Avery could pee on her own blankets (actually, I believe it was her couch that got it). The home was filled with lots of gorgeous window light and I only needed my reflector once or twice. Though I planned for some artsy shots, the princess had other ideas. Still, I really love the images we captured. Thank you, L. family :)

If my sister is out there...

2008-10-23T19:37:00.003-04:00

...and I know she is...a little update for you...teeny as it may be, it's better than nothing!

Yes, as always I'm far behind on posting to my blog. I'm a repeat offender. Just like my chocolate binges. I can't help it.

I photographed this little duo last night. They were adorable and polite! I let them throw berries at my camera, so I'm sorry mom if I encouraged any lasting bad behavior but they thought it was fun :) Nice job holding my reflector, by the way - thanks for the help!

On her way to the airport...

2008-09-30T13:55:00.004-04:00

So sometimes I get these kids who just know what to do. They're little models in the making. With minimal direction, this beautiful, sassy, smart girl whipped up her own poses and kept the shoot rolling like a pro! Seriously, she was so much fun to shoot. I only wished I had another hour with her, and 5 more outfit changes. Unfortunately she lives in California. Her mom owns a children's boutique in Mill Valley so maybe I'll fly out there and photograph all of "T's" little friends! ;)
I can only imagine all the fabulous outfits we could put together!

We would like to photograph your 2008 wedding...

2008-09-22T22:18:00.003-04:00

Ron and I have some open weekends throughout 2008!
We're offering this wedding package through December:
For $1800 you'll receive a full day of photography coverage, images on cd, an online album to share with family and friends, and $250 portrait credit. We love to shoot weddings, we do an amazing job, and I guarantee the dates will not last long.
Call me and we'll set up a time to meet at my studio in Old Town!

More catching up...

2008-09-17T17:46:00.013-04:00

I know I'm supposed to write something but I really have to get out of the studio.

Does the excuse, "I have to get groceries and it's already 8:58pm so by the time I get home it will be 11:30pm", work for you?

I will post more on Friday. Death by chocolate ice cream is calling me all the way from the freezer section.

Catching up...

2008-09-17T17:46:00.009-04:00

Seems like every third post is a "catching up" one.

Look at this little peanut. Isn't he sweet. His mommy and I wanted him to sleep. He wanted to squirm, wiggle and look at everything. So we waited...and waited...and watched Jon & Kate + 8 (2 episodes)...and waited...until finally, he fell asleep

(and went potty in my basket - lol). I think he slept for about 4 minutes - long enough for me to put him in the doorway and take these from the front porch!

I need a few models...

2008-09-17T17:46:00.003-04:00

I've been asked to make a video of some outdoor sessions, so other professionals can watch my shooting style, and interaction with children. Great, except my new two weeks are filled with maternity and newborn sessions.

I need a few gorgeous little kiddos to help me out. If you've got children between the ages of 4 and 7 who are particularly fond of having their picture taken, and you're willing to work with a few special requests (regarding clothing selection) please contact me. You'll receive a complimentary session, and 20% off your portraits.

These sessions must take place next week!

Here's a cutie I photographed last week. Don't you loooove her lips. My goodness, what a beauty.

Her eyes are so big you can see me in them!

They keep growing...

2008-08-23T21:11:00.006-04:00

...and changing!

Here they are a year ago - -

And here they are now!

Time flies...

2008-08-23T21:11:00.003-04:00

I photographed this little one when she was a teeny baby.
Now she's a teeny 1 year old.

Can you believe those eyes and eyelashes - she is a seriously gorgeous peanut :)

On the move...

2008-08-15T00:08:00.004-04:00

I've had quite a run of little boys these past few weeks...and well, they've kept me running! Their sessions were more like work outs! :)

I wanna rock...

2008-08-14T23:51:00.005-04:00

When I saw these two cuties hop out of the van I was beyond excited.
This is how I would dress my boys...if I had any :)
I love little men with mohawks!
A sneak peek for you...fearless mom who cuts her own boys' hair. Rock on!

No, thank YOU...

2008-08-11T16:16:00.002-04:00

I just loved this session. This little guy is one of those I couldn't get enough of...I wanted to take pictures of him all day. Thank YOU H. family - your timing was perfect. Your little angel made my week!

You work where?

2008-07-24T23:07:00.003-04:00

Would you have any idea this girl works in a corn field?! She's a very savvy country girl - cute, spunky and smart as well.

Thank you, K. for making my job so easy - you're a natural beauty, inside and out. Here's a small preview for you ;)

90 day waiting period...

2008-07-23T08:44:00.004-04:00

Someone recently asked me, what is there a 90 day waiting period on your blog posts?!
I guess it HAS been a while, but I have a plethora of good excuses with which I won't bore you :)

On to the pictures!
Here are just a few of the fun people I've had the pleasure of photographing recently...

I must say, I have the best clients ever - thank you to each and every one of you.

Baby...baby...

2008-05-03T11:22:00.004-04:00

Meet perfectly created little Claire...

Congratulations Dan, Holly and Lucas :)

Spring - finally...

2008-04-25T19:53:00.004-04:00

Well thank goodness Spring is finally here. Is it just me, or did we have a really long winter...followed by a really long not-so Spring!?!

My family is waiting for me at a little pizza place, so I'll make this extra quick. I just wanted to post a few pictures of this gorgeous family.
n.

Vegas, baby...

2008-03-14T13:29:00.001-04:00

I'm flying out to Las Vegas for a photography conference and will return March 21st.
Each day I'll be attending seminars lead by world-class photographers, though my huband doesn't believe me. He thinks I'm going for the shows, parties and gambling...ok so maybe a little of that too ;) However, last time I was in Vegas I lost $25 in less than two minutes and vowed to never gamble again. If I save my gambling money, I can buy myself a new pair of shoes instead!

Lucky me, I scored Cirque du Soleil's Mystere tickets on eBay - 7th row center...so excited about that! St. Patrick's Day has always been extra special for us because it's also our oldest daughter's birthday, so I'm sad to be away from her. I must admit, St. Patty's Day in Vegas isn't the worst thing in the world, if I've got to be away from one of my babies.

As you know, Spring weather is upon us and the calls are coming in to book Spring pictures.
Don't let the thought of having pictures taken keep you from doing it! I promise you I won't let it be a stressful thing for you and your family. The hardest part should be picking out the clothing. After that, just leave the rest to me :) You can hang out in the studio while I get some indoor shots, then we'll take a walk in Old Town and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring. No Worries! If you have reservations about clothing, call me and I'll talk you through it.
The most important thing is to CALL! Before you know it, your kids will be 6, 10 and 14 and you won't have any family pictures with them (oh wait, that's MY family...terrible!).

Ok...off to finish packing.

Viva Las Vegas!

Infant Bereavement...

2008-03-05T12:40:00.010-05:00

For more than a year now, I've belonged to an organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.
This foundation gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart to those experiencing the loss of a newborn baby. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not occur to them. Offering gentle photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization.
While each session is heartbreaking, I know I'm providing families with images they will one day cherish. This is why I'm committed to NILMDTS. I feel very fortunate for every opportunity I'm given to help.

The Today Show ran a story on the NILMDTS foundation, this morning. Please watch this 4 minute video (link below). This is exactly what I experience when I work with families who are suffering the loss of a newborn. If you've ever wondered what it would be like...this is a wonderful example of how this bereavement service provides healing.

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about this organization.
www.nilmdts.org

Just posting more pictures...

2008-02-28T17:17:00.004-05:00

Watch out, mom... "I" is a charmer - I bet he'll be chased by all the little girls on the playground when he goes to school. His mom brought him to the studio for a modeling shoot. He was all about posing and facial expressions...he just knew what he was doing on his own. Like I said, I's mom you've got your hands full :)

Another aspiring model...pleasant to work with and such a polite girl. I really wanted to steal that hat and belt! I used a 4x6 softbox camera right and a fill camera left.

Sister & Brother...

2008-02-27T20:41:00.004-05:00

I think these sweeties were part of the deleted posts I mentioned earlier.

For these, I used a 4x6 softbox camera right and pulled back quite a bit. There are 3 windows camera left about 10 feet away. These two are busy and on the go so I just let them run around and be themselves. They had fun playing catch with the bright, abc balls I have from babystyle.com. I find it's so much easier not to restrain kids in the studio. They get too restless when made to sit still and I think they feel the tension of being photographed more too.

My 4x6 was placed camera left here...and he was driving directly towards it. Settings were around 125, f5.

Nice people are cool...

2008-02-27T20:32:00.002-05:00

I recently joined the MTPPA (MI Triangle Professional Photographers Asso.) and on Monday, Jackie from Canfield-Jenkins was sweet enough to host a gathering for a day of shooting, networking and sharing. It was fun to hang out with so many genuinely nice people - Thank you Jackie! Here's an aspiring princess who had no trouble working the camera...

Deleted...

2008-02-27T20:29:00.001-05:00

Well, it seems as though several of my posts somehow vanished. I have no idea what happened...here today, gone the next.
I'll try to figure out what's missing and at least repost the images :( Grrrr.

Cute sisters...

2008-02-08T23:18:00.000-05:00

I have some catching up to do...as usual :)

For now I promised to post a few of these adorable sisters with beautiful names. They were very sweet and did almost everything I asked of them...except, "let your mommy write on your hands and hold still so I can photograph them!" Now you'd think this would be something fun...something normally forbidden...something they'd want to do. Nope. I've wanted to take a little one's hand and write on it a message - but finding a child who is willing to let me do this has proven to be very difficult. Maybe it's the fact that an adult wants to do the writing? Uh huh...I may be on to something here. Anyway, their daddy is in the armed forces and since he's so far away, we thought this would be a fun way to send him a special message.

Old Town Special...

2008-01-21T17:44:00.000-05:00

Wow, I'm happy that you've been busy telling friends about the Old Town special...they have been calling and calling! I'm almost booked solid but I will squeeze you in if I can. Please call asap if you're still trying to take advantage of the special. I did have a few people ask about extending into Feb. and I told them no (to be fair), so I will not be scheduling any more once the spaces are filled. Hurry! I want to take pictures of your little angels :)

2008-01-09T15:15:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited about my new studio and I'm loving working here.
If you haven't been down to Old Town lately, you're missing out! There's great food, unique gift shops, a clothing boutique and even a place for your beloved pup. Oh and don't forget Preuss Pets...kids love that place!

For fun, I'm running a very limited offer...I'm calling it my "Get Down To Old Town" special.
You must call and mention it by name to receive special pricing :)
Book a session to take place before February 1st and receive HALF OFF* the weekday session fee (regularly $60), and a complimentary 5x7 portrait. PLUS, refer a friend who also books a session and your complimentary 5x7's will both be upgraded to mounted 8x10's (regularly $49)!

This is a great opportunity for Valentine's Day and Birthday portraits!
When my dates are booked, the special will be gone...so don't wait too long. Lets have some fun!
*This is for children, newborn to 14 only, 1-3 children, $10 per child beyond that.

Here is my full page ad which will appear in the "Kids on Stage" publication being distributed in the Greater Lansing Area starting in February. This publication will promote awareness for businesses that provide products and services geared towards children in the performing arts.

Art & Soul moves to Old Town...

2007-12-12T22:50:00.000-05:00

I am SO excited to announce that I'm moving to heart of Old Town!

In fact, I have already made the move (Turner St.) and the studio is up and running - I absolutely LOVE it.

I've got a gorgeous exposed brick wall, window light, tall ceilings and even a full kitchen. It suits my style very well.

Here are some pictures from when we first moved in...

I will be having an open house in the spring, so watch for your invitation in early 2008 :)

Check back soon for updated pictures of the studio, now that I'm moved in. I think I feel a secret blog offer coming...for a very short period of time...and it will be very worth it, so don't miss it!

Weddings...

2007-12-07T15:28:00.000-05:00

YES! I have found a way to maintain my individual style while shooting weddings!
I am now shooting weddings along side another photographer from the Lansing area - Ron Jones Jr. of Townsend Jones Portrait Artists.

Having us photograph your wedding is like having your cake and eating it too...twice in one day! You'll have me, who loves using natural light and capturing all the little spontaneous, special moments that happen behind the scenes during your day - - and you'll have Ron who masterfully manages everything from group portraits to cutting your cake, and he has an amazing way with people - he'll keep you laughing, that's for sure. The best of both worlds! Please contact me with questions - I'd love to chat with you about details.

Catching Up...

2007-12-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I've fallen behind on my blog. Tis the season for photographers to do so (the Holidays are Crazytown!). If you're waiting for your order, please be patient and know I'm working overtime to get them completed.
We've got some plans cookin' for the new year - and I can't wait to show you what we're up to!

First though...here are some pictures from recent sessions.

Isn't he a cutie pie. This is a session from back in August (remember when it was warm?).

Now this was a great family to photograph. They were cooperative, funny and easy on the eyes (just look at them - all gorgeous!). These portraits were taken on their scenic property. What I love most about working on location is photographing people in their own element, where they're relaxed and feel at *home*. What the guys loved most was being 10 seconds away from their hunting gear and a tv (football games).

Meet J. He lives in the Lansing area with a foster care family. J. desprately wants to be adopted into a loving, permanent home. Let me tell you, this kid is a gem. He's intelligent (a bookworm!), easy-going and has a kindness about him that many boys his age do not (yet). Click here to see his video.
I was honored to photograph J. for the Michigan Heart Gallery. Please mark your calendar! The **NEW** 2008 Michigan Heart Gallery will have it's grand opening celebration on February 14th in Lansing in the State Capitol Rotunda. Festivities begin at 11:30. Free and open everyone. Come see the stunning new portraits.
J., I wish you a bright future. You are a gifted, worthy child and you will do good things :)

I loved this little guy...you can see why!

Another soon-to-be Senior...

2007-10-26T20:44:00.000-04:00

This girl was at my studio to model with a beautiful dog for a pet toy product but how could I resist taking a few extra pictures of her...a natural beauty.

A few more of M...

2007-10-23T20:59:00.000-04:00

Hey M, tell your friends that the first one of them (or their parents) to book a Senior session with me gets a free 8x10 and you get one too. They just have to mention they know you :)

Senior...

2007-10-18T15:08:00.000-04:00

I need to showcase more Seniors on my website, because I really enjoy photographing them.

Check out this girl - she's gorgeous (and so humble about it). We wandered around Cooley Gardens and then Old Town a bit. I got attacked by mosquitos but no one else did (they laughed at me). The sun went down way too quickly and I was sad to end the session.

Here are a few I promised you, M.

Hope you like them!

Spirit...

2007-10-18T14:08:00.000-04:00

This is a crazy time for me right now! We're in the fall swing at Angels & Rascals and this is also a busy time for portraits. Excuses, excuses...I know...I'm just trying to justify my lack of blogging lately. Ok...so lets get on with it...

I'd like you to meet E.

Some little people are quiet, somewhat reserved and content to play quietly. Others are especially busy...on the go...always talking and playing. As much as I love quiet kids (haha), I can't help but adore the spirited ones like E. I've had the pleasure of getting to know her, and her parents over the last several months. The future holds big things for this little girl. I mean the gene pool she comes from...oh my! She's clearly talented, beautiful (plays the drums and models already), and smart. She knows what she wants and how to get it. That's my kind of girl :)

Take a little time to listen to her mommy's & daddy's music - they're both amazingly talented.

Brian Vander Ark
Lux Land

What to wear...

2007-09-28T11:13:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh, this week is much better than last! Sorry for you folks who like hot weather, but I'm over it. Fall is here to stay and I'm excited. This leads me to a very popular question my clients ask me - - What should she/he/we wear? Let me start by telling you what you should NOT wear (outside, in the fall) - white. White is boooring, it washes out most people, it wreaks havoc on my exposure, and it gets dirty easily. I want your portraits to convey something special about who you are! Personally, I love colors, textures (not to be confused with patterns like strips and plaid-yikes!) layers and accessories. If your style is more classic, that's ok too. For example, black sweaters, dark denim jeans and black shoes look good on everyone, young and old - especially for family portraits. If you just can't make up your mind - that's ok, bring it all with you! I'll help you decide what will look best and if you want to wear a few different things, I encourage it. So, please do your homework - plan to bring at least two really great, well-thought-out outfits...and leave the rest to me :)
Pictures to follow...

I'm an aunt (again)

2007-09-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

Introducing my newest nephew - Owen, 5lbs 6oz. He decided to arrive 4.5 weeks early but he is healthy, happy and may be on his way home from the hospital right now (crossing fingers - camera in hand). He had to spend a few days in the nursery just to be sure he was breathing and eating ok on his own. We ducked into an empty room with a window so we could capture a few images of him (one with his mommy too). My camera (and heart) loves him already *sigh*

The last warm day

2007-09-17T13:27:00.000-04:00

Meet Lilly. At her session she was wearing a sundress and splashing in puddles with bare feet - that was last week. This week I had to pull out our sweatshirts and jackets. That's Michigan weather for you! Lilly has a tiny dog named Hazel. Hey mom...maybe next time Hazel can be in the portraits too?

Sneak Peeks

2007-09-16T19:53:00.000-04:00

I kindly refer to this one as Tornado Baby. I was in the middle of a session at his home when a tornado swept through...literally. His father, not wanting him to miss anything, gently whispered to him in the safety of their basement..."hey, wake up, you're sleeping through your first tornado!"

Technically, I've been photographing A. since she was one day old. That's because she is officially the youngest shopper ever at Angels & Rascals (my little shop in Holt) - and her mommy and daddy stopped by A&R on their way home from the hospital specifically to steal the title (and I took her picture) - I love it.
Busy, busy little E. She's a shining star. We had grand plans for several outfit and location changes but she had ideas of her own (which included not standing still for a split second!). Despite the cold weather and a few funny mishaps, I thoroughly enjoyed this session which was shot in Grand Rapids.

This is Natalie. She was thrilled at the chance to "legally" jump on her bed for part of her photo session. I scored major *nice photographer* points for that.

Busy is good

2007-09-16T12:46:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhh, I love Autumn. Though I'm sad to see summer depart, I'm enjoying the arrival of fall weather and the delights that blow into town with it. The color palette is gorgeous and the smells...oh the smells - apple pie, brisk air, campfires, pumpkin guts (hahahaa)...
I'm also loving my clients in their outdoor fall clothing (layers, colors, hats, etc)!

I know you've been waiting for picture updates. I'm sorry about that. Here's one for now - many more to come.
This is little Peyton. He's 7 weeks old and keeping mommy & daddy on their toes.

Happiness Is...

2007-08-26T14:26:00.000-04:00

For me, happiness is capturing the true personalities of the children I photograph. I missed this image when I first went through them. Just yesterday I discovered it - it's my new favorite.

Though you probably don't know these little angels, a picture says a thousand words :)

Sisters

2007-08-21T23:21:00.000-04:00

Just look at these faces - what fun girls...happy, happy! You wouldn't believe how many goldfish crackers that little one can pack in her cheeks.

I'll be using my blog to give clients a sneak preview of their images before their ordering appointments. Please be sure to check my website for detailed information about Art & Soul Photography.

To blog or not to blog

2007-08-12T16:13:00.000-04:00

I'm giving this blog thing a shot - - as if I don't already have a million other things to do! My goal is to post weekly. Haha...that's what I say about doing laundry too.