With every passing day I feel the necessity to discuss beauty standards and media representations of women. I'm at war with myself and my career. Is it really Photoshop versus women?
No. At least not for my photography. I battle this everyday, in myself and in everything I see. But in my photography I feel free. My editing my philosophy relies on one key phrase, "remove anything that's distracting." I look at my pictures and I ask myself exactly how I see them. Did I see that freckle? Did I see that fit around his waist? Did I see that arm pressed flat against her body? If it's distracting, I remove it. It's not that I think my wedding photo could of been ten pounds lighter, it's that my smile and arms wrapped around the best husband in the world are more important. Does my photographer see the worst flaws i see in myself? No. I saw the smile in their eyes. That is what I endeavor for. The beauty in each individual. It's important for me to realistically portray beauty in everyone. I especially take great lengths to partake in these types of discussions with my three daughters. It's important to see the beauty in the world, but, in addition, we should always see the beauty within ourselves. If photography is anything it's capturing the beauty in our world on any particular day.That is exactly who we are and who our families are. Unique and beautiful.
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Here's a peek at what the backdrop looks like when you choose to do an indoor session. I like to think outdoor pictures are more fun, but sometimes there's just a need for some indoor shots. Below are some pictures of my daughter Audrey and I having fun while taking pictures of the littlest sister, Scarlett.
Those of you who know me, you know what I like to watch...an example being Futurama...and Top Chef :) My husband and I occasionally like to challenge ourselves to some creative cooking. This last time I got the brilliant idea that we should use some of the random accumulation of food we had going in our cupboards...So, we raided the pantry and set some guidelines. I have to laugh looking back. This really was the least successful meal we've made. Oh, well :) It was fun! The Pantry RaidThe Challenge: Use two randomly assigned ingredients from "the pantry" Use the star ingredient, eggplant Follow the randomly assigned guidelines (ie Use of only one burner, use extra pantry item) Pass the child taste test (our harshest critics!) The IngredientsThe MealThe Verdict
The KidsThe real verdict comes from seeing what the kiddos thought of everything. When we asked the girls what they thought, we got some pretty frank answers (Oh, kids are funny!). Nothing was super successful, neither were impressed (there may have even been some fear in there). Although, they did manage to polish off the cream of wheat and enjoy some chicken. All in all, I'd say it was a tie, even if Audrey did say I won ;)
Earlier this year I was asked to take photos of my daughter to accompany an article being published in The Reading Teacher. It was such an honor. Now I'm here sharing my joy and the article. The inspiration for the photo came from a sweet memory of the author. To quote K.C. Luttenegger, "My daughter loved being read to, and she always asked for “one more book, Mama, one more.” I have a beautiful picture of my daughter when she was two, sitting in a sunny corner of her bedroom, reading several board books. If you look closely, she is holding her book, Baby Beluga, upside down. This picture always makes me smile." ...and now this picture of my daughter, Katrina, will always make me smile. :) I absolutely love seeing how happy my clients are with their pictures! I get giddy when I see your photos framed and enjoying a cozy spot in your home. I love when you make a photo your profile pic. And the ultimate compliment? Your referrals! Thank you for making me your photographer over and over :)
Here's a photo from a recent Newborn Session that makes me happy too! Amazing how quickly the months are flying by. Can't believe we're halfway through '11 already.
Good news is, lots of fun things are approaching! Yes, my birthday is one of them ;) but we're also planning a move in August up to Fort Collins. Looking forward to getting to know the area and I've already got a Ft Collins model lined up...I'm going to love getting out and getting some great shots. You can look forward to some new PixelSpace shots, I'll be going in tomorrow for a shoot. Want to know the theme...Here's a hint, "Who ya gonna call?" ;) I'll be heading to Estes Park to photograph a wedding at the end of the month (BTW, last month's wedding went swimmingly!) and I've actually met with a couple of other couples for their upcoming August weddings. Off for now, see ya back here soon! Filling up my schedule with lots of little shoots here and there. Individuals, engagements, and even kids! Hoping to do even more now that we're out of winter. I love the outdoors! Most of march was actually spent editing some weddings for AVi photography. It was great to work with them again. And, April 28th, I'm happy to say, was my own wedding. We enjoyed the day tremendously!!! Lots of work to do "partnering" with Pixel Space in Lakewood. Hoping to go in the direction of local company product promotion! Big stuff in the works! Finishing up on the edits from the last shoot at Rex's/Pixel Space. Taking it slow, editing when inspiration strikes. I'm almost through a 9 day work week with Welcome Newborn and then go straight shooting a wedding on June 10th. Congrats to the new couple :) Lots to more to come! Big changes happening to the website! You'll see a whole new design and a new way to navigate through pictures.
Alrighty, I'm getting back to work! |
AuthorNikki lives in Fort Collins, CO with her husband and her three wonderful daughters. Archives
August 2014
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