DOUBLE YOUR MONEY!

A special, time-limited offer!

Purchase a gift card in any amount (up to $200.) ITS VALUE WILL DOUBLE if used by April 30th, 2009. That's 4 full months to DOUBLE YOUR MONEY!

This Christmas tie ribbons 'round a memory. The holidays are a time when family and friendships are celebrated. What better gift than one that is capable of creating and preserving precious memories.

SANTA NEVER HAD IT SO EASY! ORDER YOUR GIFT CARDS TODAY!

Offer ends December 23rd, 2008

Call us at (618) 288-6700

Gift cards may not be combined with any other studio promotion.
Only one Double Value Gift card may be used per session
Maximum double Value amount is $200.00
Double Value Promotion valid for sessions photographed after 12/21/2008

THANK YOU!

Our Five Cents Worth

Staff News
Interested in family outdoor portraiture with fall colors? Call soon! We've been busy scheduling sessions and are booking up fast!

A display of our fine art will be going up at The Louvre salon-gallery in Fairview Heights, Illinois on Monday, September 29. It will remain on exhibit until December 1st.

Helpful Hints for the "Sunday Shooter"
When taking pictures of the kids this Halloween make sure you are aware of the effective flash distance of your camera. Normal rule of thumb is not to exceed 10-12 feet from camera to subject when using a flash that is built into the camera.

Favorite Quote
Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again. ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

Georgia's Journal
Halloween is just around the corner and its arrival brings fun parties, trick-or-treaters, and lots of delicious candies. However, this entertaining holiday can be potentially hazardous to pets. The ASPCA offers these helpful hints so pet parents can keep their loved ones healthy and safe during Halloween:
-- Chocolate is not appropriate for pets. It is toxic to them.
-- Candy can be dangerous. Pets are very good at sniffing out the treats they shouldn't have. Candies and gum often contain large amounts of sweetener which can be toxic to pets, especially dogs. Ingestion can produce a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, incoordination and seizures.
-- Keep a close eye on your pet's whereabouts.
-- Tag your pet. Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors constantly arriving at the door. Pets may escape the safety of their home. Be sure that your pet has identification tags, should he or she accidentally get loose.
-- Watch those wrappers! Keep foil and cellophane away from pets. They can cause intestinal blockage and induce vomiting.
-- Protect your decorations. Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn may cause stomach upset.
-- Take care with costumes. If you do decide to dress up your pets for the holiday, check that the costume does not limit their movement, hearing, sight or ability to breathe or bark. And don't forget to check for choking hazards!

Connections Portrait Offer

Let your friends and relatives know about this great offer!

OUR STUDIO HAS RECEIVED DOUBLE HONORS!

PPA International Print Competition has concluded in Daytona Beach, Florida. The result - Nichols Photography has not one but TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS OF THE YEAR!!! Each and every image that Mike and Lindsey entered received Par Excellence Merits from the judges. In addition, our two Master Photographers each had an image chosen for the prestigious Traveling Loan Collection. Mike's image 40 Seconds in Pit 66 and Lindsey's image Femme Fatale' will both be published in the next Loan Collection Book. Mike's image Sunset at Rocky Point will also be published in the PPA Showcase Book.  Lori and Vicki garnered merits, as well.


Together, the four of us managed to rack up 15 merits in all, that's more than any other studio in the State of Illinois or Missouri.

We're celebrating and we want our clients to celebrate with us!
***Come in to the studio (or call) in the month of August, tell us that you read the blog, name any one of the three images pictured here and we'll add one 8x10 image to your current order, absolutely FREE! When we win, YOU WIN!

Relay for Life

Nichols Photography set up overnight camp once again at the Edwardsville High School location for Relay for Life. Unfortunately, this year's rain forced all "walkers/campers" into the gym but everyone seemed to weather the last minute alteration without difficulty. It actually made the event more cozy and intimate. Our studio sponsored the mouse races which were a big hit with the kids and we raffled off a stunning gift basket that raised cash for the cause against cancer. Complimentary on-site portraits were once again given to cancer survivors and their caregivers. Several of our own family members have been stricken with forms of cancer (Vicki is a survivor) and we are honored to be a part of this annual worthy endeavor. FIGHT BACK by getting involved!

Venus Envy Art Exhibit

WAY TO GO, LINDSEY!
Lindsey's photographic art series of 4 images was accepted and displayed, alongside talented national artists, at the 10th annual Venus Envy art show held at Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis.

"My photographic series explores the strength and beauty of the female body, illustrating women as a vessel of perseverance, power, and life itself. I am especially excited that this opportunity is taking place during Women's History Month. It is an honor to have a role in helping to achieve the organization's vision by empowering women through the arts."