Happy Holidays!

Our wishes for you and yours --
May your hearts be filled with hope
May your home be filled with love and laughter
May your days abound with dreams come true

(Many thanks to our Santa model, Joe Boxer, companion of Katie Gipperich)

Georgia's Journal

PLEASE PET PROOF YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

It's tempting to get carried away with holiday trimmings but please remember, SAFETY FIRST!

-- Tinsel is out - it's shiny, it's chewy - it's a cat magnet!
-- Shiny glass ornaments spell disaster. Decorate with unbreakable materials. Stay away from edible ornaments as well.
-- Secure your tree stand. Invest in a large, sturdy one. Attach fishing line to the treetop and then fasten the other end to a small hook in the ceiling.
-- If your pets are "chewers," keep them out of the room with the tree, or make sure you're with them at all times.
-- Always unplug your lights when they are not in use.

If you have a live tree - Cover the water bowl with mesh and secure it with duct tape. You can still refill the bowl but pets can't drink the sticky water. They'll stay healthy and you'll stay happy. Clean up fallen needles daily. Sharp needles can cause internal injuries if eaten.

May you and all your four-footed friends have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Another Banner Year for Lindsey!

Lindsey has entered once more into the coveted "Top Ten" list of professional photographers for the state of Illinois. The award was presented at the annual convention of the Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois held in the city of Lisle. Her winning images spanned the categories of Wedding, Commercial, and Portraits. They included her signature Diva specialty as well as pet portraits (like the one below of Zeus, companion of Donna Rodden) that garnered particular attention meriting high scores from the judges.

Lindsey has also once again been honored with the Photographer of the Year Award from the international organization of Professional Photographers of America. Two of her images will join the group's Traveling Loan Collection and be published in their Loan Book to be released in 2010.

All of us here at the studio are ecstatic and extremely proud of Lindsey!

Giving Thanks

The Thanksgiving holiday is nearly here. The autumn harvest is traditionally a time of bounty and giving thanks for what we have. During 2009 we have been blessed to meet the most wonderful people within the walls of our studio. We would like to send a cornucopia of thanks to all our patrons!

Georgia's Journal

A Quick Reminder

Pets + candy = dangerous combination
(Think of it like children + toxic chemicals.)
Don't forget to properly dispose of all empty candy wrappers. The lingering aroma of long gone goodies is temptation enough to make some pets swallow wrappers made of varied materials.

Refer to our archived entry of September 21, 2008 for a list of safety measures to keep in mind during this scary holiday.

Wishing you a happy Halloween from all of us here at Nichols Photography!

October: Causes Close to our Heart

(Chloe & Cooper with their companion, Nikole Strefling)

October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month
It's great to bring this issue into the spotlight for one month out of the year -- but our sincere hope is that the desire to make a difference will extend far beyond October 31st, because the need certainly does. There are countless homeless animals in your own city the whole year round. Sadly, many will face euthanasia. We hope all our readers who have room in their homes and hearts will open their door to an unfortunate canine (or cat, or any shelter animal for that matter). Exercise your compassion, be an example for others.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
We would like to extend a big thank you to all who support the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Relay for Life. And if you haven't supported these efforts in the past, please get involved now. Together we can keep cancer on the run. THINK PINK!

Amazing People

(Zeus with his companion, Donna Rodden)

A big THANK YOU to all of the rescuers out there who make it their mission to save a life! Your strength and selflessness can never be rewarded fully -- so doggie and kitty kisses will have to do. We want you to know that here at Nichols Photography you are appreciated and valued! We love you.

Relay for Life

Our "FOCUSED ON A CURE" Team was at the Edwarsville High School track again this year pounding the asphalt to fight cancer. Our very own Ms. Kaleigh, artist extraordinaire, was on hand with paints of every color. Her brushes were flying as she graced many a face with decorative creations. Lindsey and Frank gave their legs a real workout selling the 50/50 tickets. Mike was busy capturing candid shots of activities throughout the entire evening. Nichols Photography was also thrilled to receive a ribbon for superior tent design. Excellent music filled the air, tasty foods were in abundance, and hilarious contests kept the fun factor at peak levels. It was another great event to raise money for a worthy cause. We are so proud to be involved!

*This just in -- The Relay for Life of Edwardsville / Glen Carbon raised $124,243. this year.

Georgia's Journal

Isolating a dog is a tragic recipe for pain and disaster. We are pack animals and need to socialize. Our desire to be with "our people" is a strong one.

Please do not chain your dog. Living 24-7, 365 days a year at the end of a rope or chain leads to boredom, loneliness, and frustration. Anger and aggression are sometimes not far behind. A chained dog is three times more likely to bite. This is no answer for the dog or the community. Your pets should be part of the family, invite them in.

BARK IN THE PARK

Dogs, dogs, and more dogs! Forest Park was full of our canine pals on Saturday when the Humane Society of Missouri hosted their annual walk and country fair. People from far and wide attended, more than 5,000 in all. It's the largest walk of its kind in the entire Midwest. There was plenty of music, food, and fun to be had for all ages. Much-needed funds were raised for the care of unfortunate, homeless animals.

Of course, Nichols Photography was there to join in the festivities. Mike, Lindsey, and Kaleigh were on duty to create portraits of people with their devoted companions. A Clydesdale from Anheuser Busch made a celebrity appearance, what a photo-op!

Lots of lucky dogs and loving owners shared a great day for a great cause, now that's a rousing success!

TEAM NICHOLS WALKING TO FIGHT HUNTINGTON'S

The 6th annual HD walk was held at beautiful Tillis Park in St. Louis last Saturday morning and Team Nichols was there to participate and lend support. Mike, Vicki, Lori, Sean, and Kaleigh put on their walking shoes, hoping to help in this valiant effort.

It was a great day all the way around -- great turnout, great weather, and great company. More than 1,000 walkers came out to take part in striking a blow against Huntington's disease. HD is a neurological disorder that attacks the nerve cells of the brain. This genetic disease devastates the lives of its victims as well as their family members. In the U.S. alone, about 30,000 people suffer its effects.

Last year the walk raised $85,000. and we hope '09 has been equally as successful. This latest endeavor takes "one more step" toward eliminating a fatally destructive disease.

Get involved! We would love to see you there next year.

Working for MDA

We're proud to say that Mike and Frank (Lindsey's fiancee) are being locked up! They're going behind bars to help fight Muscular Dystrophy. They can be released on good behavior IF they raise bail. They can use your help! You can make a secure online donation through Wednesday, April 15th by going to https://www.joinmda.org/edwardsville09/miknichols/. Your donation will help families living in our community and kids like Taylor. Thanks in advance for your contribution! On Thursday, April 16th, Mike will be in "lock up." He may be calling you for bail, please be generous.

Spring Special

Wishing You Health & Wellness at Easter

FAUX CHICKS ARE AS ADORABLE AS THE REAL THING (AND SAFER)!!


Every Easter, we inevitably receive requests from clients to include baby chicks, ducks, and bunnies in our Spring Special. There are many reasons that we decline to do this. Yes, precious children and baby animals are so cute together and the experience is entertaining to the children. We are aware that other photographers condone and participate in this practice. However, here at Nichols Photography, we feel it’s just too risky for both the children and the animals. Additionally, we do not wish to profit in any way from the exploitation of animals.

Please consider this a Public Service Announcement:
• *** Chicks and ducks can carry the bacteria Salmonella (even when they appear clean and healthy). The Centers for Disease Control issued a warning in 2007 about the dangers of obtaining or handling baby chicks for Easter. Many people are simply not aware of the risks of contracting Salmonella from chicks or ducklings. The CDC recommends that children less than five years of age not be allowed to handle chicks or other baby poultry. “Hand to mouth” is the primary transference of the illness and is an automatic, involuntary action of children. No adult is quick enough to intervene every time this movement occurs.
• Children are most susceptible to infection because their immune systems are still developing.
• Animals have a need to eliminate waste. Unfortunately, children can be on the receiving end of this natural function.
• Animals bite and scratch.
• Bunnies and lambs, since they are mammals, are regulated by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the Animal Welfare Act. It is illegal to use these animals to promote photographs.
• Animals can be unintentionally harmed or killed by children who squeeze too hard. Vulnerable baby chicks and ducks aren’t meant to be cuddled, and small children who squeeze them can easily break their fragile bones.
• Small animals that are subjected to the stress of new surroundings, unfamiliar sounds, and excessive handling are exceedingly prone to stress-induced heart failure.
• Following animal sessions, children are likely to plead with their parents to buy them one of these animals as a “pet,” especially when there are nearby stores that are eager to accommodate them. According to Humane Society statistics, the vast majority of these animals bought at Easter, die within weeks.

A word from our resident nurse:
If you do opt for photos with poultry, whether in a studio or at home, thorough hand washing cannot be overemphasized. It is the single most important thing you can do! If anyone touches chicks or ducklings or their environment, make sure that they wash their hands immediately afterwards. Pacifiers, toys, bottles or other objects should not touch the baby birds or their surroundings. If these objects do become contaminated, wash them with warm soapy water. Do not allow anyone to eat or drink while interacting with the birds.
~ V. Nichols R.N.

We hope that this information helps to keep your family safe and healthy this Spring season. Happy Easter from all of us here at Nichols Photography!

Winning Images!

Nichols Photography has had another great year at the Mid-America Regional Conference for professionals. Mike, Lindsey, and Lori garnered an additional eight Par Excellence awards. Check out the images below. (One Diva image not shown due to privacy policies.)

Special congrats to Lindsey! She was one of only two women in the states of Illinois and Indiana to receive a Par Excellence award from the judges for every image she entered.

Once again, in keeping with our studio's tradition, we're renewing our special offer. Come in to the studio (or call) in the month of April, tell us that you read the blog, name any one of the eight images pictured here and we'll add 1-8x10 image to your current order, absolutely FREE! When we win, you win!

Marketing in the Fast Lane


Night Flight


Sapphire Cove

Cayenne & Cobalt

Bee Beautiful Buy Bellagio

In The Garden of Good & Evil

Mean Green Eating Machine

ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT AT NICHOLS PHOTOGRAPHY

Lindsey has ONCE AGAIN made Illinois photographic history. She has earned the Photographic Craftsman degree from the international organization, Professional Photographers of America, and is the youngest female photographer recorded in Illinois to have done so. The degree was presented by PPA President Dennis D. Craft and celebrated at the association's 2009 annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

Over the last four years Lindsey has generously devoted time and personal knowledge of her profession, sharing photographic expertise with peers through teaching. She has met the standards of excellence set by the PPA and was awarded the Craftsman degree in recognition of her service to the photographic profession as an orator and mentor. She was recently interviewed by the Belleville News Democrat in a two-page Q&A about her work.

Our family has always prized education highly and consequently Lindsey embraces the adage, "The truly educated never graduate." In keeping with that conviction, she continues to strive toward achievement and is already well on her way to a third degree in the field of electronic imaging.

Red Hot Valentine Gift!

A Diva Portrait is certainly more inventive than chocolates or flowers and definitely more exciting than a new tie.

Ladies, we're sure that the special man in your life has always had stars in his eyes for you -- but wouldn't you be thrilled to make them shine even brighter?

Gentlemen, there's no better way to flatter a woman than to let her know how attractive she is to you. This is your opportunity! Give that special lady a beautifully presented gift card entitling her to the fun and adventurous portraits you've both secretly wished for.

Give your gal, or guy, the perfect gift. Call the studio at (618) 288-6700 by February 14th to take advantage of this unique idea and get 50% off the creation fee. In honor of sweethearts everywhere, this is the only time of the year that we will make this offer!

Don't forget -- a portion of every creation fee will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

(All Divas must be at least 18 years of age.)