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