Dynamic Duo

Dynamic Duo
Makes Illinois History

The staff at Nichols Photography is celebrating again! Both Mike Nichols and his daughter, Lindsey, have earned a place in Illinois Professional Photography association history. Dad and daughter had a red-letter day at the recent Illinois annual print competition where both were named to the state's coveted "Top Ten." Robert Lloyd, Past President of Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois and Professional Photographers of America, confirmed that this is the first time in the 94 years since the founding of the membership that two generations have made it into the "Top Ten" simultaneously.

But this duo didn't stop there; each earned further individual honors as well. One of Mike's entries garnered third place in the state for Digital Imaging and Lindsey's work captured first place in the Commercial category. Additionally, she took home not one, but two Fuji Masterpiece Awards for high scoring images.

Mike says this "first" is significant for other reasons as well.

"We, of course, love being trend-setters among our professional peers, but strive to achieve it in our daily work as well. The fact that we've made a personal mark in history is gratifying. We feel a connection to history every day as we work here at Glenwood Manor because the building itself has a link to historical importance. As a dad, it's certainly been fun watching Lindsey's talents emerge over the years, but achieving this award together was the culmination of a father's dream."

Firsts are not entirely new to Lindsey. She was the youngest female on Illinois record to earn her Certification and Master of Photography degree. She feels that her abilities are probably a combination of nature and nuture.

"I've been around professional photography since I was two and was dubbed an annual convention brat. If you live it, you're bound to absorb it. I think genetics certainly may play a part in creativity. What's it like to work with my dad? Mostly, he has his areas of expertise and I have mine, but we've worked together on weddings for years and I think we're a pretty dynamic team."

Nichols Photography recently marked its twenty-fifth anniversary and, with the second generation going strong, the business is looking ahead at celebrating many more. They invite you to visit their full service studio at 3506 S. State Rt. 157 or drop by the website at www.nicholsphoto.com where you can browse their galleries and learn about the history of Glenwood Manor.

ARCH Homeschool

Recently, Mike welcomed an area school group to the studio. The ARCH Homeschool students were on a field trip investigating photography as a career. After a studio tour and informative presentation, Mike felt sure there were a few budding professionals in the crowd. The Nichols family has always placed a very high premium on education (the daughters will back us up on this point). The ARCH students were a pleasure to teach and we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them.

Our Five Cents Worth

Staff News
*Mike and Lindsey continue a busy teaching schedule of seminars on "digital weddings." They give back to their professional community by sharing their expertise with other pros nationwide.
*The annual international print competition for professional photographers has come to an end and we're celebrating here at the studio! All 3 of our talented shooters made quite an impression on the judges. Between them, a total of 10 art photographs will hang at the Imaging USA Exhibit in San Antonio, TX in January of 2007. Congrats to Mike, Lindsey, and Lori!
*We're getting published! Again! Mike's image Sleepy Harbor and Lindsey's image Deceptive Reverence were both accepted for publication in the prestigious international"Loan Book." In addition, Mike's image Baseball Ballet was accepted for publication in the "Photographer's Showcase Book." You can view these images by clicking on our Featured Galleries and Mike & Lindsey's respective Fine Art buttons.
*Friday, August 4th, - that's opening night for Lori's solo print exhibit at the Cairdeas coffee house in St. Louis, MO. Her eclectic collection of architectural, landscape, and nature images will remain on display through the month of August.

Helpful Hints for the "Sunday Shooter"
Digital outdoor shots - Make sure the sun is behind the shooter to illuminate the subject matter, otherwise your shot will be overexposed and look washed out. Make sure the sun is behind the subject if you want to create a silhouette.

Favorite Quote
"Photography records the gamut of feelings on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited. . . . " ~Edward Steichen

Georgia's Journal
An inexpensive kiddie pool is a great summer idea for your dog. Caution: No puppies allowed! Be sure that pets can use it without risk of drowning. You wouldn't leave your child alone around water, so don't leave your pet unattended either. Also, remember - paws are sensitive and hot pavement can cause burns. Walk pets on dirt or grass if possible.

Fine Arts Day

Recently, Mike and Lindsey were honored to accept an invitation to speak at two St. Louis schools on Fine Arts Day. Their multiple presentations and gallery exhibits were eagerly welcomed at Rohan Woods (pre-K through 6th gr.) and Beasley Elementary (K - 5th). Interacting with over 500 students proved to be inspirational. They are filled with the pure joy of life and contagious enthusiasm. Our photographers dazzled them with digital to receive thrilled responses of "oohs, aahs, gasps, and giggles," followed by a surprisingly challenging Q & A.

Our Five Cents Worth

Staff News
*March
Mike's entries in the state competition again placed him in Illinois' esteemed "Top Ten." More than 500 professionals competed for this distinction. Congrats to Mike!
*June
Lindsey traveled to Pere Marquette Lodge to participate in a week-long event for photographers of high school seniors.
*July
Mike's competition print, entitled Tranquil Harbor was chosen by the PPA for publication in their prestigious "Loan Book." This image is on Mike's Fine Art Prints page of our website.
*August
Once again, two of Lori's Photographic art pieces have been selected for exhibit at the St. Louis University Museum of Art. Stop by and view both, Urban Anatomy and Incandescent Angels.
*October
A "Super Monday" teaching seminar was again held at our studio and pro photographers from Ohio, Missouri, and far points across Illinois attended. Our two resident Master photographers, Mike and Lindsey, devoted the day to teaching and sharing their expertise with others in the profession.

Helpful Hints for the "Sunday Shooter"
"Camera shake" is caused by movement at slow shutter speeds. The shutter stays open longer to let in more light. The longer it's open, the more likely the image will blur due to the movement of the subject or the photographer's hand. Solutions: Faster shutter speeds, using a tripod, or a flash will all help.

Favorite Quote
"A powerful photograph can render a poet's adjectives pallid." ~ Brian Hamill

Georgia's Journal
The recent tragedy of Hurricane Katrina should serve as a reminder to all pet owners. Be responsible and be prepared. Formulate a disaster plan NOW for your companions.
1. Have a safe place to take your pets. Ideas: friends or relatives (outside the affected area), pet-friendly hotels / motels, boarding facilities, or vets.
2. Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit. Include: medicines & medical records, 1st aid kit, leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers, current photos of pets, food, potable water, bowls, can opener, litter/pan, information on feeding schedules, name & number of your vet.
3. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened up-to-date identification.

Collinsville Area Camera Club

Mike:
Thank you so much for judging our end-of-year competition. You are always so generous with your time and we appreciate it.
Pat Patsloff

Our Five Cents Worth

Staff News
*Three of Lori's photographic art pieces are now on exhibit at the St. Louis University Museum of Art. If you're looking for a great idea for a Sunday outing, this could be it! The museum is open every day, except Monday, with hours from 1-4 pm.

*Here at the studio we started off the New Year with a celebration like no other. Lindsey is now a Certified Professional Photographer and has attained her Master of Photography Degree. She traveled to New Orleans in January to receive her honors directly from Robert Lloyd, President of our national organization, the Professional Photographers of America. It was a gala event and Lindsey had the opportunity to trade information with professionals from all over the country and beyond -- Maryland, California, Pennsylvania, and even Ireland, just to name a few. She is the youngest female recorded in the State of Illinois to ever achieve this degree! CONGRATS LINDSEY!


Helpful Hints for the "Sunday Shooter"
Spring will be arriving soon and with it comes an inevitable increase in our candid outdoor family photos. Even though the sun is shining, use your flash to decrease a subject's eye-socket shadows. This will help avoid what is known in pro circles as "raccoon eyes."

Favorite Quote
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Pablo Picasso

Georgia's Journal
Fight pet over-population by having your pet spayed or neutered. Feb. 22nd is the 11th annual Spay Day USA. Check out the Doris Day Animal Foundation at www.ddaf.org

Our Five Cents Worth

Staff News

*June 12 - Mike and Lori "went the distance" when joining the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation "Race for the Cure" held in downtown St. Louis.

*June 13 - Lindsey traveled to Pere Marquette Lodge to participate in a week-long event for photojournalistic wedding photographers.

Helpful Hints for the "Sunday Shooter"
When taking a lens from air conditioning into outdoor heat - wait a few minutes before snapping that first photo. The lens will need some time to adjust to the change in temperature. If you get in a hurry, your photos will be "fogged."

Favorite Quote
"I long to have such a memorial of every being dear to me in the world. It is not merely the likeness which is precious in such cases - but the association and the sense of nearness involved in the thing . . . the fact of the very shadow of the person lying there fixed forever! . . . I would rather have such a memorial of one I dearly loved, than the noblest artist's work ever produced." ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning on photographic portraits

Georgia's Journal
Prevent dehydration. Make sure your pets get plenty of water through these hot summer months. Provide shade when they're outside and never leave them in a closed vehicle.

Our Five Cents Worth

Staff News
*April 5 - "Super Monday" was held at the studio. Students from Chicago and St. Louis came to learn the latest in digital weddings from Mike and Lindsey.
*April 14 - Mike spent the day in "lock up" raising funds for MDA.

Helpful Hints for the Sunday Shooter"
Use "sweet light" to your advantage. Outdoor shots taken 1 hr. after sunrise and 1 hr. before sunset will make the best use of natural light and nature's warm golden glow. This light is ideal for illuminating textures.

Favorite Quote
"The camera is an eye in the head of a poet." ~ Orson Welles

Georgia's Journal
My name is Georgia. I'm happy to say that a short time ago I got very lucky. The Nichols family rescued me from a Humane Society shelter. I'm hoping that many of you will also consider getting your next pet from a shelter. Lots of wonderful companion animals wait daily, hoping for a lucky break that will change their life.

Lori's Work Honored

Two of Lori's photographic art pieces were selected for exhibit at the St Louis City Museum's Art and Architecture show. City Sanctuary (taken in Phoenix, AZ) and Riverfront Renaissance hung amid the work of other talented artists.

Art for a Good Cause

Congrats to Lori! Her photographic art entries were accepted by the IN/FORM Gallery in St. Louis, and displayed at their "Heavy Petting Art Show." The evening was a big success. Art aficionados socialized as they perused great art that was designed using animal life as inspiration. Artwork was sold to the highest bidders in a silent auction and the proceeds donated to the Metro East Humane Society.

New Location!

After many years serving our clients at our residential gallery we were literally bursting at the seams. Our business has grown by leaps and bounds requiring expansion. On April 28th we turned the key and opened our new doors at Glenwood Manor in Glen Carbon, IL. The building is a piece of local history (read about it on the website www.nicholsphoto.com under the heading "general information"). We are privileged to number ourselves among those who have cared for it. Please come by and visit, step into a simpler era and relax, we'll be glad to show you around.

Nichols Photography -- Leading the Way

Collinsville Journal

February 9, 2000