Nichole Van Workshop | Denver Portrait Photographer

Posted on April 5, 2010

You should make photographs with your heart, mind, eye & soul. The capture device is simply there to allow you to transfer your vision to a medium that you can share with others.

- Bill Frakes

So as many of you know (and some of you don’t) I had the distinct pleasure of attending “Nichole Van’s Professional Photography Workshop”.  Let me start off saying “WOW!”.  In all honesty I am not sure I can fully express what a fantastic experience this was.  It was well worth the investment and I highly recommend it to any of my fellow photogs whom are looking for a great workshop.

Let me start off by saying that Nichole is not only an extremely gifted photographer, but her previous experience as a college professor gives her a unique advantage when it comes to teaching the content of her workshop.  She really is able to explain things in a way that makes them easy to follow and understand.  The workshop itself is extremely well organized and is full of fantastic content. She has thought of everything, is open and forthright based on her experience and it showed.  I personally came home with a wealth of information that I will now be able to apply in my own art and business.  Yes, Nichole has a very distinct style when it comes to photography but her workshop isn’t about her style; it is about learning the tools to assist you in being able to express your own creative vision. Leaving her workshop I actually felt like I was given numerous little gifts that will forever be in my photographic tool box.  For me this is what a great workshop should be.

Oh and a quick side note…. Nichole is hysterically funny!  I know many wouldn’t choose to mention that when reviewing a workshop but the girl had me laughing the whole time I was there and I appreciate  a great sense of humor.

So our shoot day was quite cold to say the least and I have to give a huge “THANK YOU” shout out to our fantastic (and gorgeous) models. These girls literally stood outside in the freezing temperatures for hours without complaining.  No matter how many times I offered them my coat or told them they could go in to warm up they gratefully refused and when on working to give us there best poses.  They were all a blast to work with and I would do it again in a heartbeat.  Also, a few of us were fortunate enough to coax Nichole’s beautiful daughter outside for a few shots. She was such a great sport and so patient with all of the cameras pointing at her. She is quite the little lady and gracious to boot.

So without overloading you blog stalkers out there I wanted to show a few (ok more than a few) of my shots from the workshop.

Thank you so much Nichole , Dave, their families, the models and my fabulous fellow workshop attendees for making this workshop so much fun!  It really was worth the money and time I invested to attend and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.  ;)

Oh and for those of you who just read my review whom are thinking, “Wow, I need to attend one of Nichole’s workshops”; you can find them here

Nichole’s Amazing Workshops (my verbiage of course)

Feeling inspired and looking to have some fun | Colorado family photographer

Posted on September 14, 2009

Hello to all of you blog stalkers out there. I apologize for not being very active the last couple of weeks. As I mentioned in my earlier post I have been participating in the most amazing photographic workshop taught by the fantastically talented and generous Marta Locklear. I cannot rave enough about Marta’s workshop. I wish I could put into words how impacted I have been after taking this workshop. I can honestly say that I have grown immensely as an artist over the last three weeks and I am so excited to share it with all of you in the images I create in the future.

To my fellow photographers I highly recommend Marta’s workshop. I know there are many workshop offerings out there but Marta’s goes above and beyond. You will not be disappointed. To my clients, I am so excited to create artistically beautiful images you and your family can cherish for a lifetime.

Over the next couple of days I am going to be “playing” with my camera and just “creating”. Thank you for tagging along with me on this journey. Without further ado here are some of my experiments over the last couple of weeks.

Always growing as an artist | Colorado family photographer

Posted on August 25, 2009

As an artist there is always room for improvement and growth. You must continuously work on your craft so you can remain inspired. Well over the next 3 weeks I am fortunate enough to be taking part in a fabulous creative workshop with a photographer I greatly admire. I cannot begin to express how excited am about this opportunity. As part of this workshop I will be challenged with several different assignments and some of them I will be posting on here. I share them with you because I believe it is such a honor to be asked to photograph your families and because you share your special moments with me it is only fair that I share my moments with you; both as a mom and an artist.

Our first assignment was one which most photographers dread; “The Self portrait” (Da da da…… do you hear the haunting music?). At first just the thought of it made my stomach do flip flops. I hate being in front of my lens. In fact, I think that is one of my traits that makes me such a great photographer; I understand that others feel the same way too so I work at helping them to feel comfortable and relaxed in front of my lens. Well I have to admit it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, after I began snapping the images the artist in me took over and my self conscious self took a hike. In the end it turned out to be a lot of fun!

So without further ado I present me without a camera attached to my face.

I am so excited, flattered and humbled. |Colorado Photographer|

Posted on August 3, 2009

As some of you know I participated in Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk in beautiful Evergreen, CO  a  couple of weeks ago and had the time of my life. There were so many amazing photographers there and they were so very nice and welcoming. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my wedding annivesary.

Well after the walk everyone whom attended was able to submit two photographs from the walk for entry into the local contest; one image would then be chosen represent their local walk in the International competition.  Well today I was notified that my image “The Water Dancer” had been chosen!!! There were so many amazing images submitted and I was humbled to see be in a pool with so many talented photographers; to have my image recognized is overwhelming and exciting all at once.  This means I have to ask you all for your good luck vibes. They will announce the winners of the international contest on August 17th.

I just want to thank Katy the Evergreen Photo walk leader/judge and all the other participants for the honor and for allowing me to be part of such an amazing group of fellow photographers. I really am honored.

The Water Dancer

One of my new favorite locations } Denver Family Photographer

Posted on June 18, 2009

Recently I have been stumbling across these fantastic photo locations; this is just one of them. After spending the day at our local train museum I have decided to offer a photo package that includes entrance into the train museum. How fun would it be to get some fantastic photos and then get to play afterward in such a fabulous place? I really want to offer my clients a unique experience and I think that this is it

A Cake Facial } Denver Family Photographer

Posted on June 5, 2009

Who would have thought that cake could be so good for the complexion? Perhaps, my little guy has stumbled on a marvelous beauty secret.

I just had to post these outtakes from our earlier cake smash because I love them! I hope you enjoy them as well.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Boy } Denver Family Photographer

Posted on June 2, 2009

Today my youngest is turning 2. Time really does move by too quickly. I really cannot believe what a big boy he is now. Even though we aren’t having a big birthday celebration for him we couldn’t let the day go by without a little bit of fun. Yesterday we let Roman have his way with a mini birthday cake. Needless to say it was quite messing but so worth it. He had a great time, enjoyed his cake, made a huge mess and I got some wonderful shots.

*Hint to those mothers out there that want to try this with their little ones; have a bath ready and waiting.*

Adorable Baby Holden } Denver Family Photographer

Posted on May 27, 2009

I had the extreme pleasure of spending the afternoon with Holden and his wonderful mommy at the zoo. What fun place to have a shoot. We had a great time! Holden is a bundle of personality and he was so much fun to photograph. It really was such an honor to capture him because he really is the midst of discovering the big exciting world he lives in. Thanks again guys, it was so much fun! You are both truly special!

Welcome to my new blog! }Denver Family Photography

Posted on May 18, 2009

I am so excited to present my new photography blog. This is going to be a great place to share parts of myself and my love for photography, as well as give my clients a sneak peek at their images.

Thank you all for your continued support and guidance, I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people whom have helped me on this artistic journey!