Last year when I offered my Holiday mini sessions I had an epiphany!! My holiday cards were GORGEOUS but my announcement cards were...meh! So, I spent some time over the holidays redesigning and revamping the selection I offer. They will all now be premium foil (gold, silver and rose gold options) flat cards that will most certainly stand out! Next time you're in the studio, check them out!!  (* all identities have been changed *)

There is so much more to Nicola Jane Photography than I ever imagined when I first opened my doors in 2014! Running a small business is very time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming, but definitely worth the effort!  Over the years I have tried and failed at many different things, but along the way I have learnt SO much. One of the most important lessons was to reach out to people not only for help, but to help other people! We small businesses must stick together and help one another in order to survive! So my plan this year is to meet people, sample their products and services, and then bring those people to you! Together, maybe we can keep some small businesses alive! 

Please first welcome Bundled Joy Baby Gifts! I first met the owner of this small business last year, and over coffee she wowed me with her 'why'. The reason why she started this company was to be able to raise money to help fight childhood cancer! I mean.. wow!! EVERY sale she makes, 30% of the profit goes to a children's hospital of her choice for childhood cancer research!
But then, I took a look at her products which were just adorable and so I asked her how I could help. Long story short, I now have a shelf in my studio with her products for you to purchase (at  a special NJP price!!).

I carry a selection of carseat/nursing covers (I really wish these were a thing when I had my babies!), and baby/toddler blankets. You can buy everything but the fox..... the fox is mine!!! (It's sooo cute!)

So anyway... you came here for a giveaway!! Well, Dr. Chen (owner of Bundled Joy!) generously donated a gift basket for one of my lucky followers to win! Whether you want this for your own little one, or could gift this to someone you know, all you have to do it leave a comment below. That's it! 

On January 31st I will randomly pick one lucky winner. So please, comment and share this post (you will receive one extra entry for your share!) but most of all, go visit the website and see what other fabulous products she offers (I may have done a little shopping there myself!) 

Happy Saturday!! 

​~ Nickie
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What's new in 2020?
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When a new year arrives, it natural for us all to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. 

Last year I had a fantastic year! My main goal was to be able to put some money aside to take my family on holiday. Thanks to your support, I was able to take a break and take my boys to California for Fall break!! It was their first time at the beach and I treasured every moment. 

Last year was a good year for giving back too. I love to support local schools and was able to donate sessions and packages to a handful of schools in my area. In addition to that, I had a wonderful time at the puppy mini sessions, raising money and awareness to 'Hope for Paws Colorado'.

This year, I would like to do MORE, so if you have a charity or organization that you would like to raise funds for, contact me and let's work together! ​

Stay in school!!​
Last year the stars aligned and MY favorite photographer came to Colorado to give a workshop. Well come on...how could I not go?! It was magnificent to be in the company of some amazing newborn photographers and to learn some more tips from one of the best in the business!! Here are some of the images from that day (posing by Amy McDaniel of Dewdrops photography, edits by Nicola Jane Photography):

Goals for 2020
The biggest challenge for me over the past couple of years has been keeping on top of managing the business and delivering galleries in a timely manner whilst being a one-girl-show! There is a LOT to do behind the scenes, and I am slowly figuring out how to make things go a little smoother. Last year, I spent a great deal of time figuring out different systems to make communications, bookings and payments more automated and this has helped considerably! However, there are certain things like editing that there is no short cut for and I'm a perfectionist when it comes to this!! So my main goal for this year is to continue with tightening things up, to allow me more time for editing and get your galleries to you faster! Pinky promise! 

I have big dreams again for NJP this year, and I am truly grateful for all the support and referrals I get! I LOVE my job! I get to cuddle tiny babies and capture the precious moments in your lives! Thank you for letting me do what I love! I hope you have the most amazing year and that you get to find happiness in all your days too. Here's to a great year! 
​~ Nickie

Education really is SO important and when an opportunity crosses your path you should take it!! 

Last week, I have the amazing opportunity to learn from MY favorite newborn photographer, Amy McDaniel from Dewdrops photography. She flew in from Georgia to give a workshop to six lucky ladies and I was honored to be there! I'll admit, I was kind of a crazy fan girl!! :) 

We photographed four beautiful babies and went through at many poses as they would let us! It was magical. I truly do LOVE my job, and I will never stop learning and striving to be better. 

Here are some of my favorite images from the day! Thank you Amy for being a patient and open teacher! * Styling and posing by Amy, image and edit by me! *

Come and take a look each week to see what my Tuesday Tip is!! It might be something profound, or funny, maybe something business related or perhaps something personal... Let's have some fun with this and feel free to join in and start a conversation!! 

Here's my first tip.....how to dress for Fall family pictures!! Ugh! I know! I have my OWN family pictures coming up (gotta practice what you preach!) and my family are a nightmare! My best advice... dress the most difficult family member first (my eldest son!), and co-ordinate everyone else from there! Follow this link for more great advice! 

I want to thank everyone who came out this year for the Mommy & Me mini sessions! I truly enjoyed these sessions as they mean so much to me. As a mom, I know that molding my little people into respectable human beings is a hard and thankless job! But we do it because we ADORE their sweet little faces, stinky little toes and melt-your-heart giggles. Yet, we often forget to get in front of the camera and share in the fun WITH them! I want my kids to look back and see that I was present in their lives and that I did actually enjoy being around them! Happy Mother's Day to all you WONDERFUL mommas out there! ~ Nickie

This summer has been a busy one and I have been blessed to photograph so many little people and their big people! For instance, the Kreiter family! Working with this beautiful couple took me back in time to when I was pregnant with my first baby. There is just something so magical and awesome (in the truest sense!) to be bringing a little person into the world. From being two people who love each other, to stepping into the role of 'parents'. It's amazing and scary, but these two did it so beautifully! Meet the Kreiter Family ~ Meghan, Casey and Landen. Thank you for choosing me to capture this special time. x

Sales sessions are the ugly but necessary side of Nicola Jane Photography! While I would much rather spend all my time with my little clients and create beautiful pictures for their big people, each month I keep getting these annoying bills that I have to pay! Yes, NJP is a business! Gosh darn it! This is not my favorite part of the 'job'! Over the years I have tried several different approaches with pricing all the while trying to keep you, my amazing clients, in mind! Because, let's be honest, if you're not happy, then NJP cannot exist (*insert very sad, pouty face here!*), but if I cannot pay those pesky bills, then NJP also cannot exist! What a pickle!