Atlanta Fashion Photographer, Portrait Photographer, Atlanta Georgia

Wanting to be a part of a creative community of artists is something that Karen talked about in this blog after her trip to California and her visit with Jesh De Rox. This kind of artistic alliance can provide fertile ground for inspiration as well as access to new perspectives.

The wedding photographers at Simply Bloom Photography made a great step in that direction when they offered a photography workshop in Huntsville Alabama and invited many different professional photographers, including Karen, to attend. Their intent was to stage a “Not Wedding” and give wedding and portrait photographers a chance to see how Simply Bloom does what they do and also provide an opportunity for these artists to play around with set-ups, accessories and locations while trading tips and advice. “Not Weddings” are a popular photography training tool, you can see pictures of a different one here.

When she arrived in Huntsville Alabama, Karen got to photograph a simple yet romantic “Not Wedding” staged by Stephanie Drake of Proper Measures in Birmingham Alabama. Samantha Francis, a season eight contestant on America’s Top Model, and handsome professional model Steven James Stanek who acted as bride and groom. Perhaps these two took away a couple of wedding ideas since they’re actually dating each other in real life.

Samantha’s grace and swan-like beauty were showcased in two sublime lace wedding gowns contributed by Ivory and White Bridal Boutique, also of Birmingham Alabama. Karen especially loved the little 1960’s inspired mini dress that showed off Samantha’s legs and the fern hair accessory that hair and makeup artist Erin Smith chose to finish the look. As with so many things in life, the loveliness is in the details.

The heavy rain clouds and intermittent sprinkles didn’t slow anyone down and Samantha and Steven were good-natured troopers through all of it. Karen felt she got a great opportunity to mingle with other professional photographers and contribute her own photographic experience to a unique workshop.

As an added bonus, Stephanie Drake provided cupcakes to sweeten the day and we all know how Karen feels about cupcakes!

If you are interested in a beloved couples session, please contact me at karen@karennickelphotography.com or call me at 678.773.2562. I’d love to hear from you!

A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness.
-John Keats

Model: Samantha Francis

This summer I am teaching my son, North, how to photograph and edit images.

My friend and fellow photographer, Marisa Rodriguez, owner of Zuri Images, set up a ‘Not’ wedding with some friends because she is training two guys (Sean and Jake) to photograph weddings. We wanted to show these kids different sides of photography. Marisa is a more traditional photographer and me, well, I am not traditional at all, so we thought it would be perfect.

Marisa set up traditional posed group shots, I did my thing and then Sean, Jake, and North would be able to see what they liked best. And then they’d have the chance to set up their owns shots.

We gave then guidance when needed and encouraged them for a job well done. We did the same with a couples session, which was hands down, my favorite.

North did an amazing job! He paid close attention, took charge, joked with the group, and really did an awesome job. So proud

Oh yes, Sean and Jake did well too.  I am going to share with you a few of North’s best shots. Thank you Seth and Ashley. You were great!

Karen Nickel Photography…Would love to hear from you! 678.773.2562