Christmas Session booked! Now what?

The hard part is over. You have secured your Christmas Mini session! 2020 has been one for the books. Wouldn't you agree? Social distancing, hand sanitizer, school is cancelled, masks - forgetting your mask- and having to go home to get said mask. But you did it! You remembered to book your session! Whew!

But now comes the tricky part. Figuring out your "photo style". Life has been full of sweatpants and bra-less days! So believe me, I know how tricky this part is.

I am shooting my own family photos in September and it took me a minute to figure out the route I wanted to go. A good place to start is YOU. If I am going to be in the photo, I always start with myself. Because I want to hide my belly and my arms, while still looking cute and young. Without trying too hard. Totally doable haha.

So go on Pinterest and Instagram, peruse alllllll the family photos. See what you like and you don't like and start from there. I decided to go the Boho route for my session. So I found a tiered dress that I LOVE. It's a mustard yellow, floral print that is very Fall. I then went to my daughters and found their outfits based on mine, while keeping their personality in mind. Liv is very plain Jane, so I opted for a solid color and very little pizazz. Emme on the other hand gets the bold print and accessories!

<<<DO NOT BE AFRAID TO MIX PATTERNS>>>

Dad's tend to be the most difficult. They just don't get our vision. My husband always says to me "Why are you trying to make me look like Huck Finn?" He's not wrong. But let me tell you, if the people in your family are not comfortable, it will show. And does Matt look like Huck Finn in real life EVER? NO! So don't do it. Envision walking by your framed 11x14 and seeing you guys looking like J Crew models. Weird.

If you and your partner are not going to be in the photos, then your stress level should drop immediately.

Picking outfits for kids is my jam. Really anything goes. Layer sweaters and furry boots, vests and plaids, or wear some matching Christmas pajamas. You can walk into H&M, Gap, Abercrombie, Target etc and find one thing you love and branch off of that!

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Here is a Pinterest board that I made just for you!

https://www.pinterest.com/nik418/christmas-mini-clothing-tips/

Hopefully this helps.

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As a reminder, all balances are due now and payment can be sent to me at Nikki-Konchak on Venmo. You will receive a reminder email regarding your photo session 48 hours before. And as always please check your email and FB for weather issues, lighting issues prior to leaving for your session.

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And finally, don't forget your dog!

Love,

Nikki

Dear Future Nikki,

So 2020 was clearly NOT your year as a business owner. You went in with the very best intentions, like everyone else. Making resolutions to eat better, exercise more and really dominate your business. So far, you are a trash compactor when it comes to eating, you started walking more so maybe give yourself some credit for that one, and you CANNOT work. As your boy Olaf once said, " All good things, all good things." Cue the eyerolls.

But through all of this insanity, you realized what is important!! Being "stuck" at home isn't all that bad. You have a home. You have an awesome hubs, and your girls are the best. Not to mention, they sleep in every single day. You were are able to play board games and slow the F down!!! Before we were on lockdown, you were always complaining to Matt about driving the girls to all their sports/dance practices every week. On Wednesdays, you practically lived in your car. You wouldn't get home till 8:30pm and then you would start making dinner...complete insanity.

You always thought you would enjoy not working and laying on your ass. Turns out- that was a lie! Your job does not define you, but, like your family, enhances your life! Getting outside, meeting new people and using my camera is one of your most favorite things. Remember it feels good to put on real pants, a bra and conquer the day. It makes lounging around on rainy days, in sweats, watching SVU that much better.

So future Nikki, remember not to take anything for granted. Eat the nachos at dinner out with your friends. Enjoy the car rides with your kids. Keep bulk shopping at BJ's so when the next apocalypse stops by, you still have paper towels and tp.

Hope everyone is staying safe!

#FrontPorchSessions & so much more

Happy &$%!day! You caught me. I literally have no idea what day it is, when the last time I showered was or what my children are doing, but you know what?! We're okayyyy. I am enjoying sleeping in, not going to lie.

This morning was fun for me, I woke up and realized I have 4000 LIKES on my page now! That is SOOO huge! Thanks everyone for following along. This is a weird time and I have basically nothing new to post because you know.....I cant work, so please stay tuned for better content this Summer! Hello warm Summer nights on the beach. Enjoy these sweet photos to get your mind off Coronavirus.

I have a couple of announcements to make as well:

1) I was not offering Front Porch Sessions because everyone else was doing them and I was trying to keep my distance, but I have received 27 messages just last night, so I figured why not! I'm bored, I miss shooting and I can see some of my faves (from the sidewalk).

The peak COVID19 time is apparently right around Easter, so if you are interested in having me swing by, linger in my car and then take some adorable porch photos- hit me up! I have a few families on the books for this week and I will try to coordinate towns to certain days to make it easier. Although, I am hurting financially with this pandemic like so many small businesses, I will not be charging for these porch sessions. Rather, I am asking for you to donate to a local family in need or a local charity. Karma my friends, karma. There is always someone worse off than yourself.

2) I am offering 10% off all e-certificates purchased through the month of April. You can buy for yourself, you can buy for others- it is a savings for yourself and helps me stay afloat! Win-Win!! They can be purchased in any denomination and are sent directly to your email.

If you are not in a position to purchase a e-certificate, please know there are other fun ways to help the small business owners during this insane time. If you see a post, share it! Facebook has strange algorithms and it's hard to get a large audience to see your post. But the more people that share it, the more people see it! Or you can simply LIKE their post! That helps too! Did you see a post on IG or FB that you think your bestie would love? Tag them!

And finally- if you love me and my business- leave a kickass review!!

I miss you all!!