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Coraline | Evansville Baby Photographer

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 Posted in Babies, Families

It’s hard to believe, but Coraline is 9 months old already. It seems like just yesterday that Tyler and I were anxiously waiting at the hospital in the wee hours of the morning waiting for her arrival. Now, she’s sitting up on her own, eating solid foods and starting to crawl.

If you have ever seen Cora, you know just how gorgeous her eyes are.

Love this family…so, so much.

Nothing like time with mommy.Makes me emotional to know that I’ll be shooting her 1-year session next. As I’m finding out for myself, they grow up. So. Fast.

by Nicole

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The Four-Letter F-Word | Nicole Neff Photography

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 Posted in Babies, Personal, Photography

I have a problem with the four-letter F-word. No, not THAT F-word (I despise that one). The word I’m talking about is FEAR.

It’s a common problem with artists. You create. Then you hate. It’s a vicious cycle, one that never ends, really. I’ve struggled with it ever since I started picking up a camera, but it’s gotten worse over the past few months.

Last week on my Facebook page, I posted this:

Time for a bit of honesty on my part…I have a hard time blogging because I am self conscious. My imagery is an reflection of my heart and soul, and although I love the images I produce, I constantly compare myself to other photographers and am afraid I’m not good enough when compared to them. Whew! I feel better now. Any other creatives out there feel this way? And if so, what is your best advice to get over this?

I received so many sincere and heartfelt responses, many of which got me thinking. And praying. And some, even smiling.

I spend so much time worrying about comparing my work to others’ - wishing like I capture images like Photographer A, edit photos like Photographer B, had business pouring in like Photographer C - that I forget that it’s great to be ME. I have something unique and fabulous to offer.

It was then that something in me just *clicked.* If I never allow myself to fail, I never allow myself to grow. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn from the past – what works, what doesn’t, and how to get better. By giving in to fear, I am taking away the opportunity to become a better version of myself.

Today I came across this fabulous quote by Dale Carnegie:

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.

So there you have it folks. No longer will I allow fear to immobilize me. No longer will I allow it to define me. No longer will I give it power over my my business, my mind, my life.

Because what I create is beauty. My clients are beautiful. And beauty deserves to be seen.

Speaking of beauty…here is a photo of the most beautiful thing I’ve ever created.

by Nicole

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This is the Life

Saturday, January 7, 2012 Posted in Babies, Personal

Today was perfect. Slept in. Enjoyed some sunshine coming through the windows. Spent time with my family. And took some adorable photos of my little girl. I am the luckiest.

by Nicole

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Before there was you… | A note to my baby girl

Friday, December 30, 2011 Posted in Personal

Before there was you…

…I was not a morning person. I may still linger in bed after the alarm goes off, but now mornings are my favorite time of day. Because it’s when you smile the most.

…I didn’t know that having so much responsibility would bring so much freedom. Changing diapers, giving baths, feeding you, putting you in cute outfits, rocking you to sleep — they are all a part of my day that I look forward to.

…I would never be caught dead making silly faces, talking like a crazy woman or making kissy faces like it was going out of style. Now, I do all of those and more just to see that gummy grin.

…I never figured that the way you smell would be my favorite scent.

…I never had such a bond with people I barely know. I post something about you on Facebook – whether it’s a concern, cute photo or mommy question — and I have tons of other mommies giving me advice, reassurance or compliments. Being a mommy has blessed me with a network of other women who share the same life experience I do, and it feels so good to know I’m not alone in what I’m going through.

…I didn’t know how scary it would be to be responsible for the person you will become. Not just your well-being, but who you are. I want you to know the Lord in a deep and meaningful way. I want you to be kind, loving, secure, happy, content. I want you to know that you are smart, beautiful, talented, courageous, bold — all of this and more.

…I never imagined that all of your little features would be something that make my heart swell so big. Your eyelashes (so long, just like your daddy’s). Your tiny fingers (the way they grip mine). Your cheeks (they’re so squishable). Your lips (so kissable!). Your ears (they don’t match perfectly). Your nose (looks just like mine, poor girl). Your eyes (so big and blue).

…I never loved hearing someone sing so off-key. Your love for music warms my heart, and I’m sure it excites your daddy. He already has a drum set picked out for you.

…I had no idea that I could love so much. Since you, I have had more love in my heart for you and your daddy than I ever thought possible. And it just continues to grow. Each day, I think there’s no way I could love you more, and the next day I am proven wrong.

by Nicole

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