First Birthday Cake Smash | Jackson, Michigan Child Photographer

I don't typically do cake smash sessions... not because I'm against them, but I just haven't thought about offering them.   My daughter just turned one (where does time go??) and we decided to do a quick little cake smash with her.  It was so cute to see her try to eat her little cake.   This will definitely be an option for clients doing 1-year sessions from now on.  SO FUN!

Matilda Jane Mini Sessions: Part 1 | Jackson, Michigan Child Photographer

It's no secret... I've fallen head over heels in love with Matilda Jane Clothing.  90% of the time Amelia is wearing at least one piece of Matilda Jane.  You can't beat the quality and comfort- and originality!   I hosted my first trunk show in February and offered those who shopped at my trunk show a free mini session for their daughters in their new Matilda Jane Clothing.  The mini sessions were SO fun!  

If you're unfamiliar with Matilda Jane and want more info on purchasing, let me know!  Send me an email- I'm hosting another trunk show in May (the 16th) and I'd love to help you shop!

So... here are a few of the cuties I photographed last week:

Summer Schedule (attn if you need a weekend session!)

Surprisingly (and fortunately!) my summer calendar is booking up already.  AND I've already had inquiries about fall sessions.  WOOT WOOT!   Getting super excited for the busy summer season.

I forced myself to sit down the other day and block off some weekends for my family, so that I'm not working/traveling to sessions every weekend this summer.   This means I'm going to have limited weekend availability throughout the summer, so if you absolutely need a weekend date- the sooner you book the better. 

During the week, however, my schedule remains flexible.  

So.... tentatively here are the weekends I am booking sessions:

May 25/26 (both days still available)

June 1/2 (Sunday booked)

June 15/16 

June 22/23 

July 6/7 (Saturday booked)

July 20/21 (Saturday booked)

August: (dates pending)

It's never too early to book your session... summer or fall!   

I am also opening my winter 2013-2014 calendar up for newborns.   December I will ONLY be taking newborn session.   

For more session information email me at nicole@nbarczak.com .   Don't forget to check out the website as well: www.nbarczak.com and "LIKE" me on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/nbarczakphotography .  

Holden Beach, North Carolina Family Session | Nicole Barczak Photography

While on vacation, I met up with Jaime and her family to do a family session.  Let me just say- I could live at the beach.  All the time.   To be honest with you, the week was chilly.   I don't think the weather was above 63* all week.   This day in particular was really chilly- in the 50's.  But, the sky was gorgeous and so was the family, so really what more do we need?   They were SO FUN!   I was so anxious to get home and get them into Photoshop so I could play around with them.   Be prepared:  I will be sharing many more!  

I am going to be scheduling some Michigan faux-ocean Beach Sessions (aka: Lake Michigan HAH!) this summer, and later this fall.  Would anyone be interested?  

Snowflakes and Purple Balloons | Jackson Michigan Child and Family Photographer

Super quick session with this awesome family tonight.  Little George has curls to die for, and was such a trooper in the cold.  He didn't last long, but it was long enough to get some great images.  I was excited when Kate told me they were wearing pops of purple, so I stopped by the Ballooney Bin and picked up a bunch of purple balloons.   George lost interest after the wind blew them into him one too many times, but they were perfect while they lasted!

Stepping into the frame

I've said it before.... as the photographer of our family I am rarely in our images.   And sadly, our last "family picture" was nearly 2 years ago!  How awful is that!?  (You know, the cobblers children have no shoes....).  

For spring break we are having an official family session on the beach in North Carolina.  And can I be completely honest for a minute?  I've contemplated canceling this session about a dozen times.  

Do you want to know why?

Because I'm insecure.  I'm insecure with how *I* look and how *I* will be portrayed in these images.   How ridiculous is that?!   After having Amelia last April, I've been unmotivated to exercise and lose the rest of the "baby weight", and so now I'm facing this session with an extra 20-30lbs than I normally am.  This gives me anxiety.  I'm terrified of seeing the final product- of seeing MYSELF.

I know I'm not the only one.

I came across this post on another photographers blog and realized... it is time.  It is time for me to shove that insecurity aside and step into the frame.  Because you know what.... in 10, 15, 20 years... I'm going to be so thankful that I did.  I will look back on those images of us as a family, of ME with my children, and my heart will be full and happy regardless of what my body looked like on the outside.

Are you ready to step into the frame?  Are you ready to be photographed with your children?   Check out the Mommy and Me sessions this spring.

The Birth of Jake Anthony | Jackson, Michigan Birth Photographer

"Shooting a birth is like getting an inquiry from a bride saying that she wants you to come photograph her wedding, but isn't going to set a date. She'll just call you whenever. And when you ask her how many hours of coverage she would like, she says she's not sure, probably around 24, but maybe only 2. And you ask her when she'd like for you to start coverage and she says she wont know, but probably around 2am. And also, that she doesnt want any use of flash. So when you ask her if there will be bountiful natural light she says that she'll be getting married in a dark closet with no light whatsoever. And, she's going to want the images right away to send out announcements. AND you're not going to be able to use them anywhere on your website or blog because she wants to keep her privacy intact. We'd all be quoting this bride $50,000.00." --Lexia Frank


I saw this quote on Facebook from a WPPI speaker and amazing photographer, Lexia Frank.   How true is that?   Birth photography is definitely an investment, both for the client and for the photographer (in time and talent!).  The timeline is non-existent.  The lighting conditions are harsh.  The hours are unpredictable.  Clients who choose birth photography value this moment as they valued their wedding.  It is a once in a lifetime event- something that will never, ever be relived except through images.   And why not have the best possible images to relive the event?    


Jake Anthony | Nicole Barczak Birth Photography from Nicole Barczak on Vimeo.

For more information about birth photography, please contact Nicole at nicole@nbarczak.com.   FAQ and common birth photography information is also available on the website www.nbarczak.com.

Nicole Barczak Photography is a birth photographer in Jackson at Allegiance Health and in Ann Arbor at Motts U of M.  She is available for photographing hospital births, home births, at birthing centers, natural deliveries and c-sections.