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.

Mommy and Me Mini Sessions

Mommy and Me Mini sessions make great Mother's Day gifts for the special Mom (or Grandma!) in your life.  And the images from these sessions make great gifts as well! 

Saturday, April 27 
(rain date will be Sunday April 28)
4:30:  BOOKED
5:00: BOOKED
5:30: BOOKED
6:00


Option 1:  $75
-20 minute session
-8 images presented in a private online gallery
(On location in Jackson. Location to be determined.)

Option 2: $250
-20 minute session
-8 digital files delivered electronically with rights to reprint. 
(On location in Jackson.  Location to be determined)

Sessions will be first come, first serve. Limited spots are available, and a wait list will be created once initial spots are booked. 

Session fee is non-refundable and can only be rescheduled to another mini-session time/date.  

Sessions will be booked back to back.  If you are late, you will only have your remaining time to complete your session.  

To schedule your session contact me at nicole@nbarczak.com

Mommy and Me Sessions!

It's just about that time!  Last year I was unable to offer Mommy & Me sessions as I had just delivered sweet baby girl, Amelia.  I'm so excited to do these again.  As a mom, I know I'm RARELY in pictures... and the ones I am in?  They're selfies...aka... hold your arm out, "c'mon kids- squiiiish in! EVERYONE LOOK!" and the angles are awful, unflattering and rarely is everyone in the frame as well as looking cute.  This is YOUR time, Moms!   Put yourself first... treat yourself.  Mommy & Me sessions make GREAT Mother's Day gifts, and feel free to bring along YOUR mom as well for a multi-generation session!

I have decided to put together a monthly mailing list for those who are afraid of missing updates via Facebook or email.  I will never share your email nor will I spam you a ridiculous amount of times a month.  I'm thinking possibly 2 times a month "newsletter" type email.   If you're interested in signing up, it is super easy. The form is ----> HERE.  

Winter Beauties | Jackson, Michigan Family Photographer

I literally JUST got my kids in bed and had to sit down to edit a sneak peek from this session.   I was SO excited when Mandy was up for a winter session and even more excited when I met them and they are literally the cutest little family!  Their little girlies... SO sweet.  Miss Charlotte just talked my ear off- love it!!

Because a sweet mama picture is near and dear to my heart, this (err... these ones) stood out to me first. As a mama myself, I am not often in pictures with my kiddos as I'm usually behind the lens.

The Ragans | Auburn Hills Child Photographer

This one cracks me up.  I was attempting a shot of Miss Ella but... Matthew stuck is stinky head in the way.  These kids were a RIOT.  Such a fun session!

Happy Mother's Day! (more from the Mommy and Me Mini Sessions!)

Mommy and Me Mini Session #4

Mommy and Me Mini Session #3

Are these not the 4 most beautiful girls ever?  These poor little ladies were a bit chilly during their session but you wouldn't know it by looking at them would you?  I last saw them about a year ago and boy have they grown!  

Mommy and Me Mini Session #2

 Andrew is another little guy I've photographed before.  It has been juuust about 4 years since I last saw him so obviously he's changed A LOT!  I'm super excited to meet his little brother (whom he has dubbed "Hawk") this summer as well!

Mommy and Me Mini Session #1

It is so exciting for me to continue to watch my clients' children grow up in front of my lens.  I have been photographing this family for just about 4 years... since Caitlin was 2.5 and Gavin was 4 months. And I saw them again last year when Miss Emma was born.  I was so excited to get to photograph yet another stage in their life! 

Mommy and Me Minis

They're back again!  Mommy and Me Mini Sessions with the unique Jane Dawson Design "Mommy Necklaces".   Mommy and Me Mini sessions make great Mother's Day gifts for the special Mom (or Grandma!) in your life.  And the images from these sessions make great gifts as well!

If you missed out on last year's mini sessions, or you kept telling yourself "when I...." or "if I....".... just STOP. The time is now, the moment is now.  I'm guilty of this myself... "when I lose weight"... "when my kids behave a little better...."  But the reality is that this is life.  This is life as it is now and it is meant to be captured.  Don't miss out this year.  I promise, in the end you won't regret it!

Mommy and Me Mini Session:  $100
-20 minute session
-Jane Dawson Design Necklace (see necklace options below)
-5-10 images presented in a private online gallery
(On location in Jackson. Location to be determined.)

When: 
Saturday, April 23 (4 sessions available)
rain date will be Saturday April 30
9:00am:
9:30am (booked: AB)
10:00am  (booked: BS)
10:30am (booked: CS)

Sunday, May 1st (4 sessions available)
rain date will be Saturday May 7th

5:00pm (reserved: MB)

5:30pm (reserved: JD)

6:00pm:

6:30pm (booked: RV)

Session fee is non-refundable and can only be rescheduled to another mini-session time/date.  Sessions will be booked back to back.  If you are late, you will only have your remaining time to complete your session.  To schedule your session contact me at nicole@nbarczak.com


Love You Necklace (includes TWO name charms + i love you.  additional charms $15)


Love You 2 (includes TWO name charms, gem + i love you.  additional charms $15)


Multiple Blessings (includes TWO or THREE name charms. additional charms $10)






















Tiny Tag necklace (includes TWO charms.  additional charms $10)

Joe-Joe and his Mama │ Jackson Michigan Child Photographer

What a little character!  Joe-Joe had me completely cracking up with his little toddler antics.   He reminded me of a mini-teenager when he talked- he had so much expression!  It was absolutely adorable.  He and his mama blew bubbles, took a little walk, threw sticks and caught a frog.... which Joe-Joe said was TOOOO wet!  

Joe-Joe's session is one of the many Mommy and Me sessions that have been booked.... what pricesless moments he and his mama will have to look back on!