I'll be in California, more specifically L.A. and Malibu between July 28 and August 9 for two weddings.  I have a couple things planned, but I'd love to set up some more shoots while I'm there and am offering a special rate.  So, if you are thinking about an engagement, beloved, or family session please drop me a line at nicole@nicolepolkphotography.com with the subject CA portrait shoot.  Please spread the word!

I met Rachel through the contest I ran last summer and we instantly clicked.  Turns out we have a lot in common!  Though she and James are currently living in Santa Barbara, she grew up in my neck of the woods.  We swapped stories about both the Philly area, Santa Barbara (where my Dad lived for a bit), studying abroad, and even found out we have a mutual friend from our school days.  I was so excited to find out I'd be shooting her wedding to James after becoming fast friends with her.  I got to go out to Santa Barbara for a day on the tail end of my Vegas trip to shoot their engagement.  I was so happy to meet James and hearing his perspective of their meeting and engagement after hearing everything from Rachel.  Their pet tortoise, Morty, even came out for a cameo appearance!  Spending a day in Santa Barbara wasn't too shabby either.  A beautiful day with beautiful new friends :)

PS - Rachel rocks! She sent me a surprise gift over the holidays - a Smores Kit with a little hibachi burner!  Yum yum! 

Beloved.  So much said in one little word.  This word, beloved, has been a central part of my life for some time now in many forms and now I'm happy to finally introduce to you the latest forms it has taken place in my heart. 

The first is Beloved photography sessions.  This new genre of photography, inspired by my dear friend Jesh de Rox, is expounding upon my love of engagement sessions and growing with more purpose to strive for more genuine, moving images, discovering and rediscovering love.  It encompasses couples of every kind, in every stage of their relationship.  Please read more about the Beloved Session intent here. 

The second is the furthering of the Beloved Movement.  Inspired to have a central network for Beloved, my friend, Carolyn Wells, and I have founded a website, The Beloved Movement, to support and nurture the vision of Beloved for photographers and the general public.  I hope you will take some time to explore this new venture of mine that is so close to my heart. 

I'm currently looking for couples who are interested in celebrating their love with a Beloved session.  Please contact me here if your heart tells you too!  And what post is fun w/o images!  Here are some images of my Beloved session with Angie and Pete who have been married since 2005 and are a wonderful example of celebrating love just because  :)

I'm forever catching up on blogging, but in the meantime, here is a teaser from my session with Rachel and James and their beloved tortoise, Morty!  Such a scene stealer that Morty!  More to come this week!

Up next, part 2 from Sarah and Tom's engagement session shot at Bear Creek Mountain!  Before we got geared up for playing in the snow, we took some time to get some images in the parking lot of the resort.  I'm so glad we were able to make this winter session work!  With so much snow & rain this winter, and available days at the resort while still open, it was starting to look a little grim.  I can't imagine their session any other way now.  So looking forward to your September wedding!

Every time I meet with a couple and we talk about the engagement session, I always throw out little ideas I have - bowling, rides, snowboarding, etc.. for their session.  I got so excited when Sarah told me that she and Tom wanted to do their engagement session on skis!  Funny enough, we actually had too much snow for their originally scheduled date of the shoot.  The roads were an absolute mess and didn't think we could make it to the Poconos and back.  Luckily, these big winter storms left us with plenty of snow to play with later in the month.  We were able to get a beautiful day and some yummy post shoot waffles at the waffle hut on the mountain.  Nothing is yummier than fresh waffles out in the cool winter air. First up, Sarah and Tom on skis.  Tomorrow - Sarah and Tom in the parking lot.  Yeah, that's right, the parking lot.  It's good stuff, I promise ;)