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!

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  :)

...in Park City, Utah!  The office will be closed until I return on January 4th.  I hope everyone has a happy new year and all phone calls and emails will be returned when I'm back from vacation.  Check out one of the resorts we will be visiting.  Think snow!

I have been so blessed in my life with good health, wonderful friends & family, a job I love, and the ability to have fun seeing a bit of the world and generally doing what I want to do.  Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky as I have been.  I've been involved in a couple programs throughout the years that have given me the opportunity to give back through my photography.  This year, I wanted to do a little more, something special for the holiday season. 

That's why for this Holiday Season I am teaming up with my friends and fellow photographers Cindy Guessford of Cindy Guessford Photography and Mark Gardner of Mark Gardner Photography for our Make A Wish Portrait Promo!!!

Help Make a difference for a child in the Philadelphia/Susquehanna Valley area.

The Deal.... For the First 8 clients to contact either one of us and book a portrait/holiday/Baby /any reason session at the reduced rate of $250 you get ::::::Drum Roll ::::::

• $250 includes - Session Fee
• travel within the Greater Philadelphia Area and some parts of De, NJ
• your names added to the list of donors
• DVD of 25 high res images - with a usage release (use for gifts,holiday cards etc..)
• online proofing and hosting for 90 days
• 100% of the cost will be donated directly to The Make A Wish Foundation- Philadelphia/Susquehanna Valley Chapter
• you may get one, two or even all 3 of us depending on availability
  

That's right folks!  100 percent donation baby!  I've done a ton of research on charities and I'm happy to say that this chapter of the Make a Wish foundation has received a 4 star ranking which is the highest that you can receive and they are among only 5% of the charities rated to receive this rating for 5 consecutive years.  The rating means a lot to me because it confirms that the charity exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause.  A large portion of the funds collected actually go towards the cause they represent and that is huge! 

So contact us now to book your session - limited availability

I'm so pleased to announce that I have picked a winner for the wedding photography contest!  Britt + Mike with their LA wedding!  This whole process has been fun for me, getting to know these couples through their entries and mood boards.  The final decision was tough as I was falling in love with each one, but I picked one true to the contest parameters for sure!  Now, for some yummy details!

Britt works on the show "Psych" and Mike is a Special Ed Math teacher at inner city schools.  Both have a passion for what they do and have infused their passion for life into their wedding plans.  They are getting married at a great indoor/outddor venue Box Eight Studios in LA.  One of the things that struck me about this venue, besides the cool factor, is that it's owned and operated by a collective of artists and the rental money goes to funding their artistic endeavors!  For other wedding details - think mismatched bridesmaid dresses & groomsmen attire, lanterns, mason jars, Kogi BBQ truck, homemade beer, electric guitar, etc....  I know I'm pumped!  Can't wait for your wedding next year Britt & Mike!  Oh, and check out Britt's own bridal blog The Bowie Bride!

Here is a pic Britt sent me of her and Mike!

Please join me at life (as an artform) - Philly !  I'll be hosting my friend Jesh de Rox's workshop on October 13-15th.  I can say from first hand experience how amazing this workshop is.  If you don't want to take my word for it, check out what some other recent attendees had to say: