Nina Parker Photography-Wedding, Family, Pet Photographer in Atlanta, GA

Duck.....Duck......DOG! {Atlanta Pet Photographer}

2012-01-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

After more than our fair show of rainy days, Atlanta finally emerged this week soggy and in need of some sunshine. A warm and bright day at Piedmont Park with some new friends was exactly the right option. Aside from the rain and gloom, I've been up to my eyeballs with work prepping for The Bridal Extravaganza this weekend. So I figured a break from all things bridal would do me good and help me return to the task with renewed energy!

I met up with Hawk and his human Jeff at Piedmont Park for a mini lifestyle session. Our first stop was the dock. As soon as we got close I asked if Hawk liked ducks, and Jeff said he wasn't sure since he'd probably never seen one before. It seems that Hawk isn't much for aquatic activities, not being a fan of water. So, nothing to worry about.

Here are Hawk's very intense observation skills being demonstrated. The ducks seemed unperturbed.

What a happy boy! He was THRILLED to be outside in the sun.

So much to see and sniff.....so little time.

If you suspect that you know what happens next.......you're probably right. One minute Hawk seemed happy stretching his legs, running down the dock between Jeff and I, and the next moment he simply crouched and dove into the water. It was one of those moments where you see what's happening in slow motion and are unable to move fast enough. We were SO surprised that I think we both froze for a moment. Jeff dropped his cell phone and I nearly dropped the camera as scrambled to pull a frantically dog-paddling Hawk up out of the water. Let's just say the couple on the bench nearby got a quite a show and seemed to thoroughly enjoy watching the whole thing. Maybe Hawk surprised himself, too. NOT a water dog, huh?

So, an air-dry session disguised as a walk was definitely in order. We cruised around Piedmont for a bit before finding some stairs and a view of the Midtown skyline.

Always on the lookout for the S-Q-U-I-R-R-E-L-S. Because, ya know, a dog can never be too watchfu.

These guys definitely have a very strong bond. Hawk was a rescue and it always seems to me that these dogs know that and have a little extra bit of love and appreciation to show their humans.

Thanks Hawk and Jeff for a fun session. I hope you enjoy your images!

Holly and Kevin - Christmas Wedding

2012-01-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

Despite some unseasonably mild temperatures for December, everyone was in a very festive mood for the exquisite Christmas wedding of Holly and Kevin. After hair and makeup and girl time at the hotel we headed to Glenn UMC on the campus of Emory, where Holly donned her gown and prepared for her wedding day. It was an absolutely lovely ceremony, and a real pleasure to celebrate with Holly and Kevin and their families.

The bride and her groom chose to see one another prior to the ceremony, having a private and emotional "First Look" inside the exquisite Little Chapel.

Holly and her mother share a moment together downstairs shortly before the ceremony.

Holly.....seriously. Gorgeous!

After leaving in a flurry of shiny bubbles they took a quick drive before returning to the church to sign their wedding covenant and taking portraits. Check out Kevin....that's a man excited to be married!

I loved both the bride's and groom's cakes: Holly's was lovely and Kevin's....very original!

These last two images are very special--it was this part of the event that nearly brought me to tears behind the camera. Kevin's brother is serving our country overseas and could not be at the wedding. At several key points during the day he was able to connect via video connection on a laptop and be part of the celebration. This is Kevin and his mother having their dance, with the honorary best man looking on long distance from where he's deployed.

It's just another reminder of the very real sacrifices made by our service people. Hopefully Kevin's brother will be home soon with their family. Congratulations, Holly and Kevin.

Joy's Bridal Session - Country Chic {Marietta Wedding Photographer}

2012-01-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

Ms. Joy knows how to work a pair of boots and a cowboy hat, without a doubt. Seriously, not just anyone can sashay around a charming square, posing flawlessly, charming passers-by who stopped to watch, all the while wearing a strapless dress outside in December. Granted, it was unusually warm and sunny, but still, I maintain that Joy is an above average subject.

Bridal "After the Wedding" Session with Toni and Gage

2012-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

For many couples the wedding day itself is often a blur, albeit a joyful blur, of emotion and joyful moments, sometimes with a tight schedule. For that reason, and the desire to have unique, relaxed, or sometimes more fashion forward images, many couples are utilizing bridal sessions before or after their wedding. These sessions can be very personalized and range from classic portraits of the bride alone or dramatic images of the bride and groom in various settings. These images can augment and add to the wedding portraits or be featured in a separate book or album.

With Toni and Gage we visited the funky Little Five Points area, as well as a local park, to get a variety of images. It also helped that Toni's fantastic gown was convertible, easily zipping from a full skirted gown to a mini-dress......LOVE it. It's not easy to walk hiking paths in heels, much less navigate a giant fallen log, but this adventurous couple made it work.

Toni and Gage Engagement

2012-01-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

It wasn't until I was lining up locations for some upcoming sessions that I realized I never shared this fantastic engagement session from the summer. Ruh-roh! This couple was a blast to work with and totally rocked their look and the location. We also did an 'after the wedding' bridal session to capture some cool images of them in their wedding attire, which was another fantastic session....watch for those tomorrow!

Here's Toni and Gage in the ATL:

Sneak Peak - Joy's Bridal Session on Marietta Square

2011-12-29T15:53:00.000-08:00

Had an AMAZING time today shooting Joy's bridal portraits around one of my favorite places, Marietta Square. This Georgia girl accessorized her tiered cotton dress with fabulous boots, a cowboy hat, broken in denim jacket, and a funky necklace. We had a great time hearing about Joy's recent wedding and her "Brady Bunch" style blended family, with kiddos ranging in age from preschool to high school. Thanks, Joy, for totally working it and being a pleasure to photograph!

Here's a favorite from her session....

Santa at Bark Station {Woodstock Pet Photographer}

2011-12-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful year at Bark Station has gone by, and we celebrated with the annual Portrait Event Fundraiser. This year Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue was the recipient of the money raise, and Santa Steve was on hand to create some holiday memories.

Lorre Lamarca of Bark Station

Diesel give Santa some doggie kisses

Not all of our visitors were furry and four-legged: several families had their children along. This poor little guy was scared of our sweet Saint Nick--despite many attempts and a very patient and experienced Santa, the photo on Santa's lap just wan't going to happen.

Once Mom and Dad and the faithful Labradoodle got involved all was well!

This sweet beagle tolerated the outfit her owner selected with admirable cooperation. But once the photographer lady pulled out a lat with elf ears to complete the ensemble, she rebelled and quickly got it off. Smart and quick dogs, those beagles!

Another subject that took some coaxing.....this sweet little guy wasn't all that expressive for his portrait. But he adores Bark Station mascot Darla, so once Darla was called over and jumped in with Santa we got a sweet expression from him. Thanks for the assist, Darla!

An example of a young man VERY excited to see Santa.....right here. There were so many good shots of he and Santa having a great time it was hard to narrow them down.

This awesome family recently rescued these dogs and gave them a loving home. It will be their first Christmas together, and judging by the adorable matching green sweaters and the adoration of these boys, I think the dogs have it made!

And here's sweet Arthur, who attended last year and has SUCH a good time he had to come back. I'm pretty sure Arthur is on Santa's NICE list and will have something very special waiting under the tree.

Christina and Charlie's Christmas Wedding

2011-12-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

This year the holiday spirit has been.....somewhat elusive, to be honest. Lots of damp and gloomy weather the past few weeks haven't helped--it's just been hard to feel jolly! But thank goodness for my brides! Several beautiful Christmas weddings have been wonderful experiences and reminded me of all the good things about the holidays: beauty, joy, family, and laughter.

Christina and Charlie were married at Zoar United Methodist Church, and celebrated with a reception at Summit Chase Country Club. From the moment I stepped into the beautifully decorated foyer I had a feeling it would be a beautiful setting, and it truly was. Once the candles and tree were lit, the scene was just magical.

Fathers and their daughters: Christina with her dad and Charlie with his little girl, Isabella.

Sure, I could have shared one of the formal portraits of the bridal party......but what fun would that be?!

The entire wedding party made a grand entrance, culminating with the happy couple.

I love it when the bride and groom are in their own world during the first dance.

Christina and her father performed a choreographed dance routine that brought the house down.

Congratulations and Merry Christmas to Christina and Charlie and their families!

Homeless Pets Foundation - Riddick {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-12-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

Although this is not the Vin Diesel character, this dog seems to share some of the same characteristics: tough on the outside, soft on the inside. When I met this sweet guy he was very willing to pose for his portrait, although far more interested in being petted and enjoying some rare personal attention. Riddick is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and came to Homeless Pets Foundation due to his owner falling on hard times. Unfortunately, when the owner lost his home he also lost the ability to care for his pet. Being a large, strong dog and somewhat an 'alpha' personality, Riddick needs a new owner with some previous dog-ownership experience, and definitely needs to be the only pet in the home. But he definitely adores people and has a lot of love to give.

To find out more about Riddick or other available dogs please you can reach Homeless Pets Foundation at 770-971-0100.

Homeless Pets Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by Dr. Michael Good, an Atlanta veterinarian who saw a need to create an organization that could assist animal shelters and pet owners in need. In the Atlanta area alone, there are more than 100,000 animals destroyed each year for lack of a home. The Foundation provides critical medical care, food, foster care and comfort to these homeless animals.

Since late in 2002 they have placed nearly 10,000 animals in loving homes. The Homeless Pets Foundation is currently split into three different entities - The Homeless Pets Foundation, Homeless Pet Clubs, and Homeless Pets Transport.

Samantha and Joe - Wedding at Gwendalough Manor {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-12-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

Sass, class, and a whole lotta love.....those were the keywords for Sam and Joe's nuptials at Gwendalough Manor. The weather, the fall color, the families, and most of all the happy bride and groom made this a very memorable event. Sam had put such thought into her details, from the birdcage veil to the black accents, then using crisp green apples to set everything off perfectly. It was gorgeous!

Now THIS is how the groom should react when he sees the bride for the first time in her grown!

And THIS is how happy the bride should look when she knocks her groom's socks off. Oh, yeah.

After he escorted her down the stairs to meet her groom, the bride's father stood and watched their First Look. I love this shot of him standing, looking on, as she has her first moments with her husband to be.

Some bridal parties are very serious, subdued, formal. This group.....not so much!

L'Amour! It was in the air....

Samantha and her father as they were about to walk down the aisle--they were in their own world for those few moments.

The new Mr. and Mrs.!

The fall color was slightly past it's peak but luckily we still had some beautiful leaves on the trees.

Combine a photo booth and a lively group of wedding attendants and guests and you'll get some highly entertaining photos. They kept that booth busy the whole reception!

Congratulations Sam and Joe!

Product Spotlight: Luxe Album

2011-12-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

This super gorgeous album turned out SO beautifully, I've been really eager to share it. The album design is custom, and features a photo cover and textured leather for the spine and back. The Luxe Album arrives in a leather album box and silky slipcover. The pages are substantial and inflexible, giving a rich, heavy feel as you flip through the images. The design is gutterless, meaning there's no gap between the pages, allowing for the design to flow across and feature panoramic designs. The Luxe album is included in the Black Label package, the most inclusive offering, or brides selecting more basic packages can opt for an album upgrade from a basic album to the Luxe.

Family Holiday Picture on the Playground {Powder Springs Family Photographer}

2011-12-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

Family holiday portrait.....redux

(In other words, what happens when you feed people too much dessert and turn them loose on a backyard swingset) Huge thanks to my family who got into the spirit of things and had fun helping me attempt this concept. :) My nephews, in particular, LOVED taking multiple shots doing death-defying jumps of the swings. They're much more cooperative with this than the everybody-look-happy pictures.

For the record, the 'other' pictures is the one that made the holiday card this year.

The Birthday Boys {Powder Springs Family Photographer}

2011-12-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

Last week not one but two guys in our family celebrated birthdays. In the spirit of family, and not adding needlessly to the adults' waistlines, we went with one shared birthday cake. Ian's choice this year: chocolate with banana cream frosting and chocolate chips.

The creative challenge was representing both ages on the cake: they both have a 6 in their age, but whereas that's all we need for Ian, Dad's age is two digits, starting with a six. My brilliant sister decided too use the opportunity for some math education, laying out candles on the tables and explaining to Ian how each represented certain amounts of years or decades and how combined they would add up to Papa's age. Dad happened to be behind her getting some water and looked somewhat stricken--I tried not to laugh, but failed miserably. Sorry, Dad.

Very excited about cake, as usual.

This may have been an attempt to "help" by telling him what to wish for.

A little teamwork was in order to blow out the candles.

My sister: "Moooooommm! Make her stop taking pictures!" Um, have you met me? And secondly, this tactic never worked well when we were growing up, so it's very unlikely to work now, babe.

Time to open the gifts: first up was an action figure from TRON: Legacy.

Ian was very pleased to deliver Papa's gift from me.....he just wants to share the love.

Those are BBQ rubs, Dad.....they're for an activity called COOKING.

After years and years of birthdays, I'm still amazed at how difficult it is to open toy packaging.

Making sure the teeny tiny weapons are stored in a safe place, as if there is such a place with active boys.

They're still too young to have been infected with the "Men don't read directions" virus.

Rinzler showing off his cool, circular weapon thing that he stores on his back.

From Grammy and Papa he got a B.I.G. Hand. It is, literally, a big plastic hand.

Grammy about to become the first victim....

Alert the media: we've found birdseed the squirrels don't seem to like. Finally.

The day wouldn't be complete without some rough housing in the front yard.

I told him to take it outside and beat up his brothers. Yes, I really did.

Christina and Charlie Sneak Peak {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-12-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Christina and Charlie! They were married last night in a beautiful Christmas ceremony at Zoar United Methodist Church. More images to come but for now here is the bride and groom by the gorgeous Christmas tree in the sanctuary.

New Product: Metal Tin with Image CD and Proofs {Atlanta Family Photographer]

2011-12-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

Although things are still in high gear wrapping up holiday orders, I'm excited about 2012. The calendar is already starting to fill up with weddings and events, so it's time to get re-energized and prepped for another year.

One thing in transition is the Product Guide, with some new items being offered and some current items getting a makeover. Digital Files are an important option for many clients, so I definitely wanted to expand the choices and offer some upgraded packages this year. The metal tins I currently use were a huge hit, so that inspired the newest addition: a digital image collection offered in a customized hinged tin, featuring an image on the lid, the CD housed inside, along with a stack of linen finished reference prints. The tin is lovely by itself, and serves the purpose of housing the CD and prints. Having the proof prints from a professional lab provides a reference for the client so they can see what the correct color and saturation looks like in the original image. The linen finish of the paper is substantial and very pleasing to the eye.

The new Digital Collections are available NOW!

Nirav and Payal - Indian Wedding at Hilton Atlanta

2011-12-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

Here we go! I'm finally sharing some images from this beautiful, colorful celebration that took place this fall at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast. Nirav and Payal and their families celebrated their union with a traditional ceremony and a reception filled with laughter, toasts, and lots of hugs. It was wonderful to see how joyful everyone was, with a strong love of family shining through every element. The food was amazing and the dancing was something to behold. Thanks, Payal and Nirav for sharing the day with me!

Brewster - Homeless Pets Foundation {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-12-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

More from my photoshoot with the Homeless Pets Foundation...

Meet Brewster! He is a VERY sweet boy, energetic but with an earnest gleam in his eye that is so endearing. Brewster did very well sitting for his portraits, largely due to liberal dispensation of treats! (What did you expect?) This lovable guy is a Staffordshire Terrier Mix, a fantastic breed that can be a great family pet. I know of a man with two young daughters who has a Staffie and says his dog is gentle and patient with the kids, of great disposition, and the best family pet they've ever owned. Praise indeed!

To inquire about availability, volunteer, or donate, you can reach the foundation at 770-971-0100.

Santa coming to Bark Station for Picture Day {Woodstock Pet Photographer}

2011-11-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again: holiday pictures for pets at Bark Station in Woodstock! This year's event benefits Mostly Mutts, a fantastic rescue organization based in Kennesaw who strive to reduce the number of pets euthanized in local shelters. The event is December 4 from 2:00-4:00. Our fantastic Santa Steve is back this year and shared the following message:

"Santa is thrilled to visit Bark Station again this year. Santa's Elves have reported that all the wonderful pets and their people friends are on the NICE list.
Santa will see you all very soon! May the Joy of Christmas be with you, year 'round"

The Ellery Kids {Alpharetta Family Photographer}

2011-11-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

What do a vintage truck and a construction site have in common? They were both featured in the photo shoot of the Ellery kids.

I got together with this terrific trio for some family and holiday card photos. We started with a gorgeous vintage pickup (that was mom Kimberley's idea), and then headed to the location where their new house is being built. All of three of them have wonderful personalities, and it really showed. Here is their slideshow.....love you guys!

Sabrina and Chris at Roswell Mill {Atlanta Engagement Photographer}

2011-11-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

It was REALLY hard to narrow down my selections to share from Sabrina and Chris' session.....because we had such a great time and the pictures showed that. It was a lovely day, ideal weather, and then a gorgeous and very happy couple. Hello, perfection!

Here they are...

Sophia - Homeless Pets Foundation {Atlanta Dog Photographer]

2011-11-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

This was a goooood day....

There are definitely pros and cons to running your own business, but one of the biggest benefits, to me, is the flexibility to donate my time for worthy causes. Helping animals in need of a good home is definitely a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Our family almost always had a pet around, and it was always a rescue.

Meet Sophia. This sweet girl needs someone who can love her and receive her love in return.....she has a lot to give. Sophia was just a puppy when she came to Homeless Pets Foundation, and although she is very fortunate not to have ended up at a kill shelter, she has been fostered for two years. Her entire young life has been spent seeking a permanent home.

So this week Sophia got a pretty red flower collar and was treated to a special photo shoot to generate some great photos that will hopefully help her find her forever home.

Here's Sophia!

Since late in 2002 they have placed nearly 10,000 animals in loving homes. The Homeless Pets Foundation is currently split into three different entities - The Homeless Pets Foundation, Homeless Pet Clubs, and Homeless Pets Transport.

Portrait Day at Dandy Dogs with Happy Paws {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-11-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

We're a little more than a week away from the Portrait Event at Dandy Dogs with Happy Paws on Atlanta Road. Appointment times are filling up quickly, but there are some left. If you'd like a classic, studio portrait of your pet, or a holiday photo for a card, this is your opportunity. Call the store at 770-319-0095 to make your appointment. See you then!

Nirav and Payal -- Married!

2011-11-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the amazing experience of photographing Nirav and Payal's wedding at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast. Their family oriented, Indian celebration was gorgeous, colorful, very entertaining, and packed to the gills with meaning and significance.

And can I talk about how gorgeous they are? Then there's the dancing.....oh, the dancing. More to come, but here's a sneak peak.

Emily's Bridal Session {Marietta Wedding Photographer}

2011-11-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

After their fantastic wedding early in October, Emily and I decided to get together for a bridal portrait session. The (shared) vision was to create something more dramatic and a bit more fashion forward than a traditional portrait. So we utilized the beauty, history, and variety of Marietta Square to get some great images. Emily is SO gorgeous, which doesn't hurt, but she is also very game to trot down sidewalks and alleys in search of good locations.

Thanks, Emily, for making this session a blast!

Happy Halloween (from me and the chocolate Lab puppies!)

2011-10-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

It's a big day......big, HUGE even. It's Halloween, of course, so it felt appropriate to celebrate with some seasonally appropriate portraits (leaves, candy, etc.) So here's the rest of the images from the Chocolate Lab Puppy Photosession. LOVE!

But the real big deal is that today is my Grandmother's 99th birthday. Yep, she is turning 99 today and we'll be celebrating with a little party at the senior residence where she lives. Should be fun--pictures of that in a few days. In the meantime, enjoy the furbabies. :)

More Lab puppies? Yes, please!!

2011-10-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Here's more from the adorable baby lab puppy session this week......

Chocolate Lab Pups - Sneak Peak {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-10-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, more adorable, squishy cocoa goodness! Earlier in the year I visited the fabulous Starnes family of Newnan to photograph their litter of chocolate lab puppies. You can see those images here. It was a real treat when Janel called and said they had some new babies arriving, and we made plans for a return visit. And it was definitely worth the drive! I had some different props and ideas for this shoot, compared to the first one, and although wrangling ten (yes, TEN) agile puppies was quite the workout, it was well worth it.

In light of the fact that I'm covered up with wedding work right now it may take me a bit to get all the images ready, but here's one sneak peak in the meantime....

(For the record, no: the puppy didn't mind the hat. OK, he did, but we cuddled him and he cooperated)

New Goodies

2011-10-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Some adorable new props just arrived, and I can't wait to use them! Great for a fun bridal portrait, or a special image you can use later for your Thank You notes.

Erin and Kevin {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-10-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

Erin and Kevin's celebration was on a gorgeous afternoon in Marietta, and everything turned out beautifully. Not perfectly, of course (there was a 'situation' with the cake), but that's the stuff you can still laugh about years later. From the tears of joy when they saw one another for the first time, to the laughter and love in the words they spoke during the ceremony, it was a very emotional and special day.

This one is Erin's favorite: lovely light!

Jen and Justin's Engagement Party at Canoe {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-10-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

It was an ordinary Monday when I got an email from Jen, inquiring about availability. What was OUT of the ordinary was the date: that very Saturday, only a few days away. Turns out Jen and Justin had a small celebration planned to gather family and friends and share the joy of their engagement. It also happened that it was the ONLY Saturday in a stretch of busy fall weekends I wasn't booked. (Do you believe that some things are meant to be? I sure do.)

The result was that I got to drop by the always exquisite Canoe restaurant and spend a lovely evening with Jen and Justin and their families. The younger set, in particular, were quite adorable and kept stealing the show.

Here's their slideshow and a few favorite pictures.....

To Barkworld I Go! {Atlanta Pet Photographer}

2011-09-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

So the last 48 hours have been crazymaking. Cuh....ray.....zee. After being at WPPI U for three fabulous days I came home to a somewhat limited food supply, trash that needed taking out, a laundry situation, multiple calls and emails to return, a wedding client consultation, not to mention final preparations for this weekend. And by 'this weekend' I mean an expo, a workshop to teach on Friday, and weddings to shoot both Saturday and Sunday. Dear gussy.

And it's about time to head over to the hotel to set up the booth at Barkworld Expo 2011. Wah-hoo! But here's what been going on at my place:

Tentative booth layout and planning area (also known as, The Living Room). Tape went down on the floor to replicate dimensions. I sat on the floor because the furniture is covered with stuff!

The making of the chocolate/peanut butter oatmeal cookies, because getting through this week without sugar was inconceivable. I burned the first batch and had to throw it out--it was THAT bad. (Yes, I tried to eat it. I hate waste but even I couldn't stomach the first attempt.) This is the second batch, which STILL didn't come out right, although they satisfied the wild-eyed dessert-deprived monster I was looking at in the mirror. They didn't firm up like they usually do, and the sugar was gritty and lumpy. User error, I'm sure, but I've made this recipe a million times before. It's my go-to when i need a sugar fix.

There were some happy developments, like when my FedEx guy showed up. He's not MY FedEx guy, but I like him a lot. He knows about my business and says encouraging things about how he can tell things are going well because the frequency of deliveries has increased. He's a "you can do it!" kinda guy....isn't that nice?! He had several boxes for me this week, including a coffee table book I ordered for Barkworld. It's a gorgeous green fabric, with rich-looking layflat hinged pages. The content is Quincy's urban session in midtown Atlanta a while back. I'm really happy with how the book turned out, and since I know Quincy's mom Cara will be at the event this weekend, I bet she'll be happy, too.

Robert and Holly - Marietta Square Engagement Session

2011-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

After posting Robert and Holly's engagement video last night (at around 2 am!) I ran out of steam and crashed, so here are their pics.

This was SUCH a fun shoot. Holly told me Jenna was super excited about it the night before, which is awesome. Because, like, who doesn't want people to be excited about coming to see you?!

Thrice As Nice - Marietta Square Engagement Session {Marietta Wedding Photographer}

2011-09-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Usually when I meet clients for their engagement session two people arrive. On this occasion we had a special guest who happened to be a VIP! Robert and Holly are not only getting married, they are joining together as a new family unit with Robert's adorable daughter Jenna. We had a fantastic (read: smiley, giggly, silly) time doing some shots as a threesome, then Grandma arrived to treat Jenna so I could spend some time with the couple. We wandered all over Marietta Square, found some fun spots, and performed a hilarious and sneaky quick clothing change in an unexpected place while I stood guard. (Yes, Holly, I just HAD to mention that!)

Here is the slideshow from their session:

And then they lost it......{Atlanta Family Photographer}

2011-09-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I feel very blessed to know most of my clients. Even more blessed to share in special moments of their lives and capture those memories for them. The vast majority are fun, cooperative, and easy to work with. The trio from Sunday's session were definitely rock stars in front of the camera. However, even the most awesome and cool kiddos deserve a moment to indulge in....... complete silliness.

Erin and Kevin Sneak Peak {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-09-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

It was very special to me to be there for Erin and Kevin's wedding last Sunday. Several years ago Erin and I were in a ladies small group together around the time she met Kevin, and it was obvious there was something significant happening. These two have a beautiful love story which culminated in an intimate celebration at Post Riverside.

I'm still working on their images but wanted to share a quick peak!

Lina and Aaron Engagement {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-09-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Directions are such a tricky thing, aren't they? One person can explain, in detail, how to get to your direction using exact mileage and street signs, while another will be totally confused and want only landmarks. And let's not EVEN go there with online maps and GPS! When I was meeting Lina and Aaron we thought we had a super simple plan, until I arrived. There were multiple buildings and parking lots in the area we were meeting, not to mention different entrances and sides and lots with the same company name. It turned into a complete comedy as I drove around looking for them, then finally, there they were waving their arms at me! I got out of the car laughing, and it was non-stop fun for the rest of the time together.

Lina and Aaron are having a ceremony in December at Primrose Cottage in Roswell, and will be celebrating with friends and family from all over, including Lina's relatives from overseas. I think it's going to be a lovely, unique celebration, and I can't wait.

Baby Steps......The Baby and The Business {Atlanta Baby Photographer}

2011-09-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

As I was talking with someone about the Baby Button program yesterday, I mentioned that I bought my first camera just before the birth of my first nephew. That one decision, of course, is a major factor in my story, so I've mentioned it in conversation many, many times. But somehow this particular chat made me a bit nostalgic. Perhaps it's the fact that said nephew has a birthday coming up and his age will transition from single to double digits. [A decade......HOW is that possible?!?!]

In any case, he was, absolutely, my inspiration, my favorite subject for a long time, and technically, the first ever Button Baby! [I can almost hear his embarrassed snort of pre-pubescent disdain even as I type that.] My original desire was solely to capture our family's memories, and both my equipment and skills were amateur. Still, this was how it all started: I fell in love with that baby, and fell in love with photographing him. Although Caleb took his first steps years before my business did, the die was cast when I experienced the capability to take the essence of a lively baby, funnel it through a camera lens onto film, and then preserve it forever as a beautiful image.

So I dug into the archives, rolled my eyes at some of my early attempts at photography, and scanned these from the original film prints. Here we go:

Caleb at 3 Months

At 6 months

Celebrating his First Birthday

And his Second

Thanks, Caleb, for being such a gorgeous baby, a fantastic model, and for inspiring me then and now.

Love,

Aunt Nina

Towel optional beach {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-08-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Silly humans with your silly towels....

...THIS...

...IS...

...HOW...

...to shake....

SEE?!

(demonstration courtesy of Hoover the dog)

Ashley and Adam Engagement at Piedmont Park {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-08-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

When Adam and Ashley were deciding on a location for their engagement session, Piedmont Park was the obvious choice. They are loyal Midtown folks who regularly patronize the local restaurants and watering holes, and have a long history with the area. And, of course, they live right across the street!

Being UGA football fans, we just HAD to take a break in the action to give some love to an adorable bulldog out for a walk with his owner. He wasn't too keen on being separated from his mom to take part in a photoshoot, so that pic didn't make the final cut, but at least he got some belly rubs out of it! I promised I wouldn't regale blogland with any of the fun stories I heard about their meeting and courtship (see, Ashley....I'm not mentioning karaoke!), but I can only imagine, in light of the constant joking and laughter that went on during the session.

You guys are awesome and I can't wait for the wedding!

Here's the guy who thinks he isn't photogenic. I don't think so, Adam!

There was NO silliness at all during this session.....none at all.

Ashley was rocking those fabulous wedges. Seriously!

Pretend I'm not here, guys. REALLY....go right ahead.

Is that jingle bells I hear?? {Atlanta Holiday Photographer}

2011-08-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

There's not even a whiff of fall in the air yet, but the holidays are right around the corner, people. How do I know that? Because I'm already in the planning stages of a Santa portrait event.....yeah! The summer heat is starting to abate, just a bit. School started last week here in Cobb County, and my youngest nephew Ian is now a big boy and in kindergarten (sniff, sniff). [HOW did that happen, btw.....he was a baby, like, yesterday!] But before we know it we'll be feeling festive.

So, have you started thinking about your holiday cards? Let this be a year you are NOT frantically printing out a newsletter or licking stamps into the wee hours one evening because they-just-HAVE-to-be-in-the-mail-tomorrow syndrome has set in. Plan ahead!

Get your holiday card photos done early. Sessions for families can take place at your home or at a scenic location like Kennesaw Mountain. We can capture a gorgeous, timeless family portrait you can feature hanging over the mantle, as well as getting a fun shot of everyone with Santa hats, at the same session.

Pets like to be festive, too! Here's our sweet boy Lucas, who passed away this year, modeling a Santa hat in front of the Christmas tree. Wasn't he a handsome and distinguished guy? (Miss you, buddy.)

And you can never go wrong with a classic portrait on a simple backdrop. This image of Oscar and Gracie was featured on the Pilger's holiday card last year, and it looked fantastic!

Fall and holiday sessions are already booking, so give me a shout to get your's on the schedule. You can reach me at

770-330-5414

nina@ninaparkerphotography.com

Dan and Pat--50 Years Together

2011-08-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

It's a rare and splendid thing to make it to your 50th wedding anniversary, for a host of reasons, so the occasion is certainly a cause for celebration. On August 6 Dan and Pat Sullivan were honored by their children and grandchildren with an evening that begin with a limousine surprise and culminated with an intimate private dinner. Every detail was seen to, and it was truly an exquisite and heartfelt event.

Pat and Dan Celebration - Golden Wedding Anniversary from Nina Parker on Vimeo.

More from Madelyn's 70th Birthday

2011-08-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

More from the event celebrating Madelyn Smith Striebeck's 70th birthday in Chattanooga.

I loved her reaction coming in the door....

This was in the midst of some HILARIOUS stories her brothers told. Love it.

The slideshow with pictures from her childhood through the present was very emotional. I was holding back the tears one minute and laughing the next--the fashion and hairstyles alone were worth it.

Gretchen and longtime friend Shane Kennedy. Hard to believe high school was 20 years ago.

The one and only Bob Regal, musical icon, voice teacher, and mentor, recalling his first time meeting Madelyn and the various choirs and productions they worked on together.

Oldest daughter Kirsten taking her turn to thank her mother.

Some of "her kids" (through love and infusion if not by birth!)--oh, the memories we have of good times spent in the Striebeck home during our growing up years.

The remaining Smith siblings

The main party organizer getting a kiss from her hubby

The Striebeck family

Madelyn Smith Striebeck - A Birthday Celebration {Atlanta Family Photographer}

2011-08-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was thrilled to drive up to Chattanooga to photograph a very special event. My lifelong friend Gretchen had planned a birthday birthday party for her mother, Madelyn. It was a beautiful evening of laughter and celebration, with many friends and family members sharing stories and giving thanks for the impact she's had on our lives.

Thank you, Mom Striebeck, and I hope you loved your party!

Madelyn Smith Striebeck - A Celebration from Nina Parker on Vimeo.
On July 29, 2011, family and friends gathered in Chattanooga to honor and celebrate this wonderful lady who has meant so much to us. It was a lovely evening of good food, old friends, stories, laughter, tears, and emotion. Happy 70th birthday, and may you have many, many more years to speak into the lives of those fortunate enough to know you.

Samantha and Joe E-Session at Gwendalough Manor {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-08-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Sam and I had originally planned to do their engagement session at another cool location. Then they went by their wedding venue for a tasting and found it was available on the day or our shoot, so we changed gears. And what a GORGEOUS place!

It was a humid, overcast day, but the grounds were lovely there was nothing taking the glow off these two. They are such funny, down to earth people, and it's obvious they truly enjoy being together. Congratulations Joe and Samantha, and I can't wait to come back to Gwendalough Manor for your wedding in October!

The Littlest Power Ranger {Atlanta Child Photographer}

2011-08-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

Button Baby Program {Atlanta Baby Photographer}

2011-08-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

We are VERY pleased to announce that our baby program, Button by Nina Parker Photography, is almost ready to launch. The business cards are in, and the other marketing pieces with details and pricing should be arriving in the next few weeks. More to come soon!

A Day with Ian {Atlanta Child Photographer}

2011-08-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

My nephews are very precious to me. They're the reason I pursued photography, my frequent subjects and inspiration, and just a joy to be around. (Except when they're grumpy or fighting over the Wii, but that's another blog post!)

So it wasn't a burden to take my youngest nephew, Ian, for a sleepover and a day with Aunt Nina as the last week of summer break began. I had promised him a while back and it was definitely time to fulfill that. So Sunday night after eating Mexican with the family he and his little overnight backpack came home with me. Even though it was getting late we took our baths, got into our PJs (mine grey cotton from Target, his Pirates of the Caribbean), and cuddled on the couch to watch "Toy Story."

The next day we got up, had breakfast, and took off for a full day of fun. We went hiking and exploring, ate at McDonalds, played on the playground, went to see "Cars 2", got ice cream cones, and fed the geese at my apartment complex. The mom and dad geese are still a bit watchful over their nearly full-grown goslings, so a few times daddy hissed and flapped his wings, which caused some entertaining reactions from Ian. Before we knew it 5pm was upon us and it was time to head home. This is one of those days I could do over and over.....like "Groundhog Day."

A Day with Ian from Nina Parker on Vimeo.
My youngest nephew Ian got to have a sleepover and a day of fun with me, and it was truly a fabulous time. We packed in as many activities as we could in a day. What wouldn't I do for an adorable 5 year old who mugs for the camera and calls me his "Pretty Princess Aunt Nina"?!? He has a tender heart, boundless energy, and genuine willingness to help other people.......I think he can change the world if he wants to.

Wagnon Family Photoshoot in Midtown Atlanta {Atlanta Family Photographer}

2011-07-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

Wade and his girls Kayleigh and Kathleen wanted a somewhat unique family session, so we decided to walk around Midtown Atlanta to find some interesting locations. Like so many other locations in the ATL, it offered all kinds of interesting scenes, and we had a great time. Both of the girls are talented and artistic, and are growing into unique young ladies. Thanks, Wagnon family.....I had a great time!

Wagnon Family in Midtown ATL from Nina Parker on Vimeo.
Wade, Kayleigh, and Kathleen were definitely a blast during our shoot in Midtown Atlanta. We walked around looking for cool locations, and luckily they're definition of "cool" includes dirty alleyways, rickety stairs, and graffiti covered parking lots.

Stevie B's Birthday {Atlanta Family Photographer}

2011-07-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Levi's 8th birthday at Stevie B's Pizza (his choice, obviously). I will admit, though, that the specially ordered veggie pizza was good, once it FINALLY arrived. (We waited about 45 minutes for that pizza, despite ordering it as soon as we got there)

It's truly a shame that my nephews are so mild-mannered, not animated AT ALL! :o

We are VERY on trend with the newest character from the Pixar movies "Cars 2"

Levi gave Grammy a thumbs up on his cake.....

Whereas his brother was far more interested in eating it than he was in the decorative qualities.

Apparently their newest interest is games like this. Let's just say that tantrums and violence ensued....

...and we quickly transitioned into games less inclined to bloodshed, like Rock Paper Scissors.

Um, it's a good thing SOMEONE in the family is a photographer. That's all I'm sayin!

Birthday Boy! (He's EIGHT.....dear gussy, how did that happen?!)

DJ Rockin the Fox Theatre....Seriously! {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-07-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

HUGE Kudos to Cliff of Ctram Entertainment for keeping the party totally happening last night at Ron and Kristen's reception at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. Holy moley, that guy knows how to keep people on the dance floor all....night....long. Even Ron's grandmother was getting her groove on until the very end.

Custom Photo Cover for your Smartphone {Atlanta Photographer}

2011-07-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Who has their cell phone with them AT ALL TIMES? Hands up! Oh, don't even play, people.....you know you do. In this amazing day and age, most of us are rarely parted from our mobile devices except for the shower. Notice, I left out sleeping, because I know of more than a few who sleep with their Crackberry/iPhone/whatever either under the pillow or clutched in their hand.

While my beloved Blackberry usually sleeps on the entry table, not the nightstand, I'll admit to keeping it close once I'm up and about. To that end, I got tired of the boring protective case it was wearing. A fairly sturdy case is a must for me, since I've been known to drop my phone ~~often~~ occasionally. But that sturdy plastic was TIRED.....ugh. So when I stumbled over the option of creating my own custom case, I jumped on it immediately. While I had plenty of ideas, the thought of keeping an image of my family nearby as well as potentially advertising my business seemed just the thing.

So, here's the new case for my Blackberry adorned with the family portrait I took as a Mother's Day gift to my mother and sister. (Pretty cool, huh?)

My "Say Yes To The Dress" Addiction

2011-07-08T13:01:00.001-07:00

For many people, Friday night is "date night." I couldn't agree more: I usually have a very high priority commitment that involves pizza (usually California Pizza Kitchen), a glass of wine, and "Say Yes to the Dress." I find this show completely fascinating, not only seeing the variety of styles that are available now in bridal fashion, but also also because of the brides, their stories, and the families that go along with them.

Now, the essential elements of the evening are NOT random. For instance, it can't be just any pizza. [Occasionally, and usually due to some sort of traumatic event, I'll succumb to the inexpensive lure of a Tostino's, but rarely) Friday night, SYTTD-watching pizza, though.....it must be good pizza. Sometimes I'll even make this version of CPK's BBQ Chicken Pizza.

Tonight is the premiere of the new season of "Say Yes To The Dress Atlanta" which has particular resonance for me since it's where I live. When the show premiered I was eager to watch, and even saw people I knew. Now I have a new season to look forward to, as well as a complimentary show: "Say Yes To The Dress Bridesmaids". [Best quote from the promo video: "That color is a hot tranny mess."] Let the drama begin!

Chase and Jen {Atlanta Wedding Photographer

2011-07-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Chase is my neighbor: he and his dog Tucker moved into the apartment above me probably a year ago. It goes without saying that many apartment dwellers experience less-than-deal situations with loud, rude, or crazy neighbors, so I felt blessed. And who wouldn't want a sweet dog like Tuck around? Chase and I had stood around chatting in the parking lot many times about life, faith, work, and trying to keep it all in balance. Knowing what a great person he is, I was thrilled when he met Jen and they became engaged. It's a huge perk of what I do to share in a love story, especially when it's abundantly clear that two people are so ideally suited to one another.

For their engagement session we wanted to be out in nature and near the water, since that's a comfortable environment for these two outdoorsy people. I was thrilled to finally be able to use a spot I'd had my eye on for a while. Thanks Chase and Jen and Tuck for rocking this session!

Jen and Chase.....Engagement Slideshow {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-07-03T16:31:00.001-07:00

Where do you take a fun, active, nature-loving couple for engagement pictures? Outdoors, of course, and preferably someplace that has some foliage, some water, and some interesting elements. Luckily, I had just such a spot in mind, and when Jen and I talked about their session we quickly agreed. So off we went, Tucker the dog also along for the fun, and visited the nearby Chattahoochee River. It was a lovely session, despite the fact that the temperatures had us all, ahem, 'glowing' very quickly!

The handsome couple were definitely the stars of the occasion, but the canine was no slouch and nearly stole the show a few times. Thanks for hanging in there through the perspiration, Jen and Chase. Tucker, you're such a good boy!

Jen and Chase Engagement {Nina Parker Photography} from Nina Parker on Vimeo.

Jen and Chase.....Engagement Sneak Peak {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-07-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

Just a little tease from a wonderful engagement session with friends and neighbors Chase and Jen--their slideshow and pictures are on the way and I can't wait to share them. For now here's one of my favorites...

Triumph Advisors Professional Headshots

2011-06-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

This week I got into suit-and-tie mode to photograph my friends up at Triumph Advisors in Woodstock. This wonderful team of people handles all kinds of investments, mortgages, and portfolio reviews. They are the folks to see if you're serious about preserving your investments, keeping your money safe, and avoiding the current insanity of the stock market.

They are truly good people, which I believe is evident in their pictures. OK, they also like to goof off ......I'm looking at you, Craig Spears!

Teaching a Class at Barkworld Expo {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-06-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

My father is a retired teacher. He was an EXCELLENT professor who was beloved by his students. While I had great appreciation for what he did, and the skill with which he did it, never, no never did I have any desire to follow in his footsteps. Frankly, I just never pictured myself (pun intended) in a classroom--there were other career paths that seemed more appealing at the time. And everyone knows, of course, that teachers' salaries are modest at best. The irony, of course, is that after pursuing a career in advertising sales, reputed to pay fairly well, I'm now a starving artist. Go figure.

So it's a bit surreal to find myself in this position. I've accepted an invitation to teach/lead a workshop at Barkworld Expo, held here in Atlanta, this September. Yep, there I am.....on the page of guest speakers. Sure, I wrote the bio and submitted the photo, but it's still quite an experience to see it live on the website. The headshot of me is by my friend Jan Madert, btw--first time I've used it! Here's a screen cap (that's me, bottom left):

The timing of the request was definitely serendipitous. Initially I contacted organizer Denise Quashie about exhibiting at the event. Then I received a phone call from her, and we discussed the possibility of a class/workshop. She and I quickly hashed out a concept for a useful, practical approach for dog owners, and it was a done deal. At the time, our beloved and elderly labrador Lucas was increasingly frail, and I knew we probably would not have him much longer. Our situation is not unique: SO many pet owners have faced the loss of their furry friends, and no matter what the circumstances, it's a difficult thing to experience. Photographs and images of pets who touch our lives go on even when they cannot, and as such are priceless. Many people, I've found, realize too late that they have precious few images of their pets. That's part of the reason Nina Parker Pets was created: to provide pet lovers with the opportunity to have authentic, creative, artistic images made of their pets. Shortly after I agreed to teach at Barkworld, I took some time to shoot images and video of Lucas and create a remembrance piece. Only a few weeks later, we had to say goodbye to our sweet boy, so of course I was hugely relieved to have worked on the project when I did.

I've already begun working on the curriculum and outline, and I'm really excited to share it. There is definitely a need for more people to invest in portraiture for their animals, and this class doesn't detract from that in the least. But obviously a professional photographer can't document every moment of every day: only the owners get to enjoy all the habits and expressions and mannerisms that make their pet unique, and it's important to capture those things and treasure them.

So, Barkworld attendees.......here I come! Get ready to have some fun. :)

Wine Still Life

2011-06-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

It's been really fun to play around with some wine themed still lifes, just for fun. (I didn't go to art school so I don't have that horror story of shooting a bowl of fruit for hours as a class assignment) Each time I pull some things out, arrange them, and look through the lens I see something different than the last time, so I think this is something I'll be able to enjoy doing for a while.

And no, I didn't empty all those bottles myself. Thanks for asking!

In praise of Moms.... {Atlanta and Marietta Family Photographer}

2011-06-05T04:09:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is in full swing, so I'm trying to catch up and share recent images of some lovely brides, as well as some personal things, including some recent holidays. Is it just me or are there not enough hours in the day sometimes?!

So with Father's Day quickly approaching I remembered I hadn't blogged about Mother's Day a few weeks back. Of course I was with mia famiglia celebrating and spending time with the crazy bunch. My oldest nephew Caleb is VERY excited that he's as tall as his great grandmother.

Ian is apparently a big fan of a singer/dancer named Jason Derulo and was eager to show me his moves.

We also had some unfinished business in the form of a belated Easter egg hunt. I know, I know....but everybody was sick on Easter Sunday, so the "bunny" had to swing back by to hide eggs once the entire family was relatively healthy and all together again. I think the shift from full tilt search mode to wolfing down the contents of the baskets gets shorter every year. They'd hover down all of it in one sitting if we let them.

Once the hunters were exhausted and the remaining candy confiscated and safely out of reach we got to the main event. Handwriting is still a work in progress for the boys (!), but they all made a special effort to sign their mom's card. I love Ian's!

Then it was time to unveil the surprise gift I had planned for Mom and Paula. This was the result of some photos I took when we were together for Paula's birthday a few weeks prior. Each person was photographed individually and then I layered them together for a twist on a family portrait. Then I had them printed at my pro lab and framed. Here's the finished product:

Mom's reaction.....

Paula and Grandma's reaction......

I think they liked it. :)

Hope you and your's had a fantastic weekend.

War Dog - A Photo Essay {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-06-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

I love dogs, and I love and support our military. So of course I was instantly intrigued by this photo essay on Foreign Policy.com by Rebecca Frankel. The pictures are fantastic, but there's also some great information. The photo of the soldier sky diving with his canine partner is awesome. And....doggles?! (Yes, those are goggles for dogs.)

There's no question that these dogs can bring both unique capabilities as well as intense loyalty to their human comrades. It's very encouraging to see these brave canines treated with respect, as opposed to dogs in previous conflicts who were considered equipment and disposed of. The fact that a dog reportedly played a critical role in the recent location and demise of Osama bin Laden should prove their value. [Atta boy!]

To see the article click HERE

Puppy Makes Three {Atlanta Engagement Photographer}

2011-05-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

When Joanne and Steve and I had our phone consultation to plan their engagement session, I knew they'd be bringing along their four legged furbaby. What I didn't know was that I'd fall head over heals in LOVE with this adorably soft and sweet boy. That is, when he wasn't utilizing all that amazing puppy energy to make holding onto his leash a major challenge.

Meet Lego (and Steve and Joanne, too)! Lego is a Labradoodle and about 6 months old, and he is definitely still in the puppy stage. He was very pleased to be included, and had a fantastic time. Until we decided to do some images of just Joanne and Steve. Poor guy, he did NOT understand what was going on when we secured his leash to a bench and went a scant 20 feet away, and he definitely let us know how he felt. All in all we had a great time, and really enjoyed our time walking around near Robin Hood Tavern in Cumming and the nearby park and neighborhood. It's a really pretty place with lots of lovely spots, and Steve and Joanne are so obviously in love that the connection they have came through in every shot. Can't wait to shoot their wedding this summer!

Lucas - A Remembrance {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-05-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

It's been over 16 years since I drove home from the Cobb County Animal Shelter with a stinky, wiggly ball of black fur sitting in my lap. A bath was the first priority, a name the second, and thus began a new chapter for our family with a black Lab mix named Lucas.

I don't think anyone, including Lucas, thought he'd be around this long. He's seen lots of changes, including a move and several new additions to the family in the form of my nephews. But he's taken it all in stride and continued to contribute unconditional love, entertaining behavior, and the gentle and happy disposition that the breed is known for. A water dog, however, he is not: one memorable experience with an above ground pool made that abundantly clear. Nor is he a guard dog: on several occasions workmen have approached the fenced yard and been greeted by a wagging tail and lolling tongue. He is who he is.

Although we're thankful for the time we've had, there's no denying the end is approaching. Arthritis makes it very difficult for him to get up and down, his hearing is almost entirely gone, and his vision seems to be going, as well. A hard decision may be looming, but for now we're content to cherish every day we have.

Happy Bride (Atlanta and Smyrna Wedding Photographer)

2011-05-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

This is Anita, and she was a very laid back and blissful bride when she married Thierry recently in Smyrna. It was a pleasure to work with my friend Allison Evans on this one. More from their day to come!

Ameriprise Financial {Atlanta Professional Headshots}

2011-04-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

When it comes to money, people can get a little......funny. (Yes, I know that rhymed, but I'm leaving it alone!) Personal finance can be a stressful and complicated subject, and finding the right kind of help can make all the difference. This is one of those industries, like photography, where relationship is key. So you when you find people who are not only knowledgable but also just good people, you're truly fortunate.

After meeting the staff at Ameriprise's Alpharetta office, I definitely feel they're the type you'd want working with you on your finances. Everyone was extremely busy but very super nice and extremely appreciative of having their photoshoot just down the hall in a conference room. In and out in only a few minutes: definitely better than scheduling a time at a studio. And the jokes! It was a fun crowd, for sure.

Thanks SO much to Jessica and Paola for organizing this and helping everything run so smoothly.

A study in Grey (Quincy the dog) {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

2011-04-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

It just so happened that I was staying at my friend Cara's recently, for various logistical reasons, and had several photoshoots scheduled at the same time. Consequently I had my new-ish grey background with me, and Cara's Quincy was good enough to model for me one afternoon. Wasn't that kind of him? (Fine, the administering of treats was used as a motivational tool.....whatever) Here's Q!

Ashley and Brannon Sneak Peak {Atlanta and Woodstock Wedding Photographer}

2011-04-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ashely and Brannon, who were married Saturday in Woodstock. Here's a quick sneak peak.....more from their event coming in the next few days!

It's Green! It's Spring! {Nina Parker Photography - Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-04-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Other than the pollen (is my car supposed to be that color?) and the thunderstorms (watch out for falling trees!), I love springtime. I really, really do. The days are longer, there's more daylight to be outside, and everything is blooming and turning green. And when I say everything is turning green, I mean everything.

Case in point, check out these mini albums that just came in. LOVE! There's nothing I don't like about these. At 4 inches square they're a great size to carry in a bag. The apple green leather I picked is gorgeous and supple, and the contrast with the beautiful fabric pouches is divine. The covers are substantial but not too thick, and the pages are high quality photo paper with a nice weight. To put together these samples I used images from Katie and Justin's wedding a few months ago. Click here if you want to see photos of their day.

Without question these are a welcome new addition to product offerings. I'm so pleased with these little books that I'll probably order another sample newborn clients. A little book like this would also make a great Mother's Day gift, allowing her to show off her latest family photos.

Call me at 770-330-5414 to schedule a spring or Easter session and see other cover options for these new mini books!

Groth and Makarenko {Atlanta Professional Headshots}

2011-04-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Since I know a few lawyers, I'm well aware that they're humans, just like the rest of us. (Actually, my cousin the lawyer and his father have a repertoire of more bad lawyer jokes than anyone I know.) So I wasn't at all nervous about meeting the team at Groth and Makarenko to create some new images for their website. They were truly a pleasure to work with, very pleasant and professional. Of course, I did ask for a "tough lawyer" face at one point, and believe me, it was intimidating. I would NOT want to face that in cross examination. But if I ever need a good lawyer to have my back, I'll know who to call. Thanks for making it a great shoot, guys.

Boxer Babies {Atlanta Pet Photographer}

2011-04-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Last week I travelled pretty far north of the city to meet a litter of Boxer puppies, and it was definitely worth the drive. These sweet fur babies will be ready to go home with new owners next week, but for now they're still having fun playing with one another and just KILLING us with cuteness.

Tommy and Erica at Roswell Mill {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-03-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a few months ago that I met Tommy and Erica for their engagement session, and I'm FINALLY sharing them. (A bit behind with the blogging....sorry!) We couldn't have asked for a prettier day for our shoot--it was mild with a hint of breeze. And I couldn't have asked for a nicer couple, as they were relaxed and really enjoyed goofing off and trying different spots around Roswell Mill.

Chocolatey Goodness {Atlanta and Newnan Dog Photographer - Nina Parker Pets.com}

2011-03-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Driving back from this photoshoot I chatted with a friend on the phone and described it as "chocolatey goodness"....and I was NOT kidding. These scrumptious Chocolate Labrador puppies are sweet as a candy bar. Their mama Sugar is such a sweet girl: owner Janel is weaning the pups so they can go home soon, but Sugar keeps trying to jump in the whelping box and take care of her babies. Litters vary by size and breed, but I was not prepared for the sight of TWELVE, yes I mean a dozen puppies. Oh. My. Goodness. Once loosed into the yard for playtime it's like a moving river of brown fur, pink tongues, and wagging tails.

Here they are!

Pop the cork

2011-03-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

I am a people photographer. Okay, since I also love my four-legged clients I'll amend that and say I'm a photographer of living things. That's what I do, and it's what I love.....capturing life and expression. While it's admittedly easier to photography things that stand still, rendering a beautiful scenario has never quite given me as much of a thrill as capturing a special moment of emotion being experienced. Aside from vacation or an occasional whim I've never really been interested in landscape or still life photography. Not that I don't adore an exquisite landscape, because I do, and have one by a friend displayed in my home.

So I sorta surprised myself by impulsively giving in to a moment of inspiration. These are some of the first wine fine art images I've produced but I plan to do more. I really enjoyed it, and photographing wine bottles is much less aerobic than say, photographing toddlers and puppies!

Baby Bullies.....a whole litter of cuteness! {Atlanta and Cherokee Dog Photographer}

2011-03-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

When I drove up to V-Tech Kennels to meet Joe Morris and his dogs, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. Very quickly I got to meet Joe and his family and felt right at home, and found out that Joe has a very interesting background. He is an animal behaviorist and trainer, as well as having experience working to break up illegal dog fighting operations. So when he says he understands dogs of the bulldog variety, I believe him.

To meet the dogs and get comfortable, as well as give them some exercise, we went outside first. The pups are still babies and not sure what to think about the great outdoors, so it was funny to watch their reactions. A few decided to be adventurous and explore, but I found that they kept crawling up into my lap every time I crouched down to get a shot.

This is Marco, about to chew on my knee.

This is uncle Lefty, who also came out for a bit of playtime. Hey, someone has to show the youngsters how it's done! This guy was such a big softie: he liked to bump that big square head against my knee to get more petting. He has a great disposition and is a very happy dog.

Once we got inside it was time to set up for the babies first photoshoot. Ready? Here they are:

Two Face

Marco

Bessie

Baby Deuce

Black Dog

Bucky

I have to point out that as the big boy of the litter, Bucky's posterior barely fit on my chair.

Blue

Lilly

Then we did some groupings in the basket. Seemed like a great idea to the humans, but the pups weren't so sure. The second shot, in particular, is begging for a funny caption. (If you have an ideas, feel free to pass them along!

By the way, several of the pups are spoken for and will be 'leaving the nest' soon, but if you'd like to inquire about availability please contact Joe at V-Tech Kennels.

"Reach for the Sky!" {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-02-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

Undoubtedly, I've seen ALL the Pixar movies too many times. And I can't blame it on children: there are no little people living at my place, and my nephews are more into superheroes and Harry Potter at this point. It's me.....I adore them and have my own collection, but the Toy Story movies are my favorite.

So of course I thought of Woody when, after careful consideration and lots of debate, I ordered my latest photography accessory. It's a hip holster for my camera, specifically a SpyderPro Single Camera System.

Once it arrives I'll have to practice, channeling my inner gunslinger until it's second nature. If this thing works as well as I hope it will, I'll have significantly less neck and shoulder pain after my next 8+ hour day shooting a wedding.

Boxer Babies {Atlanta Cumming Dog Photographer}

2011-02-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

What's more precious than an adorable little puppy? How about LOTS of puppies?!

Yesterday I got to visit Shelly and her family, which at the moment includes four boxer babies. We enjoyed the unseasonably beautiful weather and got outside to play--the pups definitely enjoyed it, although they stick pretty close to the feet of the nearest human.

These are some sweet, playful little ones. Several have already gone home with their new owners, but three (one brindle, two black and white) are still available. If you're interested in a boxer baby let me know and I can connect you with the owner.

Here they are!

Katy and Justin are MARRIED! Woodstock Community Center {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

2011-01-18T22:35:00.000-08:00

What was your New Year's resolution? Most of us promise ourselves to exercise more or eat less junk (or both), but this couple decided to promise each other their love and begin 2011 as newlyweds. And they did an excellent job of it, from the really sweet exchanges amongst the various relatives, to Katy's unabashed JOY once she got that dress on, through their lovely ceremony to the fun reception. Once again I worked with Wendell at C &W Photography in Woodstock, and we had a great time. Here are the images from their day...

Katy and Justin were married at Hickory Flat United Methodist Church in Canton. I loved the stained glass windows in the foyer, and the sanctuary had large windows with lovely light.

They decided not to see one another before the ceremony, but wanted to do a quick picture (with finger contact!) around the edge of the door. So cute.

Twirling. It's the undeniable right of an adorable little girl in a swirly dress. (Or even a big girl in a swirly dress! Most ladies I know are not above a quick twirl if the mood strikes--it's just a female thing.)

We were NOT in short supply in the humor department--the bridesmaids were lovely AND a hoot.

She walked down the aisle on the arm of her dad, and left on the arm of her new husband.

After the ceremony everyone headed to The Woodstock Community Center for the reception. The bridesmaids and the rest of the wedding party definitely knew how to .....party!

"Justin, this is the LAST time you'll have the upper hand." - wedding toast

Serenaded with a lip-synched version of an N'Sync song, I think. Can't remember....I was laughing too hard.

Congratulations, Katy and Justin!

Sneak Peak - Katy Hickory Flat UMC {Cherokee County Wedding Photographer}

2011-01-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peak of Katy, who made a lovely bride when she wed Justin at Hickory Flat UMC in Cherokee County before the New Year holiday. The rest of their images will be up tomorrow but for now...here she is! Thank you Katie for being such a relaxed and truly beautiful bride.

Snowpocalypse

2011-01-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

Also known as the day that SOME people in metro Atlanta ignored a solid 5 days of warnings about the humungus winter storm and seemed surprised by snow. *sigh* The weather forecasters don't always get it right, bless their hearts, but they did this time. Snow....a LOT of snow. Well beyond the expectations or experience of many born and bred Southerners like myself.

Being totally aware that the supermarkets would be slammed with people buying bread and milk, I stayed in all Sunday afternoon waiting for the weather to turn wintry. And waited. And waited. I was starting to be quite unimpressed with the much touted Snow-bomination when my friend Scott called and asked if it was snowing yet at my apartment. I looked out my sliding glass door to the wooded lot, saw nothing in the darkness, and said no. Ten minutes into our conversation, he asked, "Are you sure?" and I looked again. This time I glanced up at a streetlight and saw the precipitation coming down. That was around 10:30. In another 15 minutes the ground had gone from dusted to covered in white, and it didn't stop. To someone who's rarely seen snow at all, much less accumulation, it was amazing. In approximately an hour there was 4 inches of snow covering everything in sight. Despite the fact that it was 11:30pm, I bundled up and headed outside with my camera. I knew by morning the pristine whiteness would be marred by tire tracks and footprints.

When I first walked out into the parking lot of my apartment no one was around. It was SO quiet and muffled.

The entrance to the condos near my complex. Someone still has Christmas lights on their balcony.

The entrance to my apartment complex....you can see the wet flakes coming down in the spotlight.

I walked down Windy Hill Road to the overpass: traffic headed into town was at a complete stop.

Quite a few cars had been abandoned, either because they'd been in collisions or could go no further in the snow.

A pedestrian casually walks across the deserted Windy Hill Road.

After about an hour, and several well-intentioned offers from drivers asking if I was stranded, I took my frozen nose and wet feet back toward my complex and my nice warm bed. I knew all that white would still be there when I woke up...

Celebrating a new year, and my birthday, at IHOP (Atlanta Family Photographer)

2011-01-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

There's a family long-standing tradition in our family, and that's having brunch together on New Year's Day. January 1 happens to be my birthday, and I'm usually out celebrating with friends the night before. So the day I actually have to admit to being a year older seems a good time to cope by shoveling hashbrowns into my mouth. That and I just LOVE breakfast food.

So here we are at IHOP. Mom and Dad, laughing, probably something to do with Dad's fondness for saying "Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity" with extra-crisp pronunciation ....

There's my sister Paula, then Carin and Sheri, who have functioned as bosom friends and sisters in my life for many years now, then Mom and Dad.

Kathleen, who was not awake yet, Kayleigh, and their dad Wade, my good friend. We had all been to the Chik Fil A Bowl the night before, so it's a miracle any of us were conscious. (I, for one, drank a LOT of coffee)

Here's me with my nephews Ian, Levi, and Caleb, across from their mom.

Typical shenanigans.

Levi helping me read my card from Mom, which was sweet and made me cry.

The boys were VERY involved in present selection: they each individually insisted on picking something for me. (LOVE them!) Here's my lavender bath salts....Levi warned me multiple times that it turns the water "colors."

The bag of goodies from my boys.... What can I say? They know my fondness for lip products (I keep them stashed everywhere) and the color pink. The fact that my birthday outfit matched their gifts seemed to thrill them, and completely verify their spot-on selections: a triple pack of Fruit Smoothies Blistex, Bubblegum Lip Smackers, bath salts, pink house socks, and a bar of my favorite dark chocolate.

More goodies: my new favorite hat, a souvenir from the Chik Fil A Bowl. South Carolina did not prevail, unfortunately, but the hat will be a reminder of how much fun we had, rather than the game itself. Years ago my grandfather gave me a Gamecock hat, which saw many youth group outings and such before disappearing when I was cheerleading at a game. It's been years but I still bemoan the loss of that cap. Now I have a new one!

Gifts are nice, and pancakes, of course, are essential to the beginning of a new year; but sharing time with family and friends is the best thing about January 1. Thank you for your love and for making me feel so special!

New Year's Eve at the Chik Fil A Bowl

2011-01-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

This year was a departure for me in terms of ringing in the new year.....I went to a college football game, and a bowl game at that. I had never actually been to a college football game before, so it was quite an experience. The crew included myself, my friend Wade, and his two girls, visiting for the holidays.

Here's Kathleen and Kayleigh on MARTA. Wade's got some very good advice from one of his law enforcement brethren on where to park and ride in, which worked well. We were going the opposite of a lot of the crowd both in and out--easiest time I've EVER had going into downtown Atlanta for a major event.

Kathleen wearing her adorable new hat...I think it was from Claire's. The face on it is super cute.

So excited! I think the bands were about to come onto the field for halftime. Kayleigh is involved in Color Guard and drumline at her school, so I got some very impressive color commentary of the performances from her. Very enlightening to watch it from her perspective.

One of the main highlights of the evening: Chik Fil A sandwiches. There were vendors walking around with satchels of them, and they were HOT. The sandwiches, I mean. Don't know what they put in those packs to keep the sandwiches warm but it worked. She's a teeny thing but made quick work of that sandwich and probably could have polished off a few more if given the chance. (Oh, to have that metabolism!)

Kathleen went for a pretzel instead.

Oh, yeah....we got a cow!

On the way home .....Wade's comment on this photo: "There's always some nut riding MARTA."

Christmas at Grammy and Papa's house {Atlanta Family Photographer}

2011-01-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

We had a good time celebrating Christmas together at my parents' house, especially since it was the first "white" Christmas for many of us. Snow on Christmas Day just isn't the norm down here below the Mason Dixon line! Unfortunately getting out and playing in it was not an option, so there aren't any pictures of that. As the snow continued and driving conditions deteriorated, we decided to keep the celebration fairly short so everyone could get home safely well before dark.

But the indoor celebration was quite festive. My contribution this year was hand knit hats for the boys....

Caleb's is a chunky oatmeal-colored yarn, and my first time trying cables. Levi's was a simple roll brim in blue to match his eyes. His ended up a bit smaller on him than I would have liked--that kid has a big noggin! On the flip side, Ian's is a bit larger than I would have liked. Yes, that is a Transformer face on that hat. Another first for me: knitting with two colors simultaneously to make a design. Quite tricky, and not the most finished product I've ever turned out, but he loves it, which is all that counts.

My sister got one, too. She's getting up at 5:00am these days to get the boys to school and arrive at work by 7:00ish, and it's cold. So her's is super soft and plush and has ear flaps. I liked it so much i may have to make one for myself!

Then there was the cabin-fever, boys-will-be-boys karate demonstration portion of the day.

Paula on video camera duty, until she almost got wiped out by an attempted bicycle kick.

Here's the entire crew, hats and crazy faces galore. Poor Grandma is the lone spot of dignity in this scenario.

And did I mention toe socks? This year it was ALL about the toe socks. Those suckers turned out to be hard to find, due to high demand, apparently. I finally just ordered a jumbo pack off the internet so everyone could wear them. Hah! Mom didn't know about that until the day off--she didn't expect to have a pair pressed on her, and neither did Dad. But they were good sports about it.

Thrilled to have Grandma Parker with us to celebrate another holiday. She just turned 98 in October.

Hope your holiday was fun and festive and full of good things!