Chelsea Nicole Photography

Last week I attended Day 2 of the Step it Up Seminar with Mike Larson and Brittney Hanson (of BLR). It was an amazing opportunity – I learned a ton and made new friends with a great group of photographers – definitely fun times! While soaking up the knowledge, I was able to sneak in a couple shots of the fabulous couples who came out:

Behind the scenes:
Mike and Brittney set the scene for the live demo shoot.

Me, Charise, Melissa McClure, and Emily. Thanks to Brittney for this photo!

Mike chillin’ out during the shoot…

Filed under: Engagements, Photographers on October 13th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

Mike Larson came out for a special PUG meeting this past Sunday. I’m excited that our little group had the opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration from such an amazing photographer, and person.

We convinced Mike to do his famous camera toss  (throwing my D300 high into the air) for our group photo:

Starting from top middle and going counter clockwise: Jenna, Rachel, Iris, Jayse, me, Carla, Danny, Mary, Chris, Bill, Chris, Ashley, and of course, Mike in the center!

Fun times!

I also checked out Mike and Brittany (of BLR)’s Step it Up! Seminar on Tuesday, which will be blogged soon – along with a few fabulous weddings, engagements, and trash the dress sessions shot this past week!

Filed under: Photographers on October 9th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

Whether you’re a professional or an amateur photographer, you are welcome to see what our new little group is all about. We have new people all the time, and everybody is super friendly.

NOTE: For future meets the schedule has been changed to the last Wednesday of every month, with the next meet being tomorrow!! Here’s the details:

When: Wednesday Sept. 24th 7:00pm
Where: Chelsea Nicole’s house (about 20 minutes from the strip)
What’s happenin’: Click here see more details on the PUG page and to RSVP (no membership required).

Can’t wait to see everyone soon!!

<3 Chelsea

And since no blog entry is complete without a photo, I’m going to sneak this one in from hiking in Mt Charleston with my loves!

Filed under: Photographers on September 23rd, 2008 | 1 Comment »

As always, Pictage threw an awesome event! There was so many great and inspiring speakers this year.

For those weren’t able to make it out, we already have some plans in the works to have Mike Larson come speak at our Vegas PUG! And I also spoke with Justin & Mary Marantz about coming out in February. By the way, these two were INCREDIBLE! I can’t say enough positive things about their class “Creating Loyalty Beyond Reason.”

I had a blast at Pictage’s pool party on Tuesday night! It was great hanging out with everyone and making lots of new friends! My favorite part of these events is being amongst the amazing community of friendly, fun-lovin’ photographers. Some great times getting drinks, catching up, and avoiding the “crazy guy” with Michelle and Annie, Mark Sweeney, Leanne and Brenda, Gene Higa, Gustavo, David Esquire, Mike Steelman, Mike Colón and Sarah France.

Big thanks to my girl Michelle for sending some photos my way for the blog!

Me and Michelle

Michelle and Annie, Jayse, Gene Higa and me

Just a quick update – there’s more to come! Also check back for some teasers of Summer’s trash the dress at the Boneyard!

Filed under: Personal, Photographers on September 15th, 2008 | 3 Comments »

The August PUG meet up was a lot of fun! It was great seeing everyone who was able to make it out! We were excited to start the studio spotlights, where we plan to feature one member each month. Our very 1st studio spotlight was with Iris from iCandyphotography. Way to kick it off Iris!

Also, a big thanks to my “super cool Jayse” for teaching an awesome class on Photoshop tips and tricks! Jayse covered many different areas such as layer masks, creating and using custom texture sets, blending modes, sun intensifiers (not the icky built in ones), some “no-no’s” that should be avoided, working non-destructively (with smart objects and smart filters) and more. Here’s the links to the sites mentioned during the texture part of the presentation: Jesh De Rox and Poser

Bill got this cute photo of me and Ashley setting up our cameras for the group shot. Thanks!

In this photo: Iris, Trevor, Suzi, Ashley, Chris, Bill, Chris, Jayse and me.

Remember that PartnerCon is on September 9-10th! Jayse and I will be heading out for sure and would love to see other Vegas peeps!

Also, Ashley and I have some great plans for the upcoming months!! For those of you that haven’t come – the PUG is a new group we started in Vegas for photographers. You’re welcome to come! PUG meets are scheduled for the 1st Tuesday of each month. And as always you can feel free to email me for info or questions chels(@)chelsea-nicole.com.

See you all again soon!

<3 Chelsea

Filed under: Photographers on August 6th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

Hey Vegas photographers, here’s a short update for the August PUG meetup -

Date-Time: Tuesday August 5 @ 7PM

Local Agenda:

• Super cool Photoshop tips by internationally known designer Jayse: amp your photoshop skills whether you’re a beginner or advanced with these tips for improving and enhancing your photos! Preview some of his work at: www.jayse.us
• Our first Pictage member studio spotlight

Pictage Agenda:

• Canvas Prints
• Album Contest
• Wallet prints

If you have any questions feel free to email me: chels(@)chelsea-nicole.com. And if you can make it out, please RSVP on the PUG Page. See everyone soon!

Also, since no blog entry is complete without a photo… Here’s a glimpse of our new in home studio!

Remeber those funky directions? They were for a motorized backdrop roller system. The rollers hold 3 backdrops! And here it’s sporting our awesome green screen.

Filed under: Personal, Photographers on July 29th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

Hey Vegas photographers! Here’s some info on tomorrow’s PUG meet:
Date and time: Tuesday, July 8 2008 @ 7:00pm
Location: My place
Las Vegas NV, 89178 (email me for a map)

We’ll be going over Pictage’s new Lightroom Plug-in to help simplify your work-flow, as well as talking about one of the most effective and powerful free marketing tools available: blogging!

Click here to see photos from the last PUG meet!

Soon to be blogged:

Kara and Greg flew out for an awesome trash-the-dress yesterday! It was so great seeing them and going on a little adventure. I can’t wait to get some photos up!

Also, some fun stuff has been happening in my world… but with some really horrible instructions! Let’s see if anyone can guess what it is based off of this:
click to see bigger

Filed under: Photographers on July 7th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

During last night’s PUG we were privileged to have arranged a very special presentation: “Standing Out in the Photography Industry” by guest speakers
Michael and Anna Costa.

Had to put this up – they are so cute together. Here she said “I want to control the remote,” and just because it’s their anniversary Michael actually handed it over.

It was an awesome presentation that hit major areas (niche marketing, sales, associate photographers, outsourcing)… and left you wanting more!
I also loved watching their slide-shows. It’s always inspirational seeing amazing work. And it was great having such talent come out to speak on our 2nd meetup!

Michael and Anna will be sharing their knowledge across the states as they travel for their national PUG tour, so fellow photographers – be on the lookout! Also be sure to check out their forum: Photo for the People. It has live chats and interviews with incredible photographers and is a great place to share, network and learn.

As you can see, our guests really enjoyed the info and humor.

In this photo: top row – Chris, Danny, Michael, Anna, me, Candace, Melissa, Bill;
bottom row – Mary, Spencer, Rachel, Trevor, Iris – photo by Jayse!

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out! I hope to see you all again soon! The regularly scheduled meetings are the first Tuesday of each month, but be sure to check the PUG page for updates.

Filed under: Photographers on June 25th, 2008 | 4 Comments »

One of my images has been featured on Pictage’s “Inside the Image” series!
The chosen piece is one of my favorite photographs from Reann and Pete’s wedding day.  Be sure to check out the blog feature with some behind the image details here.

Filed under: Photographers, Weddings on June 17th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

Thanks to everyone that was able to make it out and helped make our first meet a success! It was a lot of fun meeting fellow photographers and sharing ideas. I can already tell we’re going to have a strong Vegas community!

Thanks to my Jayse for taking these photos! Of course, that’s me with the puppy in my lap. We were proud of how well behaved Bella was with all the people over.

Chris, Spencer, and Trish are very contemplative:

Group photo!!
Above: Josh, Eric, and Chris. Below: Rafael, Ashley, Keny, me, Rachel, and Trish.

click ‘em to see bigger images

For anyone that doesn’t know, the meets are scheduled for the 1st Tuesday of each month. So I hope to see everyone again next time! Among other things, we’ll be covering how to price yourself in this market and raising prices. Be sure to check our local PUG page for updates and to RSVP!!

Check out more photos from the meet-up on PUG co-leader Ashley’s blog.

To my brides: It’s been a crazy few weeks with wedding season at its peak. But hang tight, I promise some fun “teaser” pics soon!

Filed under: Personal, Photographers on June 4th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

I’m very excited to announce that Tuesday June 3rd will be the first ever PUG (Pictage User Group) meet for the Las Vegas area, hosted by myself and good friend Ashley Bartoletti.

You don’t have to be a Pictage member, or even know what Pictage is, to come to the first meet up. It’s always free and all photographers are welcome – whether you photograph weddings, children, or skies. It will be held at my house in Tuscanny Ridge at Mountains Edge starting at 7:00pm. Feel free to email me for directions (chels(at)chelsea-nicole.com). Or for more information or to RSVP visit the PUG page.

Come help us make a strong photographer community out here! We’ll be getting to know each other, discussing networking with vendors, and taking a look at Pictage’s new art books. In addition, there will be free food and drinks (always an added bonus)!

It’ll probably be small – but whether it’s just two people or 15 we’ll be sure to have fun! Hope to see you soon!

Filed under: Personal, Photographers on May 28th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

click to see bigger images

We met up with the kick butt photographers – Shawn Reeder, Jessica Del Vecchio, and Sarah Hodzic for a hike up at Red Rock, along with a little picnic amongst the rocks. Sara and Shawn were (as you can see) the real mountain climbers of our group. But my little Bella was the mountain goat… She did great for her first time hiking!!

Bella watches intensely as Sara jumps fearlessly off the mountain

Click here to check out Sara’s blog with more photos from the hike.

It was so awesome meeting you all! Hope you had a great stay in Vegas and a safe trip home. Can’t wait until ParnerCon LA in September!!

Filed under: Personal, Photographers on March 22nd, 2008 | 3 Comments »

It’s been a long week but SOOO much fun! It was great seeing old friends again and meeting lots of new, incredible people for WPPI this year!

Some highlights from this past week…

Saturday – We had the Pictage forum dinner @ Ah Sin (thanks to Jessica Del Vecchio for putting this together). It was wonderful to meet everyone in person. So many friendly faces! And Krista, thanks for taking me out to La Reve. This one of my favorite shows on the strip… definitely a must see!

Sunday – PartnerCon was very inspiring as always. Pictage rocks for putting this on for free! And later that night, the Pixel2Canvas Club Rouge party was the place to be! Melody Hood put on an amazing boudoir presentation. I love her to death – such a sweet person and so so talented!

Monday – Ashley and I met with Emily from Pictage about starting our very own Las Vegas puppy PUG! It’s going to be great getting to know more local photographers and developing more of a community, so I’m very excited about this. After, us girls cruised the trade-show floor and got our head-shots with Becker.

PARTY TIME! There was so many killer parties going on Monday, but once Jayse and I stepped inside the gorgeous Parisian Palace for the BLU Social we knew we were in for the night. This majestic “French Castle” was like a dream… A 14,000 square foot palace it had elaborate hand-painted murals that covered the walls and ceilings – everything was so surreal.

Earlier in the evening they had a hypnotist (and yes, of course I had to volunteer) It was so much fun! Many people have asked so I’ll describe it here… You have a slight awareness, but are more relaxed and willing to do anything when hypnotized. I think it came easy for me since I’m used to centering myself and kinda letting go a bit during yoga. Anyway, I can’t wait to see all the crazy photos. I’m sure there was plenty from a place filled to the brink with only the most talented photographers. And my good friend Ashley (from St. Thomas) has some video footage – uh oh!

Wednesday – Jayse and I talked with John Michael Cooper (altF) at the trade-show. John was one of the first people we met when I was just thinking of getting into the industry. And his work showed me that you could do fine-art wedding photography that broke the mold. I was working on a serial-killer journal series at the time and John seemed to have kind of a dark side that he loved in his work as well. He’s credited with starting trash-the-dress and his work’s being featured in RangeFinder magazine this month, so check it out!

Today – Heading out to Red Rock with Jessica, Sarah, and Shawn for some good times and a little picnic! Will be updating with lots of photos from the week later!

Filed under: Personal, Photographers on March 20th, 2008 | 5 Comments »