Rochester, MN Photography | Nicole Mills Photography
I know it’s a bit late to be doing a Year in Review post, but I’ve always been a bit of a procrastinator! And since I haven’t posted since last May (where DOES the time go??), I thought I’d better get to it.
2018 was a pretty good year for Nicole Mills Photography! I continued to explore my creativity in creating paper gowns, and seriously grew both my book and gown collection for such projects. When I latch on to an idea or a concept….I latch on hard. I now have about 40 used bridesmaid, prom gowns, and wedding gowns stored throughout my home and studio. And let’s not forget the books! Several sets of encyclopedia (people just GIVE those away!), children’s books, atlases, art books, and more. I hit estate sales throughout the summer, and our barn is full of my found treasures. Now, I just need to stop collecting and get busy making more custom gowns for the studio! No problem…who needs sleep?? Not this girl.
High school seniors kept me fairly busy throughout 2018, which was great. Mainly girls, but I had a few handsome guys sit before my camera too, which I enjoyed. They just want to be done pretty much as soon as we start…so they just sit, and do what I say, and pose how I tell them to pose. Simple, efficient, and they’re oh so happy when I say “That’s a wrap!” :) But, get a handsome guy in a suit, and it’s difficult for ME to be done. I always want just a few more shots…a few more poses. It’s the mom in me, I guess! The ladies…well, they’re always a blast to photograph because they ENJOY getting dressed up and primping for the camera. And I LOVE helping a girl to see her own beauty. The only rule is I don’t allow ANY fish lips or duck faces. Save those for your selfies ladies! ;)
In addition to my high school seniors, I had an assortment of other clients…each with their own reason to have portraits made. A queen celebrating her pageant title, TWO warriors at the start of their individual battles with cancer (I’m happy to report that both of these beautiful ladies are doing well), a family awaiting the birth of their first child, and a few families wanting to simply capture their family as a whole before the kids are grown and gone. Sprinkle in a few business head shots for those in need of an updated on-line presence, and a few personal projects for myself, and I’d say Nicole Mills Photography had a well rounded year!
Thank you to all those who took the time to sit before me and my camera. Truly…thank you so much. I appreciate the investment you made in your images, and in my business. I’m so happy that I get to do this…for you…and for myself. I’ve always believed that it’s sooooo important to LOVE what you do, as you’ll spend a fair amount of your time doing it to earn an income. I’d love to say that I love being a photographer so much that I’d do it even if I weren’t being paid, but the truth is, I couldn’t do it…not to this extent anyway. Photography is not an inexpensive endeavor! Between the equipment costs, the education required, the studio expenses, insurance, taxes…the list goes on…well, it can bury a person in debt, if one’s not careful. I’m learning to be careful (I can be a slow learner at times). Yes, I’m STILL a real estate broker (shameless plug for my other business there), but as Nicole Mills Photography grows, Knowing Home Real Estate has suffered a bit. As I once heard from someone…You can’t ride two horses with one ass. True enough. For me, anyway. I still work hard for my real estate clients, but they’re fewer and farther between as I devote more of my time to my photography. So, again…muchas gracias, mi amigos (just fyi..other than counting to ten, that’s the only Spanish I know).
Looking forward to 2019 (yes, I realize we’re already well into February), I’m excited to see what this year brings for my business! I’m again entering a design for Studs, Struts and Stilettos this year, which is coming up fast (April 18th, if you care to come support a great cause!), so I need to get started on that pretty soon. I also have plans to organize and revamp the studio a bit (a visit from Marie Kondo wouldn’t be completely unwarranted), and to work on some of my marketing materials. I want to sell BIG wall portraits this year, because you NEED them people! :) USB drives and a small print stuck in a frame on the book shelf JUST ISN’T ENOUGH. I firmly believe that. Don’t worry, I’ll convince you too. :)
Here’s to 2019! I hope it’s an amazing year for me, for you…and for a boy named Boo? I don’t know…a rhyme seemed appropriate there. I’ll stop now.
And oh…before I forget. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Nicole Mills Photography specializes in photographing girls and women of all ages. If you live in SE Minnesota and are looking for a photographer that is dedicated to her craft and will provide you the most amazing portraits you've ever seen of yourself, then please get in touch with Nicole Mills Photography to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Located in downtown Pine Island, the Nicole Mills Photography studio offers everything you need to make your portrait experience one to remember forever. You'll find a full studio wardrobe to choose from, including beautiful gowns, casual separates, and even unique, custom designs created by Nicole for a one-of-a-kind portrait you and your family will treasure forever.
Nicole Mills Photography offers fully stylized sessions both in her Pine Island studio and outdoors in Rochester, MN and surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for senior photographs, maternity, business head shots, or simply some beautiful images of you and/or your family, Nicole Mills Photography provides unparalleled service, quality of work, and unique artwork you'll want to hand down for generations to come.
Now serving: Rochester, Pine Island, Byron, Kasson, Mantorville, Oronoco, Stewartville, Zumbrota, Wanamingo, Eyota, St. Charles, Elgin, Plainview, and more.