Nicole Glenn Photography Blog bio picture

I am a scientist by day and a photographer by night. Follow my journey as I juggle pipettes and lenses in this crazy thing I call life.

Here you will find my most recent work and, if you're lucky, my personal ramblings about Cooper, my love of blueberry muffins, and videos of me dancing. Please contain your excitement. :)

This is the life I love.

Monthly Archives: November 2009

Macro Monday | The Garden

This past weekend I had an opportunity to do some personal photography. Something I use to do all the time, but it seems to have been lost in the shuffle. So! In order to push myself to take sometime to appreciate the little things in life, I am going to start a Macro Monday series! The staple of this series will be my 60mm Nikkor, which I absolutely adore…60mmIt creates some of the most delicious and creamy images. I almost considered selling it, because it was just sitting around! I’m so glad I didn’t, I would have missed it so.

On to some photos! I wish I inherited my mother’s green thumb, it seems flowers of all shapes, colors, and sizes are always in bloom. Roses never disappoint my heart…

DSC_0313DSC_0428This is not a welcome guest in the garden, but dandelions happen haha. You may be wondering how long one person can spend with a dandelion? The answer. You wouldn’t want to know! I just appreciate the textures and layers, okay?? Whimsical right?DSC_0335Christmas cactus is in bloom!DSC_0386Oh Daisy, how I love thee.DSC_0403

I have a few ideas for themes,  and of course any suggestions you have are welcome! Happy December, 2010 is creepin’ up on us!

~Nicole

The Little Things

On this Thanksgiving I am thankful for the little things….

A hearty laugh with my parents. The type that makes your stomach hurt and eyes water. My dogs greeting me with  sincere whimpers of excitement and jumps for joy. Even when I was gone for only an hour. Long dinners with old friends. Where you reminisce, smile ’til your cheeks hurt, and most importantly, humbly keep in check. Skype. For making miles of separation disappear. Photography. For helping me appreciate and see the beauty in all the things that comprise my life. Even the weeds.DSC_0330DSC_0344

Wishing you a warm Thanksgiving, filled with love, laughter, and a full belly.

Nicole

David and Christine | Portraits

I have lived in San Diego my entire life and I am still in awe of the scenery and weather. I mean seriously La Jolla? It’s almost December??LaJolla

The surroundings may have been beautiful, but Christine and David looked stunning. They recently celebrated their 1 year anniversary and I am so excited that I was able to capture this moment in their lives….

Christine-David1

Christine, you are so beautiful…Christine-David2Christine-David3

Isn’t Hurley the cutest little thing?!Christine-David4

I love this shot…Christine-David5

David looking very dapper…Christine-David6

You two are so fabulous. Forget America’s Next Top Model!

Christine-David7

Christine-David8

I adore this hidden gem in La Jolla. Welcome to the sand room (yeah, I made that up)…Christine-David9Christine-David10Christine-David11Christine-David12

I heart you two!Christine-David13

Can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something that I just adore about this picture…Christine-David14

David and Christine, I am so glad you are in my life and I am honored to call you my friends. Congrats on your first year of marriage! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Nicole

Love It | Boots and Zentomino

Sigh…this is my favorite time of year. Chilly evenings, hot cocoa, strung lights, and lots of family time over the holidays. I might get caught saying other seasons are my favorite, but for now I’m convinced this is it! Believe it!

Luckily, with cooler weather comes BOOTS! I think I am kind of obsessed this year. Every time I see someone in boots I think oooOOOoo….I neeeeed those, like I neeeeeed sleep. Something not helping my new found obsession is DSW. This store is shoe overload and I love it. They tend to have wonderful sales and discounts too!

Picture 1

Yesterday, I had dinner plans to meet Arthur and our good friend James for Thai food. They were late due to traffic. An hour late, to be exact. I was so glad my iPod touch was charged and loaded with time passing apps. My current app of choice is Zentomino. In kindergarten, I distinctly remember being fond of those primary colored, geometric blocks. Zentomino fills that void. Yes, I am still a nerd, okay?? I have been playing it so much that square kitchen and bathroom tiles become a game. It’s really sad, I know.

zentominoflower2

I hope you are all ready for the holidays! I hear Christmas music already!!

Nicole

P.S. – Hi Tine and C-Unit! Ha! I heart you two.

Behind the Scenes | Family Portraits

When I came across the following picture from the Hurley’s family session it made me smile. DSC_0347bw

It sums up how a session CAN be while attempting to pose and photograph a 2 and 5 year old. I am not an all knowing expert, and of course, there are many different styles and ways of doing things, but here are a few things that have helped me avoid too many of these moments…

Manage Expectations – This starts with ME! I tend to be a planner, and I like things go, well, as planned! I have learned to let things happen and roll with the punches. Having this state of mind before the session has helped me relax and not become anxious about not getting shots that I envisioned. Yes, I daydream in frozen frames sometimes. I know, it’s weird!

No Camera Time – In general, people don’t like having a camera in their face. Especially if they are 2! I like to spend 10-15 minutes just hanging out and getting to know people. It helps people (kids in particular) feel comfortable with you, which I believe is imperative to a successful shoot. Inquire about their day, blow bubbles out side, anything to break the ice.

Shoot, Shoot, Shoot – My personal style is capturing genuine smiles, laughter, and interactions. I do some posing, but I would much prefer capturing families moving and enjoying themselves than stiff/frozen smiles. Yes, you all know that I have been holding this smile for too long face. To achieve this, I let families play, run, and hang out while I document. My theory is shoot now, and ask questions later! With digital it is so easy to just delete images that aren’t working. So, shoot, shoot, shoot, and you are bound to freeze beautiful moments.

Have Fun! – My main goal is for my clients to have a good time. Growing up we didn’t really take family photos, and I think it’s mainly because my parents hated having their picture taken! Making a session fun helps people relax and maybe….just maybe, enjoy having their photo taken! If I see mom and dad feeling stressed about the lack of cooperation, I suggest taking a break. It helps to run off a little energy sometimes!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I like sharing (cuz sharing is caring, right?!) and so many people have helped me along this journey.

Happy Wednesday!

Nicole

P.S. – Oh, and I included this picture on their disk on images. I mean, it’s a real moment and it made ME laugh. So, I’m convinced mom and dad will appreciate it too!

Ella | Portraits (Part 2)

That’s right. Baby Ella and her beautiful parents should look familiar. Our original session was cut short, so we met again for round two. It was a beautiful, crisp afternoon, and I’m glad they decided to pay Sea Port Village a visit. It is starting to feel a little like Fall (or post Summer haha) in San Diego, and I couldn’t be happier. Here are a few of my favorites from our shoot…

Ella-P2-1I just adore that little smirk…Ella-P2-2Ella-P2-3Even when sticking out her tongue she is adorable!Ella-P2-4They are the sweetest little family!Ella-P2-5Yaaaaayyyyy!Ella-P2-6Ella-P2-7Ella-P2-8My absolute favorite. She is such a doll!Ella-P2-9It was a pleasure seeing you all again! Thanks again for letting me document your little angel.

~Nicole

Hurley Family | Portraits

If love and life were a river, the Hurley’s river would be overflowing. They are such a warm and welcoming family, that I instantly felt comfortable and at ease. No joke. The pictures tell the same story, and I bet you will want to be a Hurley after you feast your eyes on this happy madness. These are my favorites…

I love big, teethy smiles!

Hurley_1Aren’t they a beautiful family?!?Hurley_2Love, love, love…Hurley_3Hurley_4Hurley_5Besos!Hurley_6The youngest one of the bunch ran the show. Where he goes, we go…Hurley_7What’s that? A piece of Fall in San Diego? Yes, please!Hurley_8

Hurley_9In his element…Hurley_10Rocco doesn’t care for strangers too much, but his big, blue eyes are captivating…Hurley_11

Hurley Family, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you, thank goodness for Jessica! Your love for each other is undeniable and it was a joy to document your huge hearts. Much love!

~Nicole

Sneak Peek | Family Portraits

I am sandy and tired, but the family portraits this weekend rocked. Hanging out with loving people is contagious beyond belief! I am so excited to share a few of my favorites this week, but until then, here is a sneak peek!sneakpeek1DSC_0052

~Nicole

Happy *Belated* Halloween

If one can wish a happy belated Halloween haha. The annual pumpkin carving crew….

By David…

David

By Arthur…Arthur

By Boutros..Pierre

By Christine…Christine

By me…Nicole

Hope you had a good one!!

~Nicole