Nicola Borland Photography Blog » the fun ones

And The Winners Are….

Nicola Borland — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:43:21 +0000

Congratulations to the following winners!

Sparrow Mini Family Sessions with Nicola ($299 value)

Alicia M
Smita M
Jennifer M
Allison H
Tiffany T

A Little Gym 1-year Membership in La Canada or Monrovia ($50 value)

Beth G

10 Class Yoga Pass at The Awareness Center in Pasadena ($100 value)

Alejandro L

An Estate Planning Certificate from The Law Offices of Vanessa M. Terzian ($250 value)

Christina V

An In-Home 90-Minute Deep Tissue Massage ($100 Value)

Natalia

A Delicious Aromatherapy Candle ($20 Value),White Breeze Scent

Maribeth G

All the winners will be emailed individually with information regarding how to collect their prizes, so if you were one of the lucky ones please look out for an email from me with info soon.

We had a great day at the expo and hope all did too!

Raffle Prizes

Nicola Borland — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:53:42 +0000

Less than 4hrs to go until our Pre-Raffle Raffle and the less than a day until Expo itself!

We are very excited to participate in tomorrow’s expo. We hope you are just as excited to enter our raffle, as we are to draw the names. Don’t forget today’s raffle will be drawn at 5pm. We will be announcing the winners on Facebook tonight for the Pre-Raffle Raffle. Look out for some fun images showing the drawing process on Facebook.

For those of you attending The Baby and Kidz Expo tomorrow, January 21^st you will have the chance to win the following prizes:

1 of 5 Sparrow Mini Family Sessions ($299 value), Speaks for it’s awesome self. Great for Family Portraits and those that have been using the mall type photography shops for the last several years, and would like to have some great new images that actually showcase the love the family has in a relaxed setting.
A Little Gym 1-year Membership in La Canada or Monrovia ($50 value), includes Priority Enrollment in Classes, Discounts on Birthday Parties, Camps and more. My nephew loves this place, and I do too!
10 Class Yoga Pass at The Awareness Center in Pasadena ($100 value), Child & Adult Yoga classes available. Yoga for kids is a great way to help them focus more.
An Estate Planning Certificate from The Law Offices of Vanessa M. Terzian ($250 value). Invaluable if you want to plan for those “just in case” times.
An In-Home 90-Minute Deep Tissue Massage ($100 Value), Mobile Massage Services provided by Birgit Kielpinski, trust me you want this!
A Delicious Aromatherapy Candle ($20 Value),White Breeze Scent. I’m jealous that I can’t keep this in the studio!

Don’t forget to click HERE for a FREE COUPON to receive $2 off your entrance fee to the Expo.

We are going to have a rocking booth tomorrow in Hall B. We will have all our images on display, the raffle sign up on an iPad, (and yes I am that fancy), our super cool new organic lip balms, and some refreshing lifesavers to keep your expo energy up!

Come visit us and say hello!

The Source of Life {Clark Little Photography}

Nicola Borland — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:56:25 +0000

Water. To me, water is the source of life. We would of course literally die without it. We need it to drink and without the rivers and oceans in the world, well we would be a very sad sad place. The reason I first moved to California was because I wanted to be a surf photographer. I know, what?!?!??! Well what else would a girl born and raised in the capital of Scotland want to be, but a surf photographer? Duh! We did not have a pool at our house, (its kind of laughable to have one in Scotland) but we did go on holiday once a year to warmer climes and I would get up and go in the pool. My parents would drag me out for lunch and then dinner and I would always make them wait for dinner until I had seen the sunset over the ocean.

Fast forward several years and you find me traveling the world for a year and visiting Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Bali, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. As you do. When I was traveling I just had my small point and shoot advantix film camera. But boy did that get used! One of the things I loved shooting the most was of course nature, and the seas, oceans, glaciers and rivers I came across. After studying a mix of subject and stumbling upon photography, that is when I decided surf photography was for me. My room was painted all the blues of the seas and I had surf posters on the walls. I was in.

Skip a little ahead again and I am at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, with a waterproof housing for my camera and a rash guard. Oh, I was a pro for sure! But then the actual act of surf photography came into play and I soon realized that my dream might have to be adjusted slightly. Just a wee bit. I was not a strong enough swimmer to compete with the Californian coast line. I was more of a floater! (I still am and proud of it!) I slowly started to divert to shooting surfers portraits and equipment on dry land. Sure I could stand on the beach with a long lens, but so could 50 other people. I was not devastated as I knew I would still shoot in some way. It just changed. I changed and my priorities and interests changed.

I absolutely love what I do now. Capturing The Beauty In You and all that fun stuff, but there is still something about the waves of the world that drags me in like a strong current. I was surfing (the web, LOL!) and came across Clark’s site and remember having seen his gallery in Laguna a few years ago, and found myself mesmerized by his opening slideshow on his website and just staring for a while. I wanted to make sure to post this as it brought me a lot of joy and peace watching these waves and seeing the way he really, and I mean really, gets in there to Capture The Beauty in those waves. Please go check out his site and stay a while. Click through, buy a poster, or a t-shirt and just revel in the beauty that he captures that most of us miss everyday.

http://www.clarklittlephotography.com/

Go on..click it, I know you want to!

Image Copyright Clark Little Photography.

P.S Clark if you happen to see this post, you rock and deserve every award you get!

Where to take the woman who has everything? {Mother’s Day}

Nicola Borland — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:40:57 +0000

Just kidding, she doesn’t really have everything, but where should we go? The tricky part is that it is her birthday on May 6th and Mother’s Day in the UK was about 4 weeks ago. But now she has heard on the T.V and radio about Mother’s Day here and is naturally requesting another one. She is visiting me here from Scotland along with my sister and her 2 1/2 year old son, my nephew Corey. So we have to pick a place or activity that can be done with a small, very cute, but squirmy restless typical boy’s boy who likes mud and dirt. Then of course my sister is a mum as well and if you could fur kids I am one too. So many mums in one place!

A special request has been made for seafood, a big family favorite. I know of a few places in Pasadena where I live, but was looking for some activities that Corey would like and would not make us exhausted! So what opinions do you have for activities?

What about presents? Do I need to get something for both? Can I offer my photographic services or is that an expected item anyway? Would you give the gift of photography?

Leave some comments and help a lassie out!

Here is my mum. Can you see any resemblance?

Gotta Love That New Car Smell! {New Volkswagen Alhambra}

Nicola Borland — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 05:17:59 +0000

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Grand Opening of the new Volkswagen Alhambra a few weeks ago and was almost temped to give up my vegetarian status because of the tempting smell of the delicious German Sausages that were on offer. I refrained, but continued to enjoy the warm hospitality that was on offer.

It is clear that the team over there a really a family and not just co-workers and I wish them all the success in the world. Here are some of my favorites from the night. Enjoy!

If you want to check out their brand new facilities go on over to 1811 West Main Street in Alhambra or drop by their website at www.vwalhambra.com.

Trick or Treat {Halloween Kiddie Special}

Nicola Borland — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 02:31:40 +0000

I had a blast this Halloween at The Little Gym in La Cañada for their Halloween Party. I was lucky enough to borrow a spot on what I like to call the “grassy knoll” at the side of the gym. I set up my little area with mini straw bales, pumpkins and leaves and waited for the little monsters to arrive.

I loved seeing all the different costumes that came to the party, from ladybugs and the little mermaids to Yoda and a sea otter! This was my first time doing a Halloween Special like this and I can’t wait to do it again next year!

If you were part of the Halloween Special then follow this LINK to see all the final images of your child. You will need an event key to see the images. If you do not remember your event key contact me.

Again if you are a family member and want to see the FULL IMAGES click HERE!

Equinox Goddess Party 2010

Nicola Borland — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:21:03 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was honored to be a part of a wonderful group of ladies on mission to relax the Goddesses of the Pasadena area. The lucky ladies that were able to make it were treated to a plethora of relaxing services such as facials, massage, relaxing foot massage, acupuncture, chakra balancing, oracle cards and gemstone consultation, professional make-up and of course photography!

Below are some images form the night along with the special ladies who opted to spoil themselves with professional make-up and a headshot.

If you missed out on the night but still want to spoil yourself here is the information for the talented ladies that will be able to relax and relive your troubles away!

Treat Your Feet (and legs and well the rest of you too!) with Diana Leone, LMT

Full Body Massage with Erin Wurtemberg, LMT

Skin Care using Dr. Hauschka Facial products by Kathleen Van Dusen

Acupuncture by Dawna Ara, L. Ac.

Chakra Balancing with Essential Oils by Robin Barnette, Aroma Therapist

Oracle Cards and Gemstone Consultation by Cinny Correnti

Red Carpet Makeup Artist Brigette Jackson (contact me for her digits!)

And myself…

Cute and Spooky Halloween Special

Nicola Borland — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 07:51:14 +0000

Straight To The Spooky Point:
• Sunday October 17th from 9am to 2pm at my Home Studio.
• Saturday October 30th from 5pm to 8pm at The Little Gym of La Cañada.
• Only $25 for a 10 minute Halloween Themed Setting and 3 Finished Images to choose from.

Is this your little one’s first All Hallows Eve? Or are you regulars to Trick or Treating, apple dunking and sugar highs? The kids are back at school, and the days are fast approaching fall colors and pumpkin patches.

I am having a Spooky Halloween Special for only $25. That’s 60% Off!!! Why not get the kids and their costumes ready early and let them have fun getting dressed up before the big day. Bring them to my Home Studio for a Halloween themed photo session and some fun on Sunday October 17th from 9am to 2pm. There is limited availability so call or email as soon as possible to reserve a space.

I will also be at The Little Gym of La Cañada/La Crescenta on Saturday October 30th from 5pm to 8pm.

Your child will not only get a really cute image of themselves in their costume, but they will also get to run around, have fun and get some energy out in a fun and safe environment. Call The Little Gym at 818. 249.4496 to let them know you heard about their party from me and to book your space with them. If you bring a print out of this post you will get a Discounted entry into The Little Gym Halloween Party for only $5 per Child! Book us both now to ensure your spot!

There will be a special and very cute Halloween themed setting with hay bales, pumpkins and all sorts of cuteness. Bring your little one over for a memorable photo session that will make great presents for grandparents and out of town relatives alike.

It may seem a little complicated so feel free to call me at 323.240.4407 or email nicola@nicolaborland.com with any questions! I look forward to seeing your little Goblins and Ghouls…

The Fine Print:
• All sessions are $25 for 10 minutes on the Themed setting only.
• Each session will result in 3 final images.
• Sessions are for 1 child and each additional child is $10 each. Add 2 additional retouched images for each extra child.
• Session can be for any age child from 0-12 years.
• 5 Days after the special all images will be available online for 1 month at a Password Protected site.
• Special photo print packages are available online and include the following and more: 1-8×10 and 2-5×7’s for $26.99 and 24 wallets for $32.99.
• A digital disc of the images can be purchases for a reduced price of $75. Or individual images can be downloaded online for $24.99 each. No digital images are included in the $25 special price.
•If you want more than 10 minutes and one location call ahead and ask for additional locations.
•The Little Gym Party Times are 5pm-6pm for 4 month old to 3 years, and 6pm-8pm for 3 years and up. Siblings can come together.

A Family Affair {Maria and Greg}

Nicola Borland — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:58:07 +0000

I was lucky enough to get invited to capture some fun times with the families of Maria and Greg, to celebrate their recent wedding nuptials. I felt like one of the family as I walked around and captured those special moments. I look forward to the next family celebration and wish Maria and Greg a long and happy life together!

Playing With Seaweed {An English Family Portrait}

Nicola Borland — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:09:18 +0000

Hannah and I have know each other for about 10 years. I know I can’t believe it either! Whenever I go to Newcastle to visit my old friends there, I get to impose on Hannah, and Play, and stay with her. It’s like going to a fully stocked mini hotel. I get all the snacks and drinks that I need, a room to myself, a comfy sofa with all the TV channels, yummy vegetarian meals cooked to order, and the best part is, I get to hang out with the coolest person and a best friend. We go out dancing and have a great time, but I love just hanging out and watching TV with her, chatting about old times, and how cool the guy is that worked at Kathmandu.

When she asked if I could take some family portraits for her I was delighted. Her parents drove up from York and we all went down to the beach. It had been nice and sunny in the morning, but of course as soon as we got there it clouded over and got a bit blustery. But being the no complaining about the weather Brits that we are we soldiered on, and had a great time. Dad, Ian, was finding strings of seaweed as tall as Hannah and having a little munch on them, as you do, while the rest of us were trying to staying warm. I had a great time shooting their portrait and miss them dearly already.

I have your room ready for you here when you make it across the Atlantic and there will be a bowl of soup waiting, not stew, but soup.

Call me: 323.240.4407

Email me: nicola@nicolaborland.com