I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my valued clients (really my extended family) for everything in 2008 and to wish you all a very Happy New Year!

May 2009 be a very prosperous and joyous year for everyone.

To those who are getting married in 2009 – congratulations!! I am so excited to be chosen as your wedding photographer and I am really looking forward to working with you all.

Be blessed and safe – warmest regards from

Nigel, Kathy, Tim, Wendy & Amy

Seven grandchildren pose for a portrait to be given as a Christmas gift to their grandparents. This was taken on a cool but very sunny day in early November 2008 at the side of the swimming pool. Despite the bright sun we were able to find a nice shady spot on the steps to arrange the group for their photograph.

Photographing children of any age is always a fun challenge and this was no exception – however, everyone behaved themselves beautifully and enjoyed posing for their portrait.

The final image was retouched and artworked and then reproduced as a gallery-wrapped canvas wall portrait that looks absolutely stunning. I’m sure it was very much appreciated by the grandparents on Christmas Day.

Thom & Mieko are getting married in Tupelo in May 2009, and we recently got together to create their engagement portraits at the Memphis Botanic Gardens.

It was a really beautiful late fall afternoon, the color and quality of the light were both perfect, and Thom & Mieko were a wonderful couple to work with.

We spent a couple of hours in the gardens, mostly in the Japanese garden, creating portraits on the Japanese bridge, and around the lake. What a beautiful setting for a series of romantic portraits!

I am really excited and looking forward to photographing their wedding for them next year.

This a short review of Photovision for professional photographers that I posted one of my other blogs:

http://www.nigelmerrick.com/zenologue/?p=29

I couldn’t resist taking this photograph yesterday evening when I saw the beautiful sunset at around 5pm. I rushed outside with the camera and found the added bonus of the rising moon, which was almost full (full moon is actually today).

The full moon rises at the same time (thereabouts) as the setting sun (since the moon is directly on the opposite side of the Earth to the sun at that time), and it can make for some amazing images.

The delicate colors of the clouds and the last tinge of orange on the trees, together with the glow of the rising moon, made this the perfect end to the day – so I thought I would share it with you.

Graduation for 2009 seniors is approaching fast! That means it’s time to think about Senior Portraits again. I really enjoy working with these young people – they are so full of energy, enthusiasm and vibrancy with a wide spectrum of interests. They have their whole lives ahead of them, and this very exciting time is something I love to capture and preserve for them.

For 2009, I’m planning an ambassador program for seniors, where students will be rewarded for referrals. I currently have room for up to 5 seniors from each school to act as ambassadors for Merrick Photography. That means a FREE senior portrait session on location, as well as discounted wall portraits and print packages. This is a great deal for those who get on board early.

The schools I’m interested in include:

• Fayette Academy
• Fayette Ware High School
• Christian Brothers High School
• St. Agnes Academy / St. Dominic School
• Hutchison School
• Memphis University School
• Briarcrest Christian School
• St. Benedict at Auberndale High School

I have to limit the ambassador program to 5 seniors from each school, so if you or someone you know is interested in participating I advise you to book early to avoid disappointment!

For more information, call me at (901) 606-9105 or email me with any questions.

Recently, I was pleased to deliver a finished canvas wall portrait to Alexander from his recent senior portrait session in Hernando, MS.

I had such a great time working with Alexander on creating a wonderful series of senior portraits for him – we used a variety of outdoor locations in Hernando itself and the relaxed atmosphere of the session really allowed his great personality to shine through.

I would like to share with you some of the feedback I received and what Alexander had to say:

“My senior portrait session took place on location in Hernando, at the perfect time to produce the best lighting. Mr. Merrick was fun and relaxing to work with, and spent several hours with me to create a series of photographs that really captured my personality.”

“Nigel took the time to help us choose our canvas wall portrait from the selection of photographs we created on location. The finished portrait is beautiful, and we’ll treasure it for many years to come.”

Many thanks to Alexander for sharing this, I really appreciate the feedback.

Senior portrait season will soon be here, so please remember to book early to avoid disappointment!