Kurt Nielsen opened his own photography studio, Kurt Nielsen Photography, in the Toledo area after spending 12 years working and gaining experience at other studios in the Toledo area. Kurt has now snapped over 20,000 sets of young children throughout his career. He also has photographed over 700 weddings. He photographs at his studio and on location, including destination photograpy.
As a well established photographer, Kurt has earned the reputation of "The Guy for Kids Photography." His shooting style is something to behold and experience for both young and old.
Opening in October of 1997 on Schultz Drive in Sylvania, Ohio, Kurt's studio resembles a child's dreamland. There are permanent sets that are usable year round. The studio houses a barn set, constructed with a genuine portion of siding from a 100 year old weathered barn for the backdrop. The barn also has several appropriate prop pieces, including authentic seasoned split rail fence gates, straw hats (cute on the toddlers!), an antique metal dairy pail, both loose and bailed straw, and much more.
Another popular set is the beach set, featuring a curved life size beach backdrop and over 450 pounds of sand with props including a usable hammock, children's beach toys, a movable dock (great in the background or as a seat!), fishing gear, and more.
These permanent sets are only part of the fun, however, as Kurt also offers ever-changing seasonal and holiday sets, such as "Autumn Afternoon" and "Christmas by the Tree". He features basic set pieces, including a functional carpeted staircase, which can be rearranged any number of ways.
Kurt is also pioneering a new concept in sets, which he calls "theme sets". He is featuring an ongoing series of special theme sets, some are seasonal, but most are in the style of Ann Geddes photography. Past theme sets have included "Spring Chick", featuring an egg shell large enough to hold a couple toddlers. Another previous theme set was "The Pumpkin Patch". Kurt has even more sets ordered for his studio that are coming soon. The cutting edge aspect of Kurt Nielsen Photography is not just about technology, its about creativity and innovation in all areas of your portrait studio needs.
"I don't like to rush children through," says Kurt. "Some kids need more time, a little extra care. Others are natural hams!" A one hour sitting, the standard at Kurt Nielsen Photography, will allow Kurt to shoot a minimum of 25 images (with many times at twice that), including clothing changes, set changes, and anything else the client wants to include in the hour.
Kurt offers this tip to ensure a successful photo shoot of a young child: "Be sure they have had their nap. Doing a photo shoot during naptime is not the best idea. Also, if they are hungry or teething, they probably will not do so well! So be sure they have had a meal and are well rested."
