Upcoming Sessions to Benefit Haiti {We need your help.}

I remember hearing in college that Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.  My heart broke as I listened to some of the stories of extreme poverty.  When I heard of the earthquake I didn’t want to think about it at first.  I am ashamed to say that the older I get the more I want to shut out terrible things.  I want to close my ears and pretend that nothing’s happening.  But that’s not right.  It is happening and people desperately need help.  Desperately.  When I heard of Photographers for Haiti I felt led to participate.  Please join Heritage in helping these people in a time when they can’t help themselves.

On Saturday, February 27 we will be holding mini sessions for Haiti.  All session fees will be donated directly to Compassion International.  (You will make checks payable to Compassion so that your donation will be tax deductible.)

Family and Child Mini Sessions

• Cost: $75 (check written directly to Compassion International)
• When: Saturday, February 27
• Where: Heritage Studio (2381 Locust Street #3, Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614)
• What: a 20-25 minute session and 2-5×7s are included in the mini session price that will be donated
• What else: You will be able to choose from 10-15 retouched images.  50% of all sales from any other products purchased will be donated by Heritage.
• GOAL: $1000 for Haiti (Will you help us make it possible?)

The winner of our January contest prize (a 16×20 Gallery wrapped canvas) is…drumroll please….Brian.  Congratulations Brian.  We will be in touch to let you know the details.

And, since a blog post without a picture is like popcorn without butter, here’s one of my favorite landscapes that Dave has taken.

A Gift for Christmas {Baby A Sneak Peek}

I met the {C} family under the worst of circumstances.  I was called in May of last year for NILMDTS to photograph their son who wouldn’t survive.  Somehow through it all they remained people of hope.  Everyone’s hearts were broken but there was a peace surrounding them that was beautiful.  I hadn’t seen them for almost two years but my thoughts travelled to them from time to time.

Then, about weeks ago I got a call.  The {Cs} were having their second baby.  Could I be there to photograph her in the hospital?  My heart filled with joy for them and the blessing I knew this little one would be.

I didn’t make it for her birth but the next day I was ready with camera in hand.  This little girl is perfect in every way.  Look at that head of hair!

Don’t you get the sense she is wise beyond her years days?

Look at the way she is looking up at her mommy.  So sweet….like she’s in the safest place in the world.

There is something about this bashful expression that makes me grin.

Congratulations {C} Family.  I couldn’t be happier for you.

Christmas Stress & Akron Child Photography {Little E’s Sneak Peek}

I know I said I wasn’t going to get stressed this year for Christmas…but I seem to be failing at calm.  We have so much to get done.  The frame shop and studio are buzzing.  And then, there are albums to finish up, CDs to burn, sessions to edit, cards to make, gifts to buy, meals to prepare…  OK, deep breath.  :)

All that to say: hold on with me.  The next couple weeks may be a bit of a crazy ride but I will have so many fun things to share:

• Bryan and Michelle’s wedding
• Dave and Sylvia’s final album
• A number of senior shots
• A few family sessions
• My family Christmas card (I hope!  I love making it but time is slipping away!!)
• and more

For today, I have a sneak peek for very good friends of mine.  We were pregnant together and this little man was born just 10 weeks before my Zeke.  They are friends and love playing (i.e. wrestling, tackling, and nearly killing one another) together but somehow a year has gone by and we haven’t seen each other.

I’ve taken his pictures since he was a baby.  (I wish I had an old one handy right now to share but they are archived at the studio.  Trust me…he was a cutie!)  I can’t believe how much he has grown.  He is his father.  As I photographed him…I couldn’t stop laughing as every expression he made looked just like his dad.  (There is definitely some of mom–a nurse– in there too though…as he asks for “Purell” before eating and wouldn’t let his food touch the table.)

The poor guy fell asleep on the ride to the studio so it took him a little while to warm up…but I still got a few cute ones in his first outfit…O…H…I…O.

And here he is all ready with smiles.

…and then he turns on the cuteness!

I love this next one.  So grown up!

Love you {H} family.  Not so long this time.  I promise.