Giving Back – win a free session!
01/22/2010It’s completely mind-boggling to me that here it is almost February and I haven’t sat down yet to blog. It’s funny how that happens, I took time off during the holidays to enjoy friends and family time. Getting back into the swing of my routine was harder than I thought. I think I also majorly underestimated just how busy I would be over the holidays… they just ZOOMED by!
So here it is, already almost an entire month into the new decade, and I have yet to sit down and hash out my resolutions and goals for my life, love, and business. I try to do this every year. Being self employed is hard, so it’s good to have something to hold over yourself, to be accountable for.
I’ve been completely innundated with work for my new position with Andersen Ross. Just before my holiday hiatus, I was honored with the position and title of Creative Director for a new start up company (not yet released…. very hush hush). What I can tell you is that it is the latest and greatest idea to hit the stock photography market! As much as I like to always think of myself as an integral part of everything, I’m touched that they agree! I’m also challenged by the prospect of wearing yet another hat. [Random Tangent: In my old 9-5, wearing multiple hats infuriated me. My mentality was, let me do the job you hired me for. I remember sitting down at my desk one very busy day and taking the time to write all the hats I was being forced to wear. When janitor, dishwasher, receptionist, and courier topped the list I almost cried.... now here I am, working for myself I am all of those things AND MORE! ah geez]
Now when I think about wearing all these hats: photographer, producer, office manager, creative director, stylist, casting director, recruiter, marketing specialist, blogger, fiance, courier, janitor, chef, gardener…. I’m inspired, and challenged. All of them deserve equal attention, all of them are amazing positions I am so incredibly thankful to have. I think of a recent mentor I’ve aquired. Her name is Lara Casey, and if you have never heard of her you simply MUST follow her blog. She’s amazing. All of the hats she wears, the things she accomplishes in her daily life, the people she reaches and touches. She inspires me every day not to give up, push forward, be great. She’s holding workshops all over the nation right now. I’m utterly devestated I missed her Seattle stop, but if she comes to an area near you, GO and be ready to make things happen in your life… then please tell me everything that happened. And if you could do the voices of everyone that would be great. Thanks.
While my goals for my business in this new decade do deserve a post of their own, I do want to mention one that I know 100% to be true. I plan to use my business to give back to those in need. Love deserves recognition. So every month I am plan to give BACK, to you, to the world. SO now comes the formal announcement (and thank you for reading this far) This month I’m giving away a TOTALLY FREE a lifestyle portrait session. Simply leave a comment below with your nomination of someone who loves deeply and why they deserve this gift. It can be you, your grandmother, a set of new parents, etc.
Lifestyle portrait sessions are a value of $500.00!!!! and could be used for:
Engagement, family, newborn, boudior, bridal, you name it we’ll make it up.
NOW, go forth and nominate someone you know in need. We’ll be chosing the BEST and most creative entry…. Here we go!
The winner will be chosen ONE week from today, the deadline is Friday January 29th, at 12:01pm.
(***One catch this session must be scheduled in 2010 and be in the Seattle/Portland/San Francisco area)
11 people have commented
i’m gonna nominate my parents, Carlos and Esther. They have been together for 40 years. They are 2 of the most loving people I know …and a photo session with them will most likely end in a home cooked meal, jus sayin ;)
Hi Laura,
I can say from personal experience no matter how many hats you have, ( you could look like a Dr. Seuss character ) and you still appear to only wear the one hat, that is a very impressive skill, you never let them see you sweat. I admire that and hope to learn more of it from our business relations.
Best,
Jonathan Ross
Hallo Laura,
Would you like to travel to Amsterdam? If you would i love to have my family, me, hubby & 4 y girl be captured by you, between the tulips…. ;)
Miss Laura,
I would like to nominate my mother, Patty Keeton. As you know, she is an incredible woman. She’s touched so many people and children in her life through the art of music. This year is her 35th year teaching Music and she will be retiring very soon. (Though she could have retired after 30 yrs, she wasn’t quite ready to bid adieu to her passion for teaching music and touching people’s lives) Her positive energy and indisputable selflessness is infectious to everyone she is around. TODAY is actually her 57th birthday!!! Don’t let her age fool you…each year that goes by she doesn’t miss a “beat”. :-) I am so grateful to have a mother as wonderful as her. I have never encountered a person that has so much unconditional love to give and share with the world, with no expectation of any type of payment in return. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. I believe that this would be the PERFECT gift for her (to tag her birthday/retirement)…and I believe that your uncanny creative ability to capture moments and love through photography would illustrate her beauty inside and out. Furthermore, I personally believe no one would appreciate this gift more than my mother. On behalf of the hundreds upon thousands of children she’s touched (including both you and I) – thank you for considering my mother for this awesome opportunity!
~Kaycie
Well Laura, I am going to take part in this contest and nominate my sister Liz. She is now 8 months (I think!) pregnant and so radiant! Liz is a wonderful person with a huge heart. I can’t wait to see her evolve as a mother. I am positive she will be one of those cool moms but also one who is incredibly caring and loving. I would love for you to capture this epic moment in her life whether it be before she welcomes her little one OR in a couple of months. She is preparing to commit her life caring for another and I cannot imagine a more perfect way to savor this moment in her life. You are an amazingly talented artist and I admire all you have accompished. I can see the photos already! I hope you will consider Lizzie and the possibilty of giving her this amazing gift.
Hi Pinks:
I nominate JoLynn and Tom Davis, my incredible aunt and uncle. They are the pied-pipers of lost children, they are the guardians of little ones who have been left behind. Their home and hearts have always been open to those in need- through the years I have seen them devote their extra time and money to care for cancer patients, countless stray teenagers, the elderly, friends, family and complete strangers. And of course, more recently, when they should rightfully be released of the hard work of their youth, are raising another family. They adopted two young girls with plenty of baggage- neglect, abuse, abandonment. Every day is a struggle now, and although I know they do not regret the responsibility they have taken on, never could there be two more souls deserving of a little R-n-R, a day about them, and ONLY them.
I’d like to nominate my Mom and Dad for a photo session. They are two of my favorite people! I know how much they have done for me over the years… and it would be nice to be able to give something back to them. Thanks!
I would like to nominate my friend Elizabeth Muir. She and her husband, Patrick, have been down a long, difficult road in an attempt to become parents. After years of trying, hoping, and being disappointed and devastated, they are finally about to welcome a little miracle baby boy. Everyone in their lives is so thrilled that their dreams and prayers are finally being answered. I can’t think of anyone who would deserve this more.
Dearest Laura,
I’d like to nominate my mom. She is nothing short of amazing, and is completely selfless. Aside from being an amazing and strong figure in mine and my sister’s lives, she is a fun, inspiring, and adventurous spirit. She doesn’t take no for an answer and doesn’t back down from a challenge. (All qualities I hope I’ve picked up from her!) Despite several difficult years, she made sure both my sister and I went to college, and were taken care of. This past year was a difficult one for me. Anything and everything that could have gone wrong or fallen apart did. At points I wasn’t sure how to keep moving forward, but no matter what came up, she was always there to support and love me. I hope everyone out there is as lucky as I am to have such a wonderful mom.
This year is her 50th birthday, and I can’t think of anything better than some family photos. I hope she wins!
xoxo
Am I allowed to nominate myself?
I’m trying to think of the approach that will win this contest.
I could go with sympathy:
I work very hard and I look grubby most of the time and I really need a reason to buy a new dress.
Humanitarian:
I am a social worker – dude, I have a heart of GOLD!
Family Pressure:
I’m your oldest second cousin and I think you really need to put more effort into this relationship!
Guilt:
I just broke up with my boyfriend and I need some attention.
The love quotient:
I love you.
Or, convenience:
I’ll come to you.
Whaddya think? do I win or what?
HEARTS!
E
G’day Laura!
I would like to nominate Mindy Lamb Basl, and her Husband Louis. They’re two of the most beautiful people in the world, and come June, they’ll be bringing their own little beautiful boy into the world! I can’t imagine a more extraordinary time for a photo shoot, than with a bundle of joy on the way…or perhaps even in their arms! These two give of them selves day in and day out, bringing happiness to all they encounter, and I would love to see them finally get something back! No one can capture moments like you do, your pictures are more than just a frame, they capture the feeling of the subjects, and the warmth of their love! Who ever wins, will be as blessed as we all are to see your work! Thank you for the opportunity to nominate! Cheers!