Giving is awesome winner

There were 6 incredible entries into this year's Giving is Awesome campaign and - let me tell ya - they all deserve to have their precious heart or moments captured.

However, the family we chose have 3 kids, and one at 7 months stopped eating, got a high fever and for the next 9 months had a feeding tube in her, so she could receive food. At the time both parents were working, but as she got sicker, the mom had to quit working. The husband works a full-time job and does as many side jobs as he can so they can almost make ends meet. So, the kids never see him.

The precious little one is now 16 months old and can still wear 3-6 months clothes. On December 7th she had surgery to have a feeding tube put in her side (I think it is called a G-tube) and as of recent there are times when she needs no tube at all.

We are going to give this family the gift of pictures this year.

Thank you all for your entries, we look forward to doing this again next year.

help-portrait McKinney 2009

WOW - it has been soooo busy around here! With families wanting photo shoots and re-orders for Christmas gifts and Christmas cards --- and my kiddos in Christmas programs and making time to make memories with them this season, I have had very little time to breathe. Don't get me wrong, I am sooo thankful for it all, but it has be busy!

On Saturday, I dropped all that busyness and joined 1000's of other photographers around the globe in a phenomenon called help-portrait (www.help-portrait.com). We spend that one day giving away our gift for free to those who could not afford us. It can be your neighbor, the homeless on the street, the cashier at Wal-Mart, whoever, but the rule was - 1. You take their pictures for free, 2. you give them their pictures for free, 3. you can't use their pictures to "build your portfolio - this is for THEM.

Well, Captured Whispers ended up with 9 other photographers and a few other volunteers up at the Samaritan Inn. It was so beautiful. The other photogs didn't know each other - I only knew most thru e-mails before Saturday, and we were all VERY DIFFERENT, but as we came together under the same banner of love - it was amazing to watch us work together! The resident's hearts still haunt my thoughts and prayers. It blows my mind how God can use a silly thing like photography to show His love. Tears come to my eyes even as I write this. I love it when the LORD shows up and for some reason I am not expecting him - it just takes my breath away.

I was going to post a group pic of us from Saturday, but in all the hustle and bustle of the day, the image was lost - but I am positive the image in our hearts will remain for a long time.

just had to share, thanks for listening. :)
*hugs*
-m.

The Samuel Family

This precious family has been waiting for just the right moment to get their family pictures done. And now was finally the time! :) It was such a sweet shoot. The kiddos were WONDERFUL - all four of them - and they were up for anything - so FUN! :)
The mom is a Creative Memories rep, so she chose to get the memory stick of all the images so she could *make* all of her Christmas gifts this year. I love that! :) Are you looking for a Creative Memories rep in the McKinney area? Then Amy is your gal - http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/amysamuel
They bought this first one as 20x30 canvas for over their fireplace. Check out the mock up of it below - LOVE it!! :)
enjoy,
-m.

Giving is awesome

You know someone.
You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances.
You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season.
You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $2000 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slide show to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $500 credit to Captured Whispers for whatever you wish! :)

The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Texas. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : capturedwhispers@gmail.com by December 16th.
The winner will be announced on Christmas Day -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,
melissa :)