New Jersey Newborn Photographer EMA Photography – The Studio Blog » EMA Photography – The Studio Blog

Hope everyone has the most merriest of holidays!   Thank you to all my wonderful clients, those who come back year after year and those new ones who I can’t wait to see again.   It has truly been a blessing that I’ve been able to do a “job” that I love and to watch so many babies grow in to toddlers who grow in to young adults over the years.

On this day, as I quick jump on the computer to announce the winner for the giving is awesome contest… as my own children are all sitting with their toys playing quietly together (knowing they will be saying “I’m bored” in a few hours)… reading all the entries makes me realize how fortunate I am that they are heatlhy and how I feel fortunate to be doing a job that can give back and provide another family with memories to last a lifetime.

There were so many well deserving entries… enough that it may just become an annual if not quarterly thing I do.   I narrowed it down to three and rather then trying to even try and decide who was more deserving (because really,  you can’t decide that)   I’ve decided to “gift” three winners instead.   Each winner will receive their gift below, the person who nominated them will all receive 100 print credit…so instead of donating $3800 for the winner and $200 for the person who nominated them.. the grand total of donating is 11,400 in custom photography and $300 ($100 each) for the nominators.    I am looking forward to giving these families memories to cherish forever!

Without further delay… the “winners” and their stories.  I hope their stories touch your hearts as much as they touched mine this season.

Session 1 winner (to take place January-February 2009) Nominated by Beth C

Session 2 winner (to take place March-April 2009) Nominated by Melissa L

I was reading your blog and immediately my neighbor came to mind, she has been going through a lot lately……….where do I start…..

Her name is xxxxx, very friendly and free spirited. She has 4 kids…..Gretchen (10), Doug (7-8), Zach (5) and Vivian ( 1 1/2). They moved across the street in April of last year. Vivian has a life threatening disease, SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) which was diagnosed in utero via amniocentisis. When Susan told me about Vivi she also mentioned that they had 2 other children who have passed away from this disease (I am not sure when). Vivi has physical and occupational therapy visits daily, is able to eat with a gastric tube, and requires a visiting nurse if Susan has to leave the house. Despite her illness, Vivi always manages to give a smile when greeted.

To make matters worse, Susan’s husband left them a few months after moving into the neighborhood. He has been involved with drugs and alcohol for some time, in which she was totally unaware. I know that financial issues are present as her husband was the sole provider……

I give Susan a tremendous amount of credit…her past and present burdens could not be handled by many. She continues to be positive and strong for the sake of her children….

I think she would truly value a photography session, especially capturing the children together…..

Have a wonderful holiday!!!! 

PS- If you choose Susan, I do not want the $200 credit, maybe we could order her a charm with a photo of the kids…….

Tomorrow is the last day to get your nomination in for the contest!  

http://www.emaphotography.com/blog/?p=1474

Let the fun begin!   Still a little tipsy but he is working hard at it!  Just playing with some natural light in my studio!

Thanks for all the nice comments and interest so far… The winner will be notified on Christmas Day Day ..sorry few days earlier but I realize it is best announced on Christmas So get writing!!

I am definitly one of those who believe Christmas is a time to give rather then receive. Nothing does the heart good then doing something for others and gifting them with memories to last a lifetime. I also believe that our families our those “art masterpieces” that we hang in our homes. I know custom photography is not in everyones budget, especially when things are tough and I also know there are people out there who are deserving of a little extra cheer this holiday season. I’m proud to be a part of www.givingisawesome.com. A website of almost 400 photographer whos goal is to give back to their community for a worthy individual or family. As of today, almost $400,000 has been pledged in custom art.

The Details:

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 — $3800 worth, to be exact. The winner will receive a complimentary studio photo session, the high resolution digital negatives for every image in their gallery PLUS a set of 5×7 finished prints. A total value of $3800!!

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $200 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

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 New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania or Delaware. 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 : info@emaphotography.com

The winner will be notified on Christmas Day 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.

Carrie

Lately I’ve been bombarded with inquiries from aspiring photographers, Moms and students asking for help learning photography, what to buy, what to use and help starting up a business. I always try and share when I find a cute new prop or hat as I know quite a few who are always here looking to see what the latest cute thing is to use Unfortunately due to my busy schedule PLUS a mom to 4 small children, there is very little time to offer any type of mentoring or workshop at this time (although, thank you I am flattered!) Photography for me has been more then a “job” it has been a passion for me and one in which I devote many many long hours into and a profession in which I would hope that anyone not jump into blindly.
I came across this wonderful article from a fellow professional Shannon Holden out of Atlanta. It talks about all the kinds of things those up and coming would want to know about. Hope you enjoy it!
http://shannonholden.com/blog/?page_id=132

Just posted the new mini sessions available for this upcoming winter!   Book any mini session even this week and receive a complimentary 5×7 from your session!  Offer expires 12/22!
Click here to view all the mini sessions:
http://www.emaphotography.com/blog/?page_id=575

Including my latest mini session event is the new “My Favorite Things”  A mini session to celebrate your childs favorite thing!   Could be a toy, sport, hobby or even a small pet!  Sessions will revolve around that and showcase your child showing their stuff!

http://www.emaphotography.com/minisession/myfavoritethingsfs.jpg

My little Chubs in a new hat from Lucinda

She always sends us the best hats!   He is almost at the 6 month stage and we have been practicing sitting up but I think his chubby thighs weigh him down…hehe

The latest cover of tottrendsweekly

Cutie pie model Olivia in a past commercial shoot we did.