Olivia Act

As most of you remember, just a couple short months ago - a man walked into a school and killed a lot of innocent kids and adults. Not too long after that, an act of kindness went viral. A photographer who wanted to remain anonymous let it be known that shortly before this tragic shooting, a family had their pictures taken for the upcoming holiday season. Little did this family know their precious child would be taken way too soon. This photographer decided what a special way to pay tribute by giving away a free family session to a well deserving family, and to make it a (hopefully) world wide event. I received nominations for The Olivia Act for numerous families who deserved a free family portrait. After much talk with my husband, I felt like it would be much better to make an event and let any and all families who wished to have their photo taken, come and enjoy the free service. The first day was a total bust, hey, it happens. The second day, made it all worth it. I spent two hours in Wilson Park waiting and shooting, waiting and shooting. I must say, providing these families with forever memories, touched me beyond belief. Every family was so sweet, so kind, and so appreciative, it was amazing. I haven't felt better about anything I've ever done. Some people could have taken what I was doing for granted, but not these families. I cannot express how awesome they all were and I sincerely hope I can work with all of them again in the future. It was such an honor to provide a service to such deserving people. Here are a few photo's from that day. I hope EVERYONE tells someone (even if its just their mom or dad) how much they LOVE them today. Tomorrow is never a promise to anyone. Hold people you care for close and never go a day without making sure they know how much they mean to you. Family is everything <3

Why I love what I do.

Earlier this week, I received something in the mail. I knew instantly what it was seeing who the sender was. I opened it gladly and giddily - and there it was - Kristin & Chad's Save The Date!! And it had the photo's I captured for them on it. Can I even begin to tell you just how great that is? I don't think so. Not truly, but it was pretty darn great. Or the night I received the picture message from Kim of her family's Christmas card that year and it was covered in the photo's I took, she told me how happy she was with them... She later sent me a picture of all her photo's in a new frame to be hung on the wall.... little moments like that just WARM my heart. Sincerely. To see and hear how people love their portraits, just makes it all worth it. To show them how beautiful they are, and how much the deserve to feel good about themselves.... it's just the best feeling to know I helped them feel good. My good friend Jaz sent me a text last night about taking her daughter to get her hair cut. And that might seem insignificant to most, but the amazing part was the stylist had seen her daughters photo's on my page and mentioned my work - I JUMPED for joy when I read this. I mean, it's one thing to hear from your friend that you're work is good, its another to know my work is being talked about by someone I don't know and have never been in contact with! I wish I knew the words to use to accurately describe how amazing it feels to know I'm truly appreciated, and that those memories of a session will last forever with my families, hanging beautifully on their walls, tucked into photo albums, and on their relative's fridges. I just wish I could hug and exclaim THANK YOU to all who have allowed me the honor to create those memories, and to those who will in the future. It means the world. And I don't say that lightly. Thank you.