I am so honored and blessed to be able to take part in this program again this year. Last year I had such a hard time choosing, that I ended up with two winners.  The first was a young mother of 3 who had experienced domestic abuse and the second, was a mother dying of breast cancer (who sad to say, lost her battle one month after our shoot).  Why do I so this, because it feels good to lend a helping hand.  I know that just a few years ago while battling cancer, my family made it through by the kindness of family, friends and many, many strangers - so I guess I am paying it forward.  I decided this year to post this on my blog instead of just emailing it out to all those on my contact list, because I wanted to reach as many people as possible.

So…if 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.

Trust me, you know someone. I guarantee it!

Well, I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography — $1100 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s  prints for Grandma, a slideshow to watch over and over, or a disc of images so they can continue to share the love, 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 free sitting along with a $150 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 Southern California. 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 : patrice@beautifullifeimages.com.

Deadline to submit entery is December 22nd and the winner will be announced on Christmas morning — 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.

Love,

Patrice

p.s.  Please feel free to pass this link on to others or if you know someone out of state, please go to this website http://www.givingisawesome.com/ to find a participating photographer - thanks a bunch.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is one thing I know for sure when the Jenna calls each year to schedule her family’s photos… we will be shooting on a beach somewhere and that the photos will be sepia.  Well, we did the beach thing but we just could not resist the trees and the tunnel we came across.  As for the sepia, I love it but I thought I would try just a little vintage wash on some of the images too…I hope they like it.

Beautiful family, great  location and though in some iPod music to keep the kids happy…you could ask for anything more?