Stop Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and all of us at some point in our lives have been touched by this devistating disease (and if you have not yet, the odds are overwhelming that you will be in the future).

I always love to be able to give back, help out and pay it forward and have been blessed to be involved with some fantastic events this year specifically taking aim at finding a cure for breast cancer. Today, we have the opportunity to come together as a community of photographers to contribute in our own way in helping bring an end to this fight. My wonderful friend Lydia Shannon followed her heart for making a difference and has created the online auction f/stop breast cancer with a goal to contribute over $10,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Photographers and Businesses of all levels within our industry have donated products and services to be sold to the highest bidder! The auction starts today and runs through October 19th.

Everything from portrait sessions and mentoring to unique products and services are available. Please share the link and check out the items up for bid, if you see something that you were looking to purchase please consider purchasing it through the auction and bid high!

If you are in the Jacksonville area, I have donated a crash course on shooting in Manual...for locals this will be fun, informative and sure to build your confidence in capturing the special moments whether you are a budding professional or simply have a love of photography :)

Happy Bidding! Click here to Bid :)

Another Reason to Smile: Support Breast Cancer Research

She has been my rock and wise counselor for years. She taught me how to be clever, appreciate sarcasm, stand up for myself, stay focused on education and to be more confident in speaking my mind. Now, there's just one more attribute to add to the list of things my big sister has inspired and encouraged me to do...get involved and contribute to something you believe in.

This October my sister, April, is participating in the Breast Cancer 3 Days in Atlanta that supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She has committed to raise $2300 by participating in the 60 mile walk! Wow- that just blows me away! Not only is it a commitment of her time and energy of the 3 days, but she has been training for this all summer. She has a full time job, is a wife and is a mother of 2 and somehow manages to keep everyone happy, fed, taxied around, train and have a smile on her face and spring (no pun intended) in her step :) ...yes, in short she is like a modern day Wonder Woman (and has the bracelets to prove it...really, I've seen them!)

I was thrilled when she called me and said the words that everyone loves to hear..."I have an idea"... We discussed different ways that I would be able to help her raise the money to contribute to her overall goal and I am so happy to be able to reveal the new packages that not only preserve family memories but that will also help touch so many lives in the process.

Just in time to get a jump on family pictures for Holiday gifts and cards (or just because), these packages could be just what many have been waiting for. Something that fits the budget and also gives back to support such a wonderful cause!

Mini Sessions $150
Held in the Atlanta Area on Saturday Oct. 3rd, 2009 and in Jacksonville on Oct. 17th, 2009. Session will be approx. 30 mins. and includes the disc of images.

Private Sessions $350
Can be booked with limited availability through October 20th, 2009. Private Sessions will be held on the date and location of client's choosing (subject to availability). It will last approx. 1-1.5 hr(s) and includes the disc of images.

To learn more about April's 3 Day Walk click here.

To Schedule sessions, please email your desired date and location and someone will be in touch with you regarding the details!

Thank you for taking the time to read about this great event and please share it with all your friends and family- I would love to be able to show my big sis how much support is really out there and just blow right past her initial goal of $2300!!!

Whether you get involved by booking a session, donating, volunteering or participating in events such as these I strongly encourage you to do so to the best of your abilities. We have been blessed in so many areas of our lives and this is just one way to give a little back and ensure that ours and future generations have the same opportunity to receive hope, encouragement and success!