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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Bits of Life :: For the Love Workshop

So when was the last time you got REALLY excited about something? Not just "ooh, that would be nice" but jumping up and down, twirling-whirling, giddy with anticipation kind of excitement? That's what I am talking about and hoping/praying for with a chance to win a free (yes, that is FREE) spot at the For the Love Workshop in Tennessee in February. (shamelessly, this post earns me five "drop my name in the hat" chances to win this...FIVE!!)

This workshop is currently open to any photographer who is looking for a unique experience that blends their faith with their work. The difference between this session and others out there is that it is spiritually focused, with special times of worship in addition to offering great business strategies and a gorgeous setting in which to photograph. I know it's a long shot, but it's important to me to seek how God can use me to bless others through photography beyond taking people's portraits (which of course I love to do!) For now I will dream a little, continue seeking God's will for this business, finish making plans to attend the Imaging USA event coming up soon and and be giddy for whomever is blessed with this extra-special gift that is sure to take their business to a new level.

May your 2010 be a year full of blessings, interesting challenges, and finding out where God wants you to be!



Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas :: Celebrating the Gift of Love





Unto us a son is given, as the greatest gift of love.
And his name shall be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In the weakness of a baby, they knew that God had come to earth.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and remembering that, in the words of Mother Teresa,
"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you."

Friday, December 18, 2009

Product Share :: Custom 5x7 Album

Time for another quick post! I had just a few minutes to snap some images of this wonderful 5x7 custom album with lay-flat pages that I created for this little one's grandfather before he came to pick it up~ I used "A Little Bird Told Me" album template from the wonderful designers at Design Aglow*... the colors and layers can be changed, but I left most 'as is' for this album because the colors worked perfectly for a boy and complimented the colors in the images. I also added some quotes picked out by Grandpa and created a custom cover with a metallic sheen. A great keepsake to have all the images from your portrait session beautifully printed and bound to enjoy for years to come. Love it!















*Design Aglow link was removed on 1-08-09 in response to a blog post on their site that does not reflect my style of photography or business model.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Product Share :: Simply Canvas Gallery Wraps!

Finally the chaos and craziness that is holiday orders is coming to an end and I can blog again! Seriously it has been a fun year and I have really been blessed in so many ways by all the sweet babies, awesome teens and fun families I've gotten to know this year through photographing. Here are a couple of canvases that are ready for delivery, but I just had to share before they go to their new homes~ Simply Canvas rocks... the color and detail is just incredible considering the file size they are working with! The great thing about them also is that you can specify any size to the inch~ something you can't do with traditional portraits. So if you have a funky width or shape wall space, you can create unique wall art featuring some of your favorite people.

Check back later next week for some more collages and a very sweet album~ have a great weekend of holiday shopping, and if you're like me, um, that might mean *starting* your shopping.
Blessings,
~m
from this:

to this:


from this collage design (outer edge wraps around sides to back):

to this gallery wrap:

Links

Photo gallery website for proofing and additional info: www.mycirclephotos.com 


Circle of Life Photography's page on Facebook~ Click HERE to add this page to your favorites!


Michelle Miller allowed me to link to her brilliant post about the art of photographing ... I simply cannot say it better myself! Click HERE to read the post.

Giving Back~ Organizations supported by Circle of Life Photography

In giving back, Circle of Life Photography's main goal is to help those experiencing extreme poverty and nourishing them with food, shelter and spiritual guidance. Education is a big part of helping people learn how to help themselves and change the downward spiral of poverty for a better future for themselves and their children. Locally, a more tangible way of giving back is through using my photography gifts to serve others who are experiencing crisis (see NILMDTS and Pillows of Love.)


Compassion International~ Haiti's Child Survival Project

http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm

In 2011-12, Circle of Life Photography makes a monthly $30 donation to the non-profit organization, Compassion International, whose goal is to change Haiti through the rescue, nuture and discipling of children during the critical early childhood years.


Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS) gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart for families overcome by the grief and pain of the death of their newborn or infant. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives. I am an active NILMDTS volunteer photographer for Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Lancaster Women & Babies Hospital.


Joni & Friends Family Retreat

http://www.joniandfriends.org

I am honored to be a volunteer photographer at the Joni & Friends Family Retreat in the Poconos (Spruce Lake Retreat) for a week each summer (click here for past blog post.) Joni & Friends seeks to serve as a ministry of outreach to people with disabilities and their families across the US and around the world. Families from around the country attend Family Retreats seeking relaxation, encouragement and a time to strengthen their family.