Four years ago I photographed Stacey and Mark’s wedding at the Park Lane and I knew Stacey would be someone I kept in touch with. We don’t see each other often because she lives in Mass. but I did see them back in early ’07 just before my son was born, and was happy when she called me this year about doing maternity photos. She was back in the area for her baby shower just after Thanksgiving, and we made a day of it – photo shoot, then the shower. I met them up at Mark’s mom’s house in Wilson and we made the most of a COLD morning!

Do you know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season?  Do you know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty?

Do you know someone who is struggling to stay afloat, has experienced a tragedy, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly and tirelessly for others?

You know someone. I bet you do. It’s in your power to give them a really special gift this holiday season.  I am giving away a free portrait session in 2011 to the nominee whose story touches my heart the most – the session can be scheduled at their convenience at any time during 2011.

The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the family you are nominating must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. There is a limit of two nominations per person.
* The nominee must reside within a 30-mile radius of Buffalo, NY, or be willing/able to travel here for the portrait session.
* I will need your contact information and a way to get in touch with the family you’re nominating.
* You must e-mail me the nominating entry by Monday, December 20th. Take as many words as you need to explain why they deserve to win, and feel free to include any pictures. Please submit all entries to me by email – info at wendymitchellphotography.com – or by postal mail (my address can be found by clicking the “Contact” link above).
* The winning family will be announced on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th!  To avoid any potentially awkward sharing of private details, the entries will NOT be posted publicly, and there will not be voting.  The winning entry will be decided by me, my husband, and a few close friends.

The winning family receives:
* Complimentary family portrait session with me, including a 1.5-2 hour session (1-2 locations), professional editing of their images, and a private online gallery of 20-30 proofs.
* A 16×20 gallery wrapped canvas of their favorite image from the session
* A 16-page 8.5×11″ book custom-designed with their choice of images from the session
* A $250 print credit to purchase any prints or wall art of their choice

BONUS:  The person who nominates the winner will receive a free mini-session (45 minutes, 1 location), professional editing of their images, and a private online gallery of 10-12 proofs, along with a $125 credit toward prints, wall art, or digital images.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve, so 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.

On November 1st, I stopped in Rochester and did a few photos for my friend Evinn – we met in “Art & Civ” during my first quarter at RIT and have remained friends.

She gave birth to a boy, Ezra, on December 31st, and when I visted on January 12 I snagged a few impromptu photos. Congratulations, Evinn!