Gifts of Giving

Gifts of Giving

When making your holiday shopping gift list this year, why not make this years gift giving special. I want each of you to think of ideas to shop small businesses and locally made items. Even though places like Target are tempting with their “deals” the real deal is that most to their products just got shipped in from overseas. It’s important that we remember and support entrepreneurs, crafters, artists and businesses that have items made in our country!

IDEA! There are lots of charities out there that are running online auctions right now, that you can pick up wonderful gifts and help support great causes. A great place to start that hosts online charity auctions around the country is “Bidding for Good”: http://www.cmarket.com/auction/BiddingForGood. A lot of these charities have events going on right now, just in time for the holidays! One that I support is thru the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association (CVNPA). They have an auction going on right now until 12/7/08 raising money for the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center (CVEEC). I am sponsoring this charity with a photography package that I put together to help raise money. In addition, I have bid on all kinds of great items like gift baskets of facial products, children’s books, an overnight stay at a local B&B and more! Check it out for yourself too, directly: http://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=73430134

The bottom line: With all the challenges we are facing in this economy, we should all be grateful for what we have and always find a way to give back. Now is the perfect time to give in your own lives.

For more ideas and places on the web that you can support local, small businesses and charity efforts thru the holidays and all year round, please visit the sites below, thank you & happy holidays!!

Bidding for Good (Charity)
http://www.cmarket.com/auction/BiddingForGood

Etsy (small and home based businesses)
www.etsy.com

Craigslist (small businesses & great finds)
www.craigslist.com

Mimi Vanderhaven (Cleveland/Akron OH local newspaper supporting local business)
www.mimivanderhaven.com

Girl Shop Spot (online local shopping resource)
http://www.girlshopspot.com/

Indie Bound (supporting unique local businesses)
http://www.indiebound.org/

Ideal Bite (holiday “green” shopping ideas)
http://www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/categories/category/Holidays%20&%20Gifts

Happy Thanksgiving....What am I a thankful for this year?... the talent I have that allows me to capture the joys of families in photographs.

Newest member of PPA! (Professional Photographers Assocation)

I am very excited to announce that today I have made it to the next step in my goals as a photographer and joined the Professional Photographers Association (PPA). PPA is the world's largest nonprofit organization for professional photographers.

Joining PPA is a wonderful opportunity for me to receive the support I need as a photographer to help me grow my business and improve my craft.

A fundamental belief that I have is that education and inspiration keep me creative and a make me a better person. PPA is one tool that will open up great opportunities on my journey.

Want to learn more about the organizations I belong to? I encourage you to visit the websites below:

Professional Photographers Assocation (PPA)
Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Assocation (CVNPA)
Cuyahoga Valley Photographic Society (CVPS)
Cleveland+ (Ambassador!)

Family Photography Fundraiser for SGWS!

I have always been a creative person and I feel the importance to share that with others. It is also our responsibility to understand the importance of schools that help develop our children into creative individuals. That's what Spring Garden Waldorf School (SGWS), in Copley, is all about.


Waldorf education started in Germany and focuses the education process using a sensory environment. In this world where the arts are being dismissed as unimportant enough to eliminate them from certain public school systems - Waldorf celebrates art in the everyday student experience. I challenge you to learn more about the importance of Waldorf education and the Spring Garden Waldorf School located right in your backyard, in Copley OH.


Unlike traditional parochial schools, SGWS does not have the parish funding to help support the expenses of maintaining the school facility, salaries and all that goes with a private institution. In order to keep tuition as low as possible, each year, SGWS hosts an auction to benefit the school and ultimately the children of SGWS. This auction takes place each spring.


I do not have children that attend SGWS. But a dear friend of mine has a son who does, and I have watched that boy grow into a young man because if his education at SGWS. That should show you how much this means to me in that I have helped by volunteering my time toward this worthy educational system.


Here's where I am asking for your help this holiday season. I am offering you, a $50 family photography session to benefit the 2009 SGWS Auction. This can be booked now thru the end of the year and just in time for the holidays.


There's no catch. It's all about giving. Happy Holidays! Contact me right away to book your session. Be sure to mention the SGWS auction to receive this special rate.

For more information on how you or your business can donate to the SGWS 2009 Auction, please contact Colleen Smith at sgwsauction2009@gmail.com. Thank you!

2008 Bids for Kids Auction starts November 21st!

November 2008

I am pleased to announce my participation in the 2008 CVNPA's annual online Bids for Kids auction benefiting the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center! Starting November 21st - December 7th, you can bid online for a one hour family story portrait photography session with me! I also am including an 8x10 print of your choice.

Learn more about the importance of this great cause here! Happy bidding!

Elliana at 18 months old

November 2008

It seems like just yesterday that Elliana celebrated her first birthday! Now, on this last gorgous autumn day, I captured her growing up and turning 18 months old.

Isabella's Autumn

October 2008

The best part of autumn are the colors! Isabella got to enjoy being outdoors which is a favorite weekend pasttime for her. Mom wanted images in her pumpkin costume, but little Isabella would have nothing to do with it :) So that's when we headed outdoors in her favorite pink Harley jacket instead!

Stearns Violins

October 2008

Master Craftsman, Rodger Stearns and his lovely wife Eunice, allowed me into the magic of string instrument restoration, while photographing them with their grandchildren. Their two grandchildren are no stranger to my lens. They are so fortunate to have so many experiences that will enhance their lives. See the behind the scenes of what the world knows as one of the best violin restorers. Want to know more? Visit them online or arrange to visit them in Hartville!

Tracy & Tom's Wedding Day

October 2008

Tracy & Tom got hitched this October - literally! Country kids at heart, they created the theme to their wedding around their love for horses and good old country living. Remember their engagement shoot? We also were honored to visit the Cleveland Mounting Unit where the bridal party had a ton of fun riding "into the sunset." My favorite moment of the wedding? The perfect cake smash! Witness it below! Thanks to the bride & groom for allowing me to capture all the fun!

Mapleside Fall Fest

October 2008


Pumpkins, corn field mazes - finding treasures and friends! That's a great way to start the autumn season. Where a better place too, then Mapleside in Brunswick!

Saturday Night Kids

September 2008

It was a toddler party at one families home as little boys and girls had a great time playing together and becoming better friends!

UK & US Ralph Families

September 2008

It's not often you get to capture generations of families when those families span the Atlantic Ocean! I was privileged to photograph The Ralph's when one Akron families' mother, father and sister visited this fall from England. What made it even more special was the addition of the newest child, meeting her British grandparents for the first time.