Papyrus Bridal Event @ Southpark Mall/Strongsville Sun.4/26/09

I promise I am working on getting more client work up, but while it's fresh I wanted to invite you to visit the Papyrus store at Southpark Mall in Strongsville OH.

Going on now thru April 26th, they are hosting a bridal event within the store! Papyrus is known for their unique greeting cards, but did you know they offer custom invitations and announcements?

The ladies at Papyrus contacted me to join them, as they are hosting a Bridal Event at the store on Sunday, April 26th from 12noon - 6pm. When you stop by the store in the month of April, you can view some of my latest work and get more information on all kinds of great bridal services!!

I will be available to meet brides-to-be on April 26th up at the store, so please let friends & family know to stop on by!! I will be hosting a raffle for a free Engagement Session for those that attend on that Sunday!

Cheers to my brides!!!!
Cat

Oooh "Shoot!" Catching up - Winter 2008

Well, the holidays got the best of my time but I wanted to still post some of my favorite images from over the winter months. Enjoy!!

~Tommy / November 2008 ~

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~ Brendan & Elliana / November 2008 ~

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~ Baron & Bailey / November 2008 ~

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~ K. Family / November 2008 ~

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~ Sarah / November 2008 ~

Cornerstone of Hope - 6th Annual Benefit Gala 2/14/09

I might be behind on uploading photos from my holiday shoots and the firsts of 2009, but it was even more important for me to share my participation in an upcoming charity event.

Cornerstone of Hope is a comprehensive grief center offering both individual counseling and group support in a home like environment. They also offer educational programs and trainings to professionals and volunteers.

Each year, this organization hosts a benefit gala to help raise awareness to their cause and ultimately help to those who need it most, the grieving. When this opportunity posed itself to me, it was very important to get involved as I experienced the greatest of losses this past year with the death of my father.

I have donated a portrait session in hopes that the money raised will go towards support and tools for the grieving. I am so grateful to have family and friends surrounding me to help me thru this life change. For those that do not have this kind of support or need additional guidance on how to survive after the loss of a loved one - Cornerstone of Hope is there to help.

If you are looking for something to do this Valentine's Day, consider attending this benefit gala. For more information, visit the gala page of Cornerstone's website and thank you.

From the Sun News: Independence: Cornerstone of Hope planning its sixth Benefit Gala on Feb. 14

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!