Just a really beautiful image of the "nothingness" between Wenatchee and Spokane, WA, an area called the Palouse. Made me remember how you can always find beauty, not so much by opening your eyes, but mostly, by opening your heart.
My entry for I [heart] faces "Sun Flare". One of my all time favorite photos to boot! Be sure to check out the other amazing entries here.
[ETA]: WOW. Something like 421 entries. Scratch that, 421 GREAT images, and I was the 1st place winner. So cool! The top ten are all so amazing, I would be thrilled to have taken any of them. So many great image makers out there! Thanks to I [heart] faces for always taking the time to host such a great site and to this week's judge, the incomparable [becker]! Thanks!!
It's that time of year again! My very favorite time. When I get to give back to the community and town that so generously accepted and made room for me and my family almost 13 years ago. This is my second year (and the second year of the program) called "Giving is Awesome" that encourages photographers to donate to deserving people the gift of professional photography.
You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography. It's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner also receives a free mini-session. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a vacation home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in or around North Central Washington. Lets say within 60 miles of Wenatchee, WA. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* If you're not comfortable posting the story in comments, then please e-mail me the full story: tonya [at] gauchogirl [dot] com.
The winner will be announced on Dec. 7 - my youngest daughter's 11th birthday. Get nominating! I can't wait to read your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
If you aren't in the Wenatchee area, you can still enter! Please check the Giving is Awesome MAP and find a participating photographer near you or your intended recipient!
(Below is last year's winner. A much deserving young couple in Oroville, WA. -- Hi Willis family! I got your holiday card the other day, thank you! Hoping you have a wonderful year!)
One of the most beautiful letters ever written: http://www.lettersofnote.com/2009/11/thousands-of-other-daddies-went-too.html
Had the honor of spending a gorgeous fall afternoon with the Fenter family at one of Wenatchee's many beautiful parks. Between Brady, the dog, and AJ, a very curious (and fast) 2 year old, we had our work cut out for us. I think with the help of apple chips and a ziploc bag of dog food, we pulled it off. Thanks in part to mom's unwavering cheerfulness, dad's patience and, honestly, the rapid fire on my Nikon!) Thanks Fenter family!
