It's Christmas Time!

I've been keeping the blog somewhat clear to help keep focus on the Giving Is Awesome Giveaway (which we have received many great responses and nominations on). However, as we are now well into the Eve of Christmas Eve, I wanted to share with you a few Christmas shoots from the last couple of weeks as well as photos of my favorite little ones (yes, I'm a very, very biased aunt) visiting Santa.

While you take in these smiling Christmas portraits, keep thinking of someone you know in need and deserving of a great Christmas surprise for our Giving is Awesome Holiday Giveaway!

Finally, I wanted to take time to wish everyone, clients, friends, family or just passerby's of the blog, a very... very... Merry Christmas.

Happy Holidays!
Vanessa

HOLIDAY PHOTO GIVEAWAY!!!

As promised, here is the first of our Holiday give-back-giveaways! Thanks to Kristen Kalp of Essential Imagery and Giving is Awesome for the WONDERFUL idea! Everyone knows 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 – over $500 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over…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 receives a special Shutters present as well. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be!?

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 two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Cass County or the immediate area. 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.

* You must e-mail mail me the full story: info@shuttersphotography.net (snail mail also accepted, call 816-591-2950 for the address!)

* Nominations MUST be received no later than noon on Christmas Eve.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Morning.... so get to 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.

With love,

Vanessa

It's that time of the year!!!

I will be the first to admit, I am a Holiday nut! I love them all, but three I wait all year for... Fourth of July, Halloween and... CHRISTMAS. I'm always 'that' person in the neighborhood with my lights up early (not to mention then also covering the houses of my parents and sister) forcing them to do the same. I have my trees (yes, plural) up on Thanksgiving so I can get to decorating them, and I seem to wrap twice as many presents as anyone else in the world this year in particular, as Aksel, my one year old Harlequin Great Dane, thinks that they are all his presents and that it is ok to rip open packages when they are under the tree. Who can't love it though, it's the coziest time of the year!!!What I possibly love most about this time of the year however is the excitement and giving in the air. To stay in the giving spirit, Shutters has joined forces with some exciting organizations, so I can give back to the community what I can.

Over the remainder of the Holidays, I'll be sharing with you personal photos of my Holiday celebrations, those I hold dear, my decorations and more. I will also be sharing some exciting Holiday giveaways and contests, so stay tuned!

Also on tap, CHRISTMAS FAMILY PHOTOS. That's right, tis the season for Holiday photos, as everyone needs specialized Chstimas Greeting cards and memories to hold! First up, I want to share with you my brother's family. That's right, the tall handsome guy below is my oldest brother, and that little drink of blonde, curly haired water is one of my three favorite little people in the world, my nephew Cole. Along with the rest of his family, they make up one a cute little gang, and I figure they won't mind being showcased here as the kick off of our Holiday photos.

Stay tuned for more, and Happy Holidays!

Vanessa