'Tis the season to give.

 Giving takes up a large space in my heart. As a little girl, Ive always found so much joy in giving. My biggest dream all began when I was 9 years old. During a certain part of my 3rd grade school year we focused on what we wanted to do when we "grew up" and while I had all of the ideas of successful careers fed to me by my elders, I never knew exactly what job would make me happy. I did, however, have the extreme desire to help people. Even if I couldn't go down in the history books because I changed the world, impacting the lives of a large group of people was all I needed to feel complete and give my life a purpose. Luckily for me, 3 generations of females in my family grew up being involved in a Masonic youth service organization and it was my turn at age 11. For 8 years I was given the opportunity to give back and help others by raising money and making misc items to donate to our annually adopted service projects such as "The Boggy Creek Gang Camp," "Operation Smile" and "The Shriners Hospital." Once I graduated High school, and started preparing for adult life, that part of my heart was exercised in only the smallish ways. In launching my own business, it has been a primary goal to get to the point where I can make a major difference with my photography. I haven't figured out what that will be yet, although I have been toying with different ideas. I cant wait for when that opportunity will come! I have high hopes that there will be many and they will be large.

So with that said, I needn't tell you just how thrilled I was to have found out about this amazing project that my fellow photographers are taking part in all over the world. This is the perfect way to start off the photography giveaways I had been planning to announce for the new year! One little step in my journey to making a difference. And what a perfect time to do it?! I know that the season will help bring in those nominations and Ill be able to reach out to more than one person this holiday.

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 – $1200 worth, to be exact. This awesome holiday give will include a portrait session, a 10 page 8x8 inch coffee table album, a $100 print credit and the high resolution digital images…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 a complimentary session of their own and a $100 print credit. 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 two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* You may only nominate one someone. If you know of more than one really deserving someone, share it  with another someone that you know. They can nominate the person and have a chance at getting their own portrait session. Remember, it is all about giving. Spread the word!

* The nominee must reside in Central Florida. Tell me who you know, where they're from, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a photo of your someone if you have one and a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well. (If you wish to nominate someone who's not in Central Florida, check out Giving is Awesome for participating photographers around the World!)

* You must e-mail me the full story and leave a small comment here as well: tm@theresamariephotography.com Nominations will be accepted until 9pm on December 22nd.

Im asking for your comment on the blog because I'm doubling up the give. For every nomination I receive that has a comment on the blog, I will donate one food item to a local food bank to help feed someone for Christmas. So please bring in those nominations, leave some blog love and send this link to ten someones that you know. More IS merrier. : )

The winner will be announced here on Christmas Eve, in just enough time for you to print the winning email out and package up or forwarded to your someone to let them know you've won them lasting memories for Christmas! 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. : )

Comments

[Alani]

I use to work at Boggy Creek~ I love that place and the kids! Anyways I am thinking I also want to help make someone christmas a little brighter! xoxo

[Cathy Nelson]

T, you are awesome!

[Monica Brown]

I'd like to nominate my friend Jodi Skeggs. I'll email you her story. Thanks!

Monica Brown

[Rachel Williams]

I would like to nominate my sister, Starr. I will email her story to you!

[Rachel Williams]

I would like to nominate my sister, Starr. I will email her story to you!

[sara Gill]

Theresa, this is awesome what you're doing... I have someone in mind and will post soon... just need their contact info for ya and a few other details. this is seriously a beautiful thing... if there is anything else i can do to help, please let me know. God bless your big heart!

[Roni Hunt]

Theresa, you are #1 in my book. I just so happen to have someone in mind that I will send the details about to you! You Rock, girl!!