Need A Smile Giveaway Winner

As many of you know, in December I held a giveaway. This giveaway was special because I wanted to gift a session to a family that was truly in need of a smile.

I received many nominations, and they all touched my heart. It was not an easy decision to make because there are so many great families out there that have dealt with tough circumstances in the last year or so. But, a decision did have to be made and I am proud to say that the winning family was the Lupo Family.

The Lupo Family has three energetic, beautiful children and their mom (the family photographer) has made it her mission to cover their walls with images of the joy they have experienced together over the years. Before Christmas in 2008, their digital camera broke. Mrs. Lupo was thrilled when she found out that her husband's company gave all the employees a digital camera as an early Christmas gift. As usual, she would be able to take their traditional Christmas picture in front of their tree using her tripod and the camera's timer.

They deeply treasure that picture today because sadly it was one of the last pictures with their much loved husband/father. At the end of January last year, Mr. Lupo collapsed one evening. He was a healthy man with no signs or symptoms of illness or health trouble. Though his wife and medical personnel did all they could to try to revive him, they were not successful and he passed away. It was declared a result of heart arrhythmia. And, the hearts that were left behind were broken.

As you can imagine, the last year has been extremely difficult. This was a sudden blow to a young, happy family. The children were 3, 5 and 6 years old at the time of their father's death. Though surrounded by loving family and friends, the day to day struggle to adjust has been the biggest challenge. Mrs. Lupo continued to try to take pictures of important moments in her children's lives until their new digital camera also broke.

So, when our mutual friend Gail read about my giveaway, she immediately wrote to me about the Lupo family and not only their need for a big smile, but also for some updated pictures of their beautiful family.

I can't properly express how excited I am to meet up with them this Spring and do a fun, family session. Mrs. Lupo told me that she has never won anything and this certainly put a smile on her face. Yeah!!!!

Miss Callie (Chester County Children's Photographer)

Meet Callie! She is a vibrant young lady who has begun to do some acting and modeling work and needed to update her headshots.
She was SO excited to get her pictures done and I loved that enthusiasm. I think she will continue to do well because she has a terrific, fun personality and is very down to earth. And, personally I think she has a very a natural, Dakota Fanning type look.
Good luck Callie!

The "G" Family (Chester County Family Photographer)

This family has been SO patient in waiting to see their pictures. Becky (the mom) is the graphic designer that did my logo/watermark, etc. She did a wonderful job and I am thrilled with the results. We exchanged services and I met her family at Hershey Gardens at the end of October to do their family session. What a beautiful setting! Everyone had a great time and it was the perfect Autumn day.
Because it was one of my extremely busy times of year and they weren't in a big hurry for their pictures, she graciously told me she would wait until after the beginning of the year when things settled down.
So, finally, here is their preview. Hopefully it will make all of us feel a bit warmer (and probably even more eager for Spring).
Thank you Becky for being so patient and enjoy your preview!

Baby "J" Preview (Chester County Newborn Photographer)

This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting 6 day old baby "J" and his loving family. He was such a good baby. He wanted to be awake for much of the session, but that was fine considering he was happy and alert.
He was born into a family of huge Phillies fans and was even named after one of the players. I loved the way he "posed" for me in this giant baseball mitt. What an adorable baby!

"S" Family...enjoy your preview!

Caruso Kids Preview (Chester County Children's Photographer)

What a great time I had this week during a fun, playful session with the Caruso kids. I was definitely kept on my toes times 4. It was great getting to know the unique qualities of each child and trying to capture that in a short period of time.

Caruso family...enjoy your preview!

In Need of a Smile? (Giveaway)

Do you know a family, a couple, a child or anyone for that matter that could use a pick me up in the form of a FREE photo session? If so, I want to hear about it.

I have been so blessed by this business and all the wonderful people I have had the sincere pleasure of working with and this Christmas season I want to share that blessing.

Maybe you know of a family that has been struggling with illness or job loss, and family pictures would bring some joy back to their hearts and faces. Whatever the reason, if you know someone deserving I want to hear the story.

From today, December 3rd, until December 13th, I will take submissions. Please email me at susanfordphotography@gmail.com with the story of why your nominee should be the winner of the free session. Please be specific. I don't need to know every little gritty detail, but you need to convince me that your nominee is the most deserving. "They are good people" won't cut it. You don't have to be a spectacular writer or perfect speller, just a person who cares enough about someone you know to tell me their story in a persuasive way in the hope that they will be given this gift.

I will choose a winner by December 15th.

Please spread the word about this giveaway by email, Facebook and word of mouth as you see fit.

I look forward to hearing about some amazing people in the coming days and putting a smile on the face of the winner(s).

Merry Christmas!

Drabish Christmas Preview (Philadelphia Area Children's Photographer)

My second Christmas session while I was in the Morgantown, WV area last week, was with my dear, sweet friend Anissa's little beauty. I took her newborn pictures just a few short weeks ago, but she is growing fast and her momma wanted me to do her Christmas pictures while I was in town.
It is such a joy to get to capture the beauty of a friend's child and this baby is stunning. Get ready to want to pinch her cheeks as you look through this preview.

Enjoy, my dear friends!