Recently, I became aware of a friend-of-a-friend who is going through a rough time.  She had her baby at only 24 weeks – I’ll be 24 weeks on Saturday, and I can’t even imagine how scary and insane that must be.  The family is facing ginormous medical bills due to the fact that Baby Maxwell has been in the NICU for nearly a month and is probably going to be there for some time to come.  You can read more about their story here.

Several photographers are teaming up to help raise funds for the mounting expenses for this sweet family.  For just $75 you can have a 30 minute session at the AWESOME McKinney Cotton Mill and will receive 8-10 edited photos on disc.  The minimum shooting fee for this location alone is $100 without even factoring in the normal session fee, so this is an incredible deal!  You can do any kind of shoot (well maybe not boudoir…) – babies, kids, families, maternity, seniors, bridals, engagements, a couples “just because” session, etc.  ALL of the proceeds will be donated to Maxwell’s family.

The fundraiser is being held on May 8th (the day before Mother’s Day!).  I will be shooting from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, but there will be photographers shooting through the afternoon.  You can request your spot by e-mailing maxwellfundraiser@gmail.com – I’m not doing the scheduling, so you need to go through that e-mail address!

This would be a fantastic Mother’s Day gift – not only will you make the Mama in your life happy and thrilled to have a professional photo shoot in an terrific locale, you’ll be helping out another Mama going through a really difficult time.

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 — $1000 worth*, to be exact. 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 $250 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.)

* The nominee must reside in Texas. 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 me the full story : deena@deenariley.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve, but nominations are due by December 20 — get 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,

Deena

*Winner’s package includes session fee, one of our new spiffy session boxes with (30) 5×7 prints, and $125 in print credit!