I have yet to receive a single entry for the Giving is Awesome contest! I am baffled because I have had so many visitors to that page on my blog, yet not a single email or comment. I would like to believe that means that nobody in Pearl River County is in need of a special gift this season, but sadly, I doubt that is true. I planned to accept submissions until Christmas Eve at noon, but since I have not received ANY submissions, I will extend the contest until Thursday, January 8 at 11:59 PM (midnight).

Visit my blog entry about the Giving is Awesome Giveaway for more information on how to nominate someone for the prize. Please, take a few minutes to nominate a special person or family who would cherish the gift of a photographic heirloom this year.

Just one from a session on Friday night… I couldn’t wait to share it even though I edited it on my laptop which means that the colors and contrast may be out of whack. Also, its a very quick edit and I can see that I did a bad job of cloning out the rug and fireplace in the corners of the picture. If it looks funky, I’ll post a new version later. I just couldn’t wait to share this one, so the quick edit will have to do!!

I did a little bit of antiquing / tea staining on it which is different than how I normally process images. I think it works for this one. Here’s the adorable Mr. A, all ready for Christmas!

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. A free session, CD of high resolution images, a session slideshow, and a 5×7 session album — $1400 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 free session and $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.)

* The nominee must reside within 30 miles of Picayune, MS. 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.

* The photography sessions (for nominee and person making the nomination) will occur in within 30 miles of Picayune, MS during the month of January 2009.

* You must e-mail me the full story : brandi@brandiheadphotography.com.

The deadline for entries is Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 11:59 PM. The winner will be announced on Friday, January 9! 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,

Brandi Head

Here is Ethan showing off some expressions for the camera. Too cute not to share