~ Winston Churchill

Merry Christmas Eve!  It is time for me to announce the recipient of my “Giving is Awesome!” giveaway.  But first I would like to send a sincere thank you to everyone that submitted a nomination to me.  I truly wish I could do a free session for each family nominated…I had an incredibly tough time picking just one. 

I have chosen Kaylie “B” & her family who were nominated by Sarah “M”.  I had such a heavy heart while reading little Kaylie’s story & her battle with brain cancer.  Kaylie was diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma of the brain stem in February at the age of 5.  You can view a video on Kaylie’s story here. 

My prayers have been with Kaylie & her family as soon as I heard about her story…  I look forward to meeting you all for your session in 2011!

God bless & Merry Christmas!!

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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 mini-session and a high res digital negative cd with print release will be awarded to the deserving winner.

Oh, and the best part?  The person who nominates the winner receives a $100 print credit. 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 the annual ski trip does not qualify as a sincere financial need)

* The nominee must reside in the Seattle-Tacoma area.  Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my work. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : jesshamlin@msn.com by December 22nd

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — 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,

Jessica

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Ray & Michelle – It was SO wonderful meeting you & your family…I had such a fun time with you all.  I hope you enjoy this little peek into your session!   

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I am so excited to announce the winner of my “Giving is Awesome!” giveaway!  I ended up receiving a total of 15 nominations and I spent so much time reading them over and over to determine who is the most deserving of a complimentary portrait session.  Boy, was it TOUGH!  But, one story stood out to me from the beginning…this family is going through the ultimate battle right now…the fight for a life…

Here is an excerpt from their nomination, which was written by Sue “A”:

“I would like to nominate the “B” family for your complimentary photography.  Ray is a Port of Seattle Police Officer. He is a K-9 Handler for K9 Alma and they work Bomb Detection. Ray is a dedicated and hard worker.  Within the last 6 months to one year, Ray and his family have suffered thru and are dealing with critical medical issues.  Six months ago Ray experienced a stroke/brain bleed, which they’d been told was “inoperable”, yet they found the necessary resources, had surgery, recovered and was back to work.  Ray recently was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which in turn turned out to be cancer. It is the most aggressive form there is.  Despite this, his outlook is sunny and he’s fighting the whole way. He had surgery to remove the tumor and is currently undergoing radiation and chemo to keep fighting it.

Ray and his family – 3 boys and his partner Michelle, live in Gig Harbor, along with K9 Alma, who is also his constant companion.  They now make nearly daily trips from Gig Harbor to Seattle for treatments.  Between the wear and tear on their vehicles, gas, co-pays, etc. I know they could NEVER afford special, custom photography such as what you advertise. What a GIFT and TREASURE to give this family – professional beautiful family pictures to last a lifetime”

My prayers are with you & your family right now.  I look forward to meeting you for your session in 2010!

And Sue, as the nominator, you will receive a $100 print credit with Jessica Hamlin Photography.  Thank you so much for this nomination!

After reading all the stories, I knew that I had to do something for each family nominated.  I will be contacting each of them today to offer them a $100 print credit for my photography services.  My Christmas present to them during this tough economic time.

Thank you again for all who participated!  It’s amazing to be able to share my love of photography with you all.  God bless & Merry Christmas!!

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