Toys for Tots - 3 day toy drive

"Jaison's Gifts"
To honor Jaison Braulick

This year, I decided in lieu of holiday gifts for my clients, I would use that budget to purchase toys and donate them to a Toys for Tots drive. Here is what I donated yesterday!

If you received my Dec. newsletter, I hope you had a few moments to to read and think about Jaison's Gifts.

I will be collecting more toys for the Toys for Tots and will deliver them on Friday at 3pm at the Toys R Us at 183 /Lakeline.

If you would like to donate, I'd love to take them for you.

If you are unable to make a donation, I hope you will create your own act of kindness today!

PRESS RELEASE: Black and White Spider Award Nominee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS HONORS PHOTOGRAPHER MAGGIE MESSER FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

LONDON (November 3, 2008) - Professional photographer Maggie Messer of the United States of America was presented with the 4th Annual Black and White Spider Awards Nominee in the category of People at a prestigious live online Winners and Nomination Ceremony presented by Black and White Spider Awards to recognize excellence in black and white photography.

Thousands of images were received from sixty-two countries. The nominated photographers were selected by a who's who Judging Panel from the international photography community, including Sotheby's, Tate Gallery (London), and Fratelli Alinari Museum (Florence). The Panel reviewed the images online over an eight week period and Maggie Messer's "The Bout," an exceptional image entered in the People category, received a high percentage of votes overall.

"The Spider Awards celebrates photographers who operate at the highest levels of their craft," said the awards Creative Director, Basil O'Brien.
"Maggie Messer's work represents black and white photography at its finest, and we're pleased to present her with the (Award Title)."

You can view the 4th Annual Winners Gallery at www.thespiderawards.com/gallery/index.

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography.

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Happy Halloween from Bonnie and Clyde!

Taken by Sue Ellen at Fall Creek Studios at one of her parties.

Livestrong Challange - Volunteer

Thursday, one of my BFF's, Sue Ellen, with Fallcreek Studios, and I took time out of our week to volunteer for the Livestrong Challenge. I don't always have the availability to volunteer my time, but it felt great to set aside the time for another amazing cause! Of course, we both celebrated our Feel Good moment with a few margaritas at Serrano's afterwards! Good luck to all competing this weekend!

Holiday Cards

Want to share your portraits this holiday season. Send a custom Holiday Card. This year we have many custom options to select from. Each design will only be offered one time this season, to ensure that the card you send is unique to your family!

Portrait Takes 2nd Place at Monthly Professional Photography Association

Little Miss Madeleine's 6 month portrait placed 2nd at a local Professional Photography Association. Congratulations Little Miss Madeleine...you are a shinning star!

Rocket Man

What a happy and joyful little Rocket Man!
Full of smiles, always love a session like his.

Anytime Fitness of Leander Teams Up to Benefit Operation Smile

I'm excited to announce that Anytime Fitness of Leander has teamed up with us to benefit Operation Smile.

$100 Donations from session fees will be extend until the end of December. We want this donation drive to grow even more and make a greater impact for these children in need!

Support the Cause with us!

Avery Ranch Child Safety & Protection Festival

What a fun festival Saturday! The kids (and parents) were enjoying themselves as they checked out all of the activities (moonwalk, train, petting zoo, face painting to name a few) and Servicemen (SWAT, Police, EMS with their ambulance, a Helicopter, firehouse, the list goes on). I did not get to see it all but enjoyed the day along with the live band.
I photograph over 200 children for their Photo ID after they were fingerprinted and learned a bit about safety!

A wonderful community event, I was more than happy to donate my time for!

Congratulations to the Fetchel Family! Your name was drawn for the $150 Gift Certificate with Maggie Messer Photography. (An email will be sent, but feel free to give me a call)

A BIG Thank You goes to out my hubby, Aaron, for being a part of the day with me. Couldn't have done it without ya Love!

So, I have to ask, What does Avery Ranch put in their water?
It must be something powerful!
During the course of the day I photographed 4 sets of twins! That is amazing!

Family Portrait Month & Operation Smile

OPERATION SMILE DONATIONS WILL BE
EXTENDED UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR!

October is Family Portrait Month -




As a photographer, I capture smiles everyday! Time to give back to those who need a new smile!

This year, during the month of October, we will be donating $100 from every session fee to PPA Charities, which benefit Operation Smile.

Operation Smile treats children around the world who suffer with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

In just 45 minutes, a child with a cleft palette can receive a new smile from Operation Smile for only $240!

To learn more about Operation Smile, please view the clip below.

Operation Smile - Help create a smile
or visit
www.operationsmile.org

Sessions are limited. Please call to schedule your appointment today!


Bonus: Our way of Saying Thank you for your participation
Purchase any size wall portrait and receive a complimentary 8 x 10 Gift Portrait ($85 value)

Or

Purchase a Wall Collection and receive 50 Custom Holiday Cards complimentary ($250 value)

Our Family Just got a Little Bigger!

So I've had Pongo (aka: Fatboy) since College. Aaron and I could not wait to get our first dog - Dakota (she's now 2.5 years old). But we broke down this summer and expanded our family. We would love to announce the newest edition to our family - COWBOY!
He's a little handful and loves the water!

4th of July Family Vacation

We packed up and headed south to Corpus Christi this summer to celebrate my Great Uncle's 85th Birthday! Aaron and I meet up with my parents, brother and his family for an amazing, fun and relaxing time together! Many of my Aunts, uncles and cousins joined in the celebration. We enjoyed beautiful skies, rainbows, sunsets, fireworks, but most importantly just being together as a family!


Great Uncle Stanley gave me my first Twin Lens Medium Format Camera when I was in college.

Birthday Boy!

Happy First Birthday Zephyr!
What can we say...all boy! What a fun portrait session as we documented you turning One!

The Day and The Life of Peg...

Who would have thought 5 Years ago as we photographed your beautiful bridal portraits in the soft, quiet settings of Zilker Park, that this would one day be Your Day in the Life....

Happy First B-Day Little Miss Riley!

What an amazing year it has been to watch her grow!
Now...look at her go!

Congratulations Brittany!

Brittany Couvillion is graduating from Cedar Park High School this June.

I had so much fun creating your awesome Senior Portraits!

As you move forward in the world, may you never lose sight of your dreams!

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. "
Walt Disney