And the winner is...

I'm so very grateful to be a part of giving back in such a beautiful way this year. As our photography business begins to grow, I have been looking for ways to make a difference in our community and the lives of others. Again, I want to thank my friend Kristen Kalp for the chance to be involved in something so amazing and to give back to others in this time of joy. Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year, family, friends, love and peace. I have such wonderful memories and have been fortunate enough to have been taken care of by the grace of God every year. I know that there are so many people who are struggling, just trying to survive this year especially with the failing economy. Knowing that there are so many people who are not doing well makes it a difficult thing to decide, to choose only one family who will receive this gift. Although I cannot choose each one of the nominations for the "grand prize," I would like to help out each of the families who's stories were shared with me. For each family that was not chosen, I still want to photograph you and give you a small package (sorry nominators, the gift will be for the families you nominated only). I will contact each one of you with details. Afterall, I have been given so much, how can I say that every person does not deserve a beautiful memory to cherish and pass on for a lifetime? I truly believe that photography is one of the best gifts that can be given. We hold on to our photos for years. We look at photographs to try to get a better understanding of our ancestors and reminisce over special moments or that vision of a loved one lost. I can't say enough about how much it means to me to be able to give this gift to these very deserving people.

And now I'd like to announce this years winner of the $400 package...to a very derserving family...Beth and Bryan Carpenter.
Your story has inspired me and given me the oppertunity to examine the generosity in my own heart. Thank you. You are more than deserving and I am honored to be able to give you this Christmas gift. Also, a huge thank you to Jamie DeFoor for nominating the Carpenters. Jamie will be receiving $150 toward her next session with Bloom Photography.

As we celebrate the birth of our savior tomorrow, I wish you so much hope and joy for the year to come. May you be strong and thankful for God's love. Merry Christmas.

Best Wishes,
Kristin

GIVING IS AWESOME!!!

I want to apologize for posting this amazing opportunity so late. Unfortunately, we've had some crazy experiences in the Railton household...children so sick they were admitted to the hospital, family visiting, and the list goes on. Anyway, we are recovering and I wanted to tell my amazing clients about this wonderful chance to give back...courtesy of my friend Kristen Kalp an amazing photographer from Pennsylvania. This was her idea to make a difference in the lives of others this season, and I think it is perfect! So...we are left with only a few days, but I have faith in you, my loving customers to make this happen. Here is the info! Please contact me with any other questions! Love to you all!

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 -- $400 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, 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 $150 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 North Carolina (Fayetteville and surrounding areas). 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 : kmrailton@yahoo.com

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,

Kristin

Finally

I finally got to photograph this gorgeous family this week. Mom and I have been trying to set something up for a while now, but it just never happened. So, I was so excited to be able to get chance to photograph them for the holidays. It was great to tromp around their backyard in the swamp area to get the shot by the water. It was squishy and a little questionable at the time, but I think the shot was well worth it! Then I got to play with "Little Miss H" in the leaves and she even asked me if I could stay...my heart melted! Handsome older brother was great, he was the one holding a perfect smile for every shot! What a guy! I am so lucky...I must have the most beautiful clients ever...just look at this family! They were so kind and sweet too! I feel so grateful to have clients like these! Thanks so much "B" Family!
~Kristin

O Christmas Tree Farm...Fun Family Shoot!

Last week I was able to photograph my wonderful "B" Family. We headed out to a local Christmas tree farm and were welcomed with open arms to use the beautiful grounds for holiday family photos. "Little Miss C" was running all around the trees, playing with me and never slowing down! This girl is full of wonderful energy! It was so lovely to see such natural interactions between them and capture the love that is there! Here are some sneek peeks for them while I finish up the rest. Also, if you are in the market for a real Christmas tree this year, please consider the Smokey Mountain Farm. It is located off of 401/Raeford Road and Scull Road heading towards Raeford. With the state of the economy, it is always a joy to give back to the people of our own community. It is well worth the trip.
~Kristin