
As I sit here at my desk this morning (almost noon, actually) it is a chilly 48 degrees out and a strong North wind which means it feels a lot colder! I wouldn’t know how cold that wind feels though, because I am sitting at my desk in my nice, warm office. I have a Vanilla Caramel candle burning and listening to some soft music while I work on beautiful images. I also have a pashmina around my shoulders which is my most favorite thing when the weather dips below 7o degrees. I feel very blessed to have such a rich life. Not rich by how much money I have made, but rich in blessings of warmth, food, health, friends and family and home.
However, I live in a town where I work very near the homeless. I photograph around their “homes” all over Abilene. I even have one kind man who even waves at us now when we are near him. I am keenly aware of those who have lost jobs and are having a difficult time making it from one day to another.
So, as the weather becomes colder and Fall and Winter set in and the holidays are drawing near, it has been on my heart to find a way to give back to my community. This community has certainly been more than good to me! After prayerful consideration, here is what I have decided to do:
1. My session fee is $65. That fee is for my 90 minutes spent photographing your family, senior or children; downloading images and processing them for you to view; artwork, preparing slideshows, etc. DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 100% OF MY SESSION FEES WILL GO TO FEED THE HUNGRY OF ABILENE. My calendar is almost full for November, which already means a lot of money is going to be donated! However, if you have been thinking about getting your portraits made for the holidays, let me encourage you to think about November! Not only will you be getting portraits to share with your family (what else could they possibly want?), but you’ll know that you, too, have helped with feeding those less fortunate.
2. Do you know of someone that you think would REALLY benefit from having their portrait made? Maybe a single mom raising children all alone or someone facing a serious illness and a family portrait would be a priceless gift or someone you work with who you know their story and want to do something good for them? I am asking you to write me a one page letter telling me their story, details, background, etc. I will read these letters and choose one for a COMPLIMENTARY SESSION AND A 16X20 FRAMED PORTRAIT. (also 2- 8×10’s; 2- 5×7’s and 8 wallets) This session will be on Sunday, November 29th at 4pm. I am hoping to have local merchants available to do small makeovers, etc so they will feel very special on their session day. (more details to follow) The person who submitted the chosen letter will also receive a complimentary session fee on their next session! The DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING LETTERS IS NOVEMBER 15th and the winner will be notified on November 18th. You may either mail your letter to Pure Photography 2010 Marathon Rd. Abilene, TX 79601 or email it to me at debbie@pure-photography.com. I do NOT want to know the name of the family you are recommending until the winning letter has been chosen. Only your name and contact information should be included.
I am VERY excited about these two endeavors! Please consider joining me in making the holidays a little brighter for those who are struggling or less fortunate.