It's time to give...2010

Those that know me, know that I like people, know that if I can help people, I will. The way I can do it right now? Photography. Photographers across the world are rallying together to raise some funds for the victims of the devastating earthquake that recently hit Haiti. I myself will do a mini session and you will not pay me for the mini session but bring a check for the session fee written out to the Red Cross for Haiti relief or Partners for Health.
75% of the print or 100% of the disc price will go to the cause too. This is my way of giving more and maybe yours too. It's a win win situation really. There are a few photographers doing this on island for different organizations so I am not alone. This is the time to get that couple portrait, individual or kids portraits done.

Next, in a continuation of this ANY matted art prints purchased from now until the end of March will have 75% going to the Red Cross for Haiti relief fund and Partners for Health. I have some really nice Cherry blossom ones and also check some of the art prints on my site or email me if there is a specific scene and I may just well have photographed it! I have 2 sizes of matted prints available right now. Please contact me for details.

Next. Yes, there is more! I am giving away a free session to a deserving family/couple/individual on Okinawa, if you are or know someone who deserves a free session and 10 free full resolution digital files, please send me and email telling me why you/they deserve a session...This was supposed to be blogged about around Christmas time (OK, exact date of draft 11/30/09 GULP!) but it got put on the backburner with the busy season. Here's the info...

Last year over 500 photographers participated in the Giving is Awesome project and donated over a half million dollars in donated portraits. This year I am participating as well (Yes, slightly late, but better late than never, eh!). Please read below to see how you can help and what you get.

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids with a deployed spouse, has a special needs child or is newly married, young and new to the military life or maybe anticipating their first child. You know someone who keeps on trucking despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom on-location photography, but who would cherish it. 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. It’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this year. The winner will receive
• Photo session
• 10 full size edited images (plus proofs) on CD
• Three 5×7 prints
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $100 digital file credit. You can use this yourself or give it to a friend. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be unable to purchase my services. (Being unable to eat out every night of the week on Okinawa does not qualify as sincere financial need!)

* The nominee must reside on Okinawa. Tell us who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve a professional family portrait session. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : ukreal1@hotmail.com
Session date TBD by the client and myself, but must be before April 2010.

Please send this info to your friends, family, and co-workers. I hope to receive lots of entries, but I need your help to spread the word. The winner will be announced on Feb 14th — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone in 2010 — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.