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 — $1850 worth to be exact. 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 $300 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 mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* I am not limiting the nominee to my local area. I travel and if it’s a city I will be hitting, I’d love more opportunities to share the love.
* 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 at shannon@shannonsewell.com by December 15th.
The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!
Last year we helped this program raised over $565,000 worth of custom photography to families across the globe. We’re looking to double that total and hit the $1,000,000 mark this year. Of course, we need you to help! The premise is simple: think of someone you know who deserves custom photography but can’t afford it. Nominate them to win it. Enjoy the warm fuzzy feeling you brought to the world.
Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thank you for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
xoxo
~S
christmas card shoot: done.
this will be done as a 4 image per side accordion fold. now to get it ordered… ;)
lindsay christ: these are so fun!!!!!!!!! love them love them love them!!! i can't believe how big your kids are and how creative this card is. amazing!!!!!!! (11.26.2009 11:17pm)
Carin: I am amazed!!!! Really---your creativity knows no bounds! I love every single image!!!!! (11.26.2009 11:49pm)
Kathy Carlisle: I'm freakin out ova' here (said in a ridiculous, coffee talk accent)! This is above and beyond and I'm sure it will be treasured by many. The love and attention to detail is crazy and I think you should be hired by the president or something;) I couldn't think of anyone huge in the fashion industry so I went bigger. This is incredible and I can't wait for my hard copy to put with the others over the years that bring smiles to my face. K (11.27.2009 12:45am)
Rachel: oh man...SO amazing! Every detail is insanely perfect. the newspaper snowman/fire/marshmellows/antlers, rad styling, the christmas lights...everything is just amazing. Could be in a magazine! (11.27.2009 01:15am)
Jing from Philippines: Everyday I check your blog to see beautiful pictures. I want to be updated! you are an inspiration! very talented! you make us happy through your pictures! :D (11.27.2009 01:25am)
gina g: oh the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful .... this post totally made me start singing! love it =D happiest of holidays! (11.27.2009 04:29am)
Lroah: You are freakin' amazing. :) (11.27.2009 05:25am)
wrecklessgirl: holy christmas. this is the prettiest, most imaginative shoot i've ever seen from you, and that's saying a lot....AMAZING!!!! you are so talented and your kids are so stinkin cool. (11.27.2009 05:42am)
Vanessa: wow!!!!!! These are absolutely stunning!!! The last image just melts my heart! Gorgeous kids! (11.27.2009 06:59am)
Jennifer: How marvelous!!!! Love love love it. What a great idea and sparkling execution. I adore everything about it! congrats on a job well done. :) (11.27.2009 07:42am)
Sirma Imada: AAAHHH! your project is awesome! I love it :) so beautiful.. (11.27.2009 09:13am)
Kelly: Oh my! Brilliant - love em! (11.27.2009 10:45am)
liz: how fun and creative! what an inspiration. :) happy day. (11.27.2009 10:54am)
amy hall: damn girl.....josh and I just tripped out a bit at the amazingness of this card! Can you say Trumped? What the heck should I do for mine is the next question. Pretty much amazing you are! Happy holidays! (11.27.2009 11:02am)
Anna: Oh. Em. GEE! This is insane, Shannon! Truly will be a favorite card of 2009 for anyone who receives it. (11.27.2009 11:15am)
lyra: wow! this is absolutely amazing! killer concept, perfectly executed. wow! (11.27.2009 12:31pm)
FRED EGAN: Very nice...fun styling :) (11.27.2009 12:41pm)
Hannie: These pictures take my breath away! They are soooo beautiful. Love the christmas lights that are shining through, the colors, the scrapping, the models...WOW! (11.27.2009 12:44pm)
Janee: Seriously!! I love these...you are so very creative!!! (11.27.2009 01:02pm)
jess@studio3z: SO INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL!! I love everything about it, and your children (as always) as insanely beautiful. (11.27.2009 01:42pm)
ross: This is awesome! really are amazing! well done Shannon! (11.27.2009 02:07pm)
JenD: I really love what you have done with this idea! Beautiful children, great concept, beautiful styling, processing, lighting...just wonderful! (11.27.2009 08:05pm)
Yuka photo art: I love these photographs!Very creative!!!!! (11.27.2009 08:32pm)
Paula: You are crazy talented!! and your kids...I wanna be them when I grow up, they are too cool! AWESOME! (11.27.2009 09:05pm)
alison: So creative! Love everything about it... and cute kids don't hurt:) (11.27.2009 10:13pm)
Kyla Hornberger: where do you come up with such AMAZING stuff??????????????????? (11.28.2009 11:43am)
Jeannine: LOVE IT! You always bring on the amazing style! (11.28.2009 12:15pm)
Melissa Hathaway: You always rock your holiday card shoots! And, yeah, what everybody else said about your awesome photography skills and your beautiful kids! Love it! (11.28.2009 02:49pm)
Jenifer Johnston: Finally sat down at the computer and was able to see this. So absolutely amazing. The styling and concept is phenomenal. Wow. Seriously fantastic!!! (11.28.2009 02:49pm)
cindy: WHAT THE?!?!??!?!?!?!? BEST CHRISTMAS CARD EVER! (11.28.2009 08:12pm)
Chrissi Richards: shannon, Beautiful Beautiful. Gorgeous Gorgeous kids and Brilliant Brilliant shoot. I am so happy for you and your success. A gal as sweet and talented as you are deserves it. (11.28.2009 08:32pm)
Stacy: This is sooo perfect! Brilliant! (11.28.2009 08:46pm)
Niccolew: Did you really just do this??!! Umm..AMAZING. Seriously, your talent is brilliant, huge, and beyond inspiring. This is you and you need to be doing more styling because you rock it in a major way. (11.28.2009 09:15pm)
Michelle Moore: PERFECTION. (11.28.2009 10:19pm)
Vickey Weiss: oh my goodness!!! This is amazing!!!! love love love your creativity!!!!! (11.29.2009 12:32am)
Shauna: LOVE these Shannon!!! The creativity of this shoot is seriously off the chart!!! All's I can say is FABULOUS!!! Happy Holidays! (11.29.2009 12:09pm)
Tamara Lalanne: Oh My sooo cute!! (11.29.2009 01:08pm)
janice: wow. just wow. i'm not even sure what to say. so, on top of being an amazing photographer who knew set design and construction was a feather in your cap?!? you never cease to amaze me. i miss you!! --janice (11.29.2009 11:01pm)
kari: brilliant and beautiful:) (11.30.2009 09:16am)
Lesley: Wow! Pretty much what everyone else has been saying.... I'm so inspired and captivated by these...what an awesome smashing job you did! Now if only I could find a way to sit in that creative brain of yours! :) (11.30.2009 10:41am)
KaraRL: OK - I want to be on your C-Mas Card List!!!!! Seriously...are you the coolest mom or what!! This is absolutely amazing. You are so stinkin talented! (11.30.2009 01:25pm)
jen: you out did yourself! i'm in love. (11.30.2009 02:37pm)
kristi: Wow! Amazing!!! (11.30.2009 11:45pm)
carmen: shannon ... i'm speechless. this card is out of this world. i bet you had so much fun putting it all together. i just love, love, love it all. you are too cool chica ... enjoy the rest of the season ciao! (12.01.2009 04:28am)
Sarah Wheeler: Oh my goodness Shannon! These are absolutely positively fabulous! What an awesome card!! (12.01.2009 09:31am)
Betsy King: WOW! THese are amazzzzzing!!!! (12.01.2009 09:06pm)
gina@kiwistreetstudios: theeee best! unbelievably fabulous! and your children??? out of this world!! (12.01.2009 09:54pm)
Katie Beverley: oh my word! amazing all around! (12.02.2009 08:20am)
elizabeth pellette: Shannon these are incredible.. really love these.. wow.. dang girl you are amazing (12.02.2009 06:31pm)
sara montour: everything about this is perfection. (12.03.2009 11:19am)
stephanie mcbride: totally blown away! what else can i say?! (12.03.2009 12:50pm)
Maj maj: so Amazing , I did not know you had the crafty part in you? you amaze me everyday.. so great and tottaly comercial..i hop those get to be in something super cool!! I miss you dearly!! (12.03.2009 10:24pm)
melanie mauer: cute as can be, shannon!! xo, -melanie- (12.04.2009 01:07pm)
Janet: Wow...gorgeous...love it!!!! (12.08.2009 02:59pm)
Maya Laurent: Oh my gosh! Best Christmas card idea ever! (12.10.2009 08:15pm)
Tami: You are officially the most creative person I have ever met, and quite probably in the US or even the world!!! You are so fantastic, these are so fantastic, and the even more they are so fantastic (lucky you). I always look forward to seeing what you come up with next. (12.16.2009 09:42am)
Lesley: seriously, these are just way too cute! :) loving the pink jackets too. (11.20.2009 05:37pm)
Susan Dodd: Yeah, pretty much love these too! Wish you weren't all they way across the country...would love to have lunch with you!! :-) (11.20.2009 05:38pm)
Joyce Smith: Ah, I know those beautiful girls! So glad that you were able to do a session together. Lovely, Shannon!! :) (11.20.2009 08:28pm)
Vicki Berloffe: These pictures make me smile when I look at them. :) Beautiful girls, who obviously have a mama with great taste in kids clothes! (11.20.2009 08:44pm)
kristin cook: sweet sisters :) I love all the pics of them in their jackets! (11.20.2009 08:55pm)
Marci Cassidy: These pictures are great! They really show the girls' personalities. They make me smile. (11.21.2009 12:52am)
andrea pendergraff: What beautiful girls and beautiful pictures. (11.21.2009 06:27am)
trish: Beautiful girls, great shots! (11.21.2009 06:33am)
Betsey Mooney: Absolutely gorgeous girls, and gorgeous pictures! (11.21.2009 06:38am)
Jess Kamm: What a beautiful family and gorgeous images. I LOVE visiting your blog! (11.21.2009 02:41pm)
Ida Ufferman: I love all of the candid photos...what a gorgeous family! (11.21.2009 07:31pm)
cindy: Cute times 3!!! Their outfits are so perfectly coordinated!!! Precious shoot... (11.22.2009 05:34pm)
Jamilla Kounellas: WOW! Beautiful! When you have such a beautiful subject how can you go wrong! Having said that, Shannon you did a fantastic job in capturing the girls spirit and beauty. Very natural and adorable! (11.23.2009 10:43am)
Bridget Bakken: Simply gorgeous!!! Love them!!! (11.23.2009 10:59am)
KaraRL: Looks like it was a fun session! These girls are so pretty! I LOVE the ones with their cozy little hats! Now that's a Christmas card picture if I've ever seen one. Amazing...as always!! (11.23.2009 12:25pm)
Cheryl Papadakis: I'm completely amazed- the Zinzmeyer girls look like cover girl models for Cookie magazine! What UNBELIEVABLY beautiful photographs! (11.23.2009 12:57pm)
andrea Zinsmeyer-Wiser: I must have one of your family photos for myself. Now, I know who to have take our family photos. They are wonderful - Sofia looks amazing! (11.23.2009 02:55pm)
christina: Wow - These are wonderful! The girls look amazing, and so do you! My favorite ones are the family photo and the last one where the girls are all laughing - so adorable. (11.23.2009 03:29pm)
Jenny: so cute shannon! love the pink coats and hats. looks like it was a bit chilly out?! :-) (11.23.2009 07:22pm)
claudine: Beautiful photos! (11.24.2009 09:25pm)
Chris: Sooo cute, the girls look beautiful! (11.25.2009 07:52am)
Sandra: Thank you Shannon! We had so much fun with you! (11.29.2009 07:23pm)
Kelley WC: awwww, LOVE these!! (12.09.2009 07:34pm)
Anna: Holy cow! Is that final family photo fantastic or what? Total gem. Holiday card image = DONE (11.11.2009 12:20am)
Susan Dodd: Oh, Shannon, that last shot is priceless!!! Something for them to treasure forever!! (11.11.2009 06:35am)
corey: What handsome boys! Love that last family shot! (11.11.2009 09:57am)
Judy Parker: I have been having family pictures taken all of my family life. In fact, my children still roll their eyes when I start planning for another. Here goes: if and when we all get together again, I would love to have you do them. (11.11.2009 10:16am)
Annette Harkness: Wow! What awesome pictures! The family is sure growing up fast. The boys look so handsome and grown up! (11.11.2009 11:16am)
Hillary Hansen: I kind of think Patric stole the show, although Heidi is rocking those skinny jeans, and by skinny jeans I mean she is skinny, not the jeans. (11.11.2009 11:39am)
Rachel: Love the pic of the boys on the cement block, the one with the hats, and (of course)the last family group shot. Who am I kidding? They're all great! :) (11.11.2009 11:46am)
Patty McGraw: What terrific photos of a terrific family! I cannot wait to get the holiday card this year! Just lovely - Patty McGraw (11.11.2009 11:46am)
Becky L: Wow, these are awesome! Great job on capturing the essence of a truly beautiful family. (11.11.2009 12:08pm)
Wallace Harkness: WOW! What incredible pictures. The background and scenery is so beautiful as a backdrop and the color schemes, facial expressions and sittings are exceptional. Thanks for sharing!! (11.11.2009 12:58pm)
Brooke H.: I am speechless. These pictures are incredible...the colors, the scenery, and of course, the darling family. The last one is Christmas card material for sure. I can't believe how great everyone looks in every picture. Heidi looks so skinny. I need the 411 on where I can get that jacket and top. My very favorite is the one of just Butch and Heidi--so classic. Great work! (11.11.2009 01:41pm)
Holly and Micah Gray: You guys look GREAT! What a beautiful family! Heidi, you're right. I can't believe how big Patrick and Woodson are now!! Where does the time go? (11.11.2009 01:49pm)
Amy: These photos turned out so well! I love how Heidi's family's personalities really came through. (11.11.2009 04:05pm)
Judy Parker: I owe you an apology. I was so stunned, all I could think about was our family. That being said, Shannon,you are an artist! I can't believe the way you were able to pull out the personality of each person. There was such love and care shown in your work. Thank you for sharing it with the Parker family. (11.11.2009 04:13pm)
Jill P.: Holy cow! Great photos! I love the couple shot. She did a great job on all the photos. (11.11.2009 07:32pm)
Rebekah Harkness: Wow, amazing pics! I love the color schemes! Everyone looks great! Much love, Rebes (11.11.2009 07:45pm)
Diane Richardson: These pictures are so well done! The Parkers are friends of ours and you have done such a great job of capturing the kid's personalities-especially Adam! Well done! (11.11.2009 08:23pm)
Caryn Dewey: Oh... miss those cute boys.... What wonderful pictures, colors, smiles.... Great family!! Caryn Dewey (11.11.2009 09:43pm)
janice: yes. an absolutely perfect shoot. more than anything, though, it makes me want to have two more boys. how much fun would that be to have four boys!!?? oh well. ;) --janice (11.11.2009 10:07pm)
Jeannine: love these...especially the last one...were you standing on your head? lol;) (11.11.2009 10:23pm)
Becky Jackson: Jusitn and I love your pictures! You are a beautiful family. (11.11.2009 10:24pm)
Heather Norton: Okay, Heidi-- lets be honest. We know you didn't want us to go to your blog to check out the "family" pictures. You wanted us to go check out your ROCKIN' SKINNY SEXY BOD!!! You look great. All of these look great. I especially love the one of you and Butch. Absolutely lovely. (11.12.2009 11:03am)
Scarlette: Okay, Heidi screw the furniture and make sure Shannon orders you a GIANT picture of the family. HUGE!!! Really nice. :) P.S. I'm still partial to the littlest one... look at that face!!! (11.12.2009 02:42pm)
Thea: These are stunning and I so want to have been there at the moment the last photo was taken - it looks like it was a wonderful moment:) (11.12.2009 05:22pm)
KaraRL: Looks like you guys and gals had a blast! Those boys look like they were full of personality! I love the last family shot. Great job Shannon. (11.13.2009 08:34am)
Bambi Walls: Awesome pictures of the Parker family!!!...Really nice work!!!....I also love the Disilva family below!!! I've really enjoyed looking at your site!! (11.15.2009 04:28pm)
onada: Such a gorgeous family! (11.16.2009 05:47am)
jen berry: just stumbled upon your site. it's obvious your images are filled with talent, emotion, creativity and beauty. But i was even more surprised to find the words or a kind, introspective, mature and inspirational woman. (where's your RSS feed?!??!) (12.01.2009 10:02pm)
I had the pleasure of spending two days with this fabulous lady. It was the first two day mentoring session that I have done and, I really must say, it’s gonna be hard to go back to one. I loved all the time & flexibility… tons of one on one… couple of shoots… not to mention that I feel like I got to come away with a new friend :) We need to convince her to get her work up for public viewing though… this girl’s got talent ;)
Kathy Carlisle: It's all about connection, isn't it? I so know what you mean about spending quality time with someone and being able to teach each other so much more than ever was expected. This gal is absolutely gorgeous and there is something about her that makes me want to know her. And np, I don't just say that about everyone;) What a shoot...what styling...what fun!!!! K (11.08.2009 07:07pm)
Shauna: Wowee! It's so hard to look at pictures of yourself, but Shannon ... you DID it! I will remember this day forever! I had the time of my life and was so inspired by YOU! Thank you for the kind words ... I feel the same way about you! My friend ... I'll see you SOON!!!!!!!!! (11.08.2009 07:48pm)
Carin: You captured Shauna BEAUTIFULLY!!!! She was meant to be in front of your camera! What a wonderful shoot! (11.08.2009 11:23pm)
Misty: Carin took the words right out of my mouth. These pics are so Shauna. She is beautiful inside and out and these images show that! I am totally jealous of the 2 day mentoring...all except being on that side of the camera. Thanks for sharing. (11.09.2009 12:13am)
KaraRL: Shauna you are rockin it...Sytle...Character...Spunk!! Great job Shannon!! (11.09.2009 12:31pm)
Lesley: Oh my she is so cute and spunky! Love her! :) (11.10.2009 11:21am)
Thea: Th elast one-the last one just took my breathe away- you get the sense that she feels ultra beautiful and powerful! (11.12.2009 05:25pm)
sara: I love this session. Great shots. I love the cream sweater too. Would SUPER love to know where she got it!! ;0) (11.13.2009 08:57pm)
onada: Love love love this!!! It's so fabulous! (11.16.2009 05:48am)
cindy: OMG. I've been debating about whether to buy that awesome cardigan sweater and striped dress at Anthropologie!!! She rocks both outfits. OH - of course - the portraits are fantastic. I really love that PORTLAND hotel b&w one... (11.18.2009 01:15pm)
Robin: Shauna, you look FABULOUS girlfriend (as always)! Those look like Anthro threads to me! Beautiful photography Shannon. I loved all of the photos. Portland, what a great place to have a photo shoot! Thanks for sharing! (11.19.2009 04:40pm)
melanie pittman: What must it feel like to be this creative? (11.30.2009 08:22pm)