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 — over $1600 worth, to be exact. The winner will receive a free photography session with me, plus all the session images on CD and a custom image box full of 5×7 prints. 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 $200 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 within an hour of Raleigh, NC. 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 : christy@christyjohnson.com

The deadline for submissions is December 20th. The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

If you don’t know someone that could use this, please spread the word! Post it on your blog, facebook, myspace, email it to your friends and family. Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Christy

Sophia and Boris are best friends, despite their age difference. And well, that different species part.

I tried something new for this photo, what do you think? I think it suits her classic outfit!

Look at this sweet little face. I could eat her up! Sophia’s grandmother made this dress for her. Isn’t it gorgeous?!

Thanks guys! Your gallery will be ready TODAY!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of my awesome clients for a fantastic first year in business. You all have made my dreams come true, and I am humbled that you entrust your memroies to me. Thank you.

Just a little administrative note during our busy season: Christy Johnson Photography will be closed from December 15th-January 5th. All orders must be placed and paid in full on or before December 1, 2009!

If you are expecting a baby, please contact us right away to get your spot on the calendar reserved! Newborns are photographed within the first 10 days of life.

Now, back to work!!

Edwin and Adkins are your typical 4 and 2 year old boys…they love to run, and boy are they fast! Mom and I did a little running ourselves to keep up, and I had to shoot quickly to capture their priceless expressions.

Edwin worked so hard to blow this dandelion!

A still moment from Adkins. It didn’t last long!

Thanks guys! I had a blast!

Four month old Tucker was just a doll for our session! He lasted exactly one hour before he let us know he was, well, tuckered out.

The family spends a lot of time playing and just hanging out on the bed, so we had to capture this special moment.

Love this little lip bite! Almost makes me want to have another. I said almost.

Our last shot of the day.

Peace out, little dude!

The day of this session, we were blessed with the most beautiful fall day that I can ever remember! The temperature was perfect, and the light was a photographer’s dream!

Samuel is an avid skateboarder who tolerated me in between riding to our different locations - ha! And Nora Kate had a blast dancing and “roasting marshmallows” by the campfire. Thanks for such a fun afternoon, you guys!

These kids have absolutely NO personality whatsoever.

I adore this shot of Nora Kate dancing on the bridge.

Her talented mom made Nora Kate’s dress, and sells custom pieces like it in her etsy shop, Love Hazel! Check it out!

Love this father-son shot!

Samuel’s expression in this one just makes me laugh!

One last one, just for Samuel. Thanks for putting up with me, buddy!

I woke up Saturday morning and thanked God for a day that was NOT RAINING! We had about 5 inches of rain in the previous week due to Ida, so I knew we’d be dealing with a gray and soggy day, but considering our first session got rained out, it was okay by me.

Kira and Emmett were a little shy at first, but quickly warmed up to the idea of the crazy lady running around with a big camera.

Some lovin’ with mommy and daddy.

And one last one for fun - sneak attack!

Do you remember little Ella from a few months back? Well look how much she has grown!

She’s a whole big 5 months old now, and is almost sitting on her own!

Can you believe her beautiful, big blue eyes?!

This is the view we had of Ella once we sat her in the grass. Most babies hate sitting in grass at first, and will even do that funny one-leg-up away from it. Not Ella! She was enthralled, and so were we.

Thanks again, Danielle and Casey! It was wonderful to see you again, and I’m already looking forward to next time!

I loved every single thing about this session. The lighting, the beautiful nursery, gorgeous mom and dad. And of course, this little love:

I was directing dad to go in for a kiss, and every time, Phoneix would turn her head away. It was hilarious! We got some reeeeaallly cute captures of the moment.

Did I mention what a beautiful family they are? I mean seriously.

And we wore this little girl plum OUT. She took a quick catnap in dad’s arms, and we captured one - just one! - sleeping shot. She’s just perfect.

Thank you so much for inviting me into your beautiful home, Morgan and Ryan! I can’t wait to show you the rest!

On Sunday, I watched with dread as the rain POURED outside my window. My first session of the day was rescheduled, but Ronee and I decided we’d move our outdoor session to the family’s home. And I’m so glad we went for it, because we got some beautiful images! I had a blast with these three little monkeys.

First up is big brother Benjamin. SUCH a sweetheart!

Next is sister Isabelle. Check out these beautiful blue eyes!

And finally little brother Liam. Liam was NOT into having his picture taken, so I got a lot of these kind of faces…

Don’t worry, we have other really cute ones too…but this one was too funny not to share!

Three little monkeys jumping on the bed. Fun!

And one last one - don’t you smile at me!

Thanks guys! I had so much fun, and I hope you did too!