You’ve kind of already seen today’s 365 post if you’ve read the blog post just prior to this one.  It was about my dad’s engagement photo shoot I did this morning with his fiance, Sharon.  They asked me if I’d be able to get a photo for their Save The Date card done before I left for Ethiopia (on FRIDAY!!!!) and I said sure! We walked in the somewhat blustery sunshine of Downtown Annapolis to grab some stellar shots.

Now, my dad seems to think he might need to “improve his looks” a little bit, but I know better.  And not just because he’s my dad.  I have realized over my time of shooting couples either on their engagements, or weddings, or just because, that they always look wonderful.  Wanna know my secret?  It’s L-O-V-E!  It’s that simple, and I guess it’s not really MY secret.  So, if you want to look great in your photos, if you want to look phenomenal, have them done with someone you LOVE!  It works every single time…no lie!  I always tell my clients that I don’t photograph ugly people – it’s a rule.  And I follow it strictly.  I strive to make every person look & feel as wonderful as I see them from behind my lens.  And I happen to think it works.  It’s all about being with someone you love.  So, pick someone – your spouse, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your kids, your dog, your grandmother – whomever.  I guarantee you’ll look awesome if you’re with someone you love.  Look at my dad!

www.givingisawesome.com

In the spirit of this Christmas season that is fast approaching, I’ve joined “Giving is Awesome.” What is this, you may ask? Giving is Awesome is a simple effort by photographers worldwide to give back to their communities. Regional contests are sponsored by photographers across the globe. Each photographer gives away a session fee and a certain amount of portrait products (i.e. – photographs), to a worthy individual or family this holiday season.

To summarize, I’ll be giving away $250 worth of my photographic services to a truly deserving family or individual this holiday season.  The winner will be announced on my blog on Christmas Eve, December 24th.  The rules to nominate are:

1.  You cannot nominate yourself.

2.  The person you nominate must be sincerely incapable of purchasing my services.

3.  The nominee must reside in Maryland.  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.

4.  You must email me the full story at mandysroka@gmail.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,

Mandy

Oh no! I just realized that many of my photos in the “Client Proofs” section were not showing up. I apologize to my clients who might have been trying to view their proofs. I think I’ve fixed everything now and you should be able to see ALL of your pictures. If you have any trouble, please let me know at mandysroka@gmail.com.