While watching this Today Show bit, I cried. I was utterly overwhelmed with gratitude for all the things I have : health, happiness, and the ability to provide for my family. Wishing to give something meaningful away, I posted a portrait giveaway on my blog.
I casually invited other photographer friends to join me, and
within 72 hours was so overwhelmed that I had to create a website for
handling the e-mails/requests/registrations : Giving is Awesome.
In the handful of days since starting Giving is Awesome, over 450 photographers have joined. Each photographer is in charge of his or her own regional giveaway. Giveaways are now reaching into 2009. This effort is 100% grassroots, without an ounce of help from corporations or other interests. It is simply photographers telling other photographers, telling other photographers...and we are all giving what we are capable of giving.
Thanks for stopping by!
Kristen
Yah, we made it to Professional Photographer magazine! The shoot featured was my own, starring the fabulous five kiddos Ms. Darletha has adopted! Some favorites:
To be featured on the Giving is Awesome blog, hit up the share page, and submit your work!
- Wow! Congratulations, that is awesome Kristen! I love these images, the family is beautiful and looks like loads of fun and love.
I have my very first Giving is Awesome winners at the loft in a few hours — anyone else booked a session so early? (Can you tell I was excited?)
Remember to send me the results, so we can all see, okay?
Well, we hit $500K in donations last night, and I must say, it made me do a little dance right there in the middle of my kitchen. I don’t care if the cats look at me all funny-like, it’s been a truly lovely project to have kept me so very busy this holiday season.
I’m sure many of you are *overwhelmed* with the number of deserving entries you’ve received, and many are wondering how to give *more* than the original offering you listed on the Map of Awesome.
An absolutely rad-tastic idea came from Elaine Brenner of Little Lives Photography. She says she’s “…still going to pick a ‘winner’…that one will get the $2000 in photo credit, etc. But for the others, I am finding sponsors. I have found sponsors to donate to cover the cogs on three additional families beyond the original winner. I will donate the time.
I’m really excited…these are some incredible stories. Kristen, thank you thank you thank you for following your heart. I’m thrilled to be a part of this.”
Sponsors — you had them for yearbook ads and your little league baseball team, why not for Giving is Awesome? Go find some!!!
- Local business people will typically pitch in about $100 without blinking an eye -- try hitting up a local baby boutique, children's furniture store, even Whole Foods Markets -- it's all good!
- I am going to try and get some sponsors but if not I am doing mini sessions with each family and donating a smaller package. Thanks again Kristen for inspiring us!!!
- Any body have a great way on searching for sponsors?
Yep, it keeps getting bigger. After getting love from some of the rockstars of the photographic industry, we’ve been clipping along and adding photographers at a rapid pace. I’ve enjoyed watching all of this take flight, and would LOVE your input about helping Giving is Awesome grow.
Any branding and design gurus out there, feel free to give me tips or ideas for logos — or, better yet — send me a design. What about the website? I know it’s a quick fix, and we’ll need something more permanent. Would you like to see galleries of other photographers’ winning family shoots? More information? Family stories? What else, what else? How do we grow, people? Leave a comment or seven so we can all see your ideas.
Since this involves ZERO dollars and I have NO plans to make this a certified 401(k), just a feel-good, loose collaboration, any ideas you have need to be either free, donated, or…complimentary. 
As ever, hugs to you all! Oh, and we’re on Facebook now. Join the group, baby!
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