Personal: Giving Thanks & Sharing Joy

So here's the thing...I'm REALLY behind on work so I'm taking a much needed break. Rest from work. Nap. Wait, who am I kidding?! I'm doing the opposite!! I'm working on this session from September and trying to catch up: 

And I'm feeling pretty awesome about working right now!

In honor of Thanksgiving, my 29th birthday, and the fact that I'm finally feeling better (I've been sick for two weeks!), I want to share all my joy!

  I am giving away a free photoshoot! 

I know that there are some of your who'd love a sweet and cozy family session but can't afford it. Or some of you girls (and boys!) who have been wanting to shoot fashion with me, but are just too nervous to ask! Possibly you want awesome shots of you for your significant other...or maybe you want to do a couple's shoot and show everyone how in love you are. And I'm sure there are a few Mommy's out there who want their baby captured in pictures as they are now since they grow like weeds. I am SO up for all of that.

The person, or family chosen at random will receive a 1 hr photo session with me. All the jokes I tell while I'm shooting. And 10 fully edited shots on a disk with full printing rights. Oh! And a Candy Cane. Because, well, it's the Christmas Season! =)

So, here's how I might pick you (or someone you know)...and how you can rack up more "votes."

1. "Like" my facebook fan page by clicking here and then clicking the "Like" button.
2. "Suggest" my facebook page with one friend. 
3. Leave a comment on one of my blog posts. It can be left on anything I've posted just as long as you leave a comment on my blog.
4. Leave a message on my facebook page telling me your name (or page names) so I know that you've done the above.

• You can nominate someone (in a comment on my facebook page or in a comment after this post) if you think they're more deserving than you because giving back rocks! Each nomination gives that person or family an extra vote. Nominations only count if you, too, follow Steps 1-4. ;)
• You can follow me on Instagram (@shannyv) for an extra vote. 
• The photoshoot must be scheduled before December 17th or anytime after February 10th if the Holidays are already too hectic to think about a shoot. =) 
• Session themes and ideas must be approved by me in advance and they must take place in Boulder County. And this cannot be applied to sessions already booked. 
• Nominations, Likes, and Comments must happen by NOON on December 1st. The next day, I will announce the fabulous peep(s) who gets to spend time with me! 
• Oh and send me questions if you have them! 

Okay GO! I will pick a winner at random using my math skillz! Actually I'll be using my husband's math skills and an old fashioned hat drawing to choose the winner. (Let's be redundant: Complete Steps 1 through 4 and your name gets written down and put in a hat. If you do anything beyond that such as follow me on Instagram, or receive a nomination, your name gets written down again. And again.)

I can't wait! Thanks for reading...and at the very least, I'll be having a free family session with my baby and two dogs, because I'm sure they're dying for more one-on-one camera-time with me. Totally. ;)

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The above photo was styled by Hunter Leone of Three Nails Photography

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Thankfully Thanksgiving

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But whether we have less or more, 

Always thank we God therefor. 

-Author Unknown

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Happiest of Thanksgivings!

Fashion Bridals: SunSoaked Cotton

A month ago, I traveled to Louisiana for the first time. I went there to take a two-day workshop with a photographer I'd followed religiously for a few years. Hunter Leone is amazing, an inspiration, and a ridiculous photographer, who also has the best little family. And while I have yet to post the images I shot while at his workshop (they are so good!!), I have another shoot I did out there I've been dying to share. 

The morning I was set to fly home, I woke up before dawn with one of my most favorite models. Another workshop attendee was kind enough to get up with us and drive us 30 minutes into the country so we could shoot the sunrise above the cotton-fields! (Thank you Boris!) It was honestly a dream shoot. And yet there was no styling. A simple glass jar, a bridesmaid dress from a recent wedding she was in, and a bit of eyeliner. This is how I see "Bridals" going in the future: Just a simple shoot to showcase how absolutely stunning a bride can be just as she is. This type of shoot is totally nontraditional for Bridals, but sometimes simplicity says all. No bouquet, just cotton. LOVE! That morning was gorgeously foggy as the sun stretched its rays over the horizon, which literally soaked every single piece of cotton. Brytny was enveloped in light and my finger was like a lead weight on the shutter. 

Sometimes, the best shoots are the ones that come out of nowhere, with no planning, and no end-game. This is one of those.

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I need to mention the sweet older gentleman who owned the property and gave us his blessing to shoot on it: Ray V, you're the man! ;) 

Thank you Brytny, for always bringing magic with you. 

Thank you Boris, for the transportation. 

And Hunter, thanks for living where you do...I doubt I would have ever traveled to LA or ever seen cotton if it weren't for you! ;)