Michele Dyson Photography » Blog

You may remember a previous post from back in November when I decided to find a family who would benefit from a family session free of charge. Although I received quite a few heartwrenching and heartwarming stories, I decided to choose a family close to home here in Penticton. Thank you so much to Lisa Halquist for nominating the family. Her and her colleagues at Summerland Physio were sponsoring this family through the Food Bank, and they sounded like the perfect recipients. A Mum, a Dad and two girls aged 8 and 18. Your typical family except that Mum is very ill and Dad is out of work. I can’t think of anything better than being able to take them out and document their love as a family, their relationships with each other and just, well…..them enjoying being able to document their family at this stage in life.  I don’t know their names due to confidentiality reasons, but am looking forward to photographing and meeting them in the Spring.

Thank you so much to each and every person who participated, and to Lisa and Summerland Physio for the winning nomination…..see you in the warmer weather!!

So, it’s that time of year again and even though we should be thinking of ways to help others year-round, many of us don’t take the time to do so. Our own families come first….we take care of our children, our significant others and ourselves often forgetting about the many people, right where we live that could really use a hand. I have been trying to make small changes, and one I was recently reminded of was “cans for comments”. The lovely Andrea Blair is doing the same thing, and I not only urge all of my wonderful blog readers to comment for this great cause, but if you are a fellow photographer with a blog, to do the same. And Brooke, I know you just got back from holidays a few hours ago, but you’re in this with me too, so get your game on and let’s see who can raise more!  If everyone could  pass this on, photogs do up your own post,  let me know and I’ll be sure to send some love your way. So simple. So effective. And so needed. 

So, here’s the deal……you leave a comment, I leave a can. Every comment made between now and December 23rd will mean an extra item of food for the Food Bank. So come on people; let’s challenge each other and see collectively how much can do!  

Happy Holidays:)

Mish xo 

And I just couldn’t post without an image, so here’s an oldie. Si and Nevaeh at 1.5 and 2 years old…..shot with my Nikon D70 and 50mm 1.8 lens. They grow SO fast, don’t they?!

It’s Thursday. I’m tired. And I was really looking forward to taking an hour break from the computer this evening and watching Grey’s. Sadly, it wasn’t on for what ever reason…which of course at the time I was pretty annoyed at. But, as I always say…it was for a reason. I was trying to find something upbeat to watch while I attempted to hoist up our 8ft tree; by myself ( yes, I’m that impatient)! and I came across a CNN special on Heroes. Well, it was humbling and inspirational to say the least. There were 10 nominees, and each and every one of their stories brought me to tears, and made me want to jump on a plane and change the world. Well, I am a Mum to wee ones, plus my hubby would think I was crazy – so I knew that was definitely out of the question. The only thing I could reasonably come up with was to offer up what I do best. Nope, not burn everything I put onto the stove or scratch the side of my vehicle EVERY time I go through Starbucks drive-thru ( yes, it’s a problem)…..take pics, of course! I do believe with all my heart that this is my calling ( for now, anyways) and I am crazy passionate about it. Soooo, here’s my thought, and I’m hoping you guys can help me out. …..

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, a single Mum holding down more than one job, or someone who is volunteering selflessly although their financial situation is far from steady. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a gift of art, love and memories. 

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 — $575 dollars worth. Included in the package is one 90 minute session at the location of their choice, 12 artistically edited high resolution images on disc as well as 3 8×10 and 4 5×7 prints. They will also receive all untouched images on disc as well.  

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a complimentary sitting fee for their family. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must truly be incapable of purchasing custom photography. ( Not being able to go on their annual vacation and having to cut back on their hired help doesn’t count:)

* The person you nominate must live within one hour of Penticton, B.C. or Victoria, B.C. as I do frequently visit there as well.  Tell me about the person, what they are experiencing and why you think they would be great recipients.  Please include a way to contact your nominee and yourself. 

* Please email me the full story to michele.dyson@hotmail.com

*Please pass this info on to others as they may have the perfect person in mind! 

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve , so get on it!!  

Open your hearts and minds this Holiday season……I’m looking forward to hearing from you:) 

Of course we always need to end with some eye candy, so here’s one of each of my littlest heroes:)