LEARN MORE ABOUT WRENN
Thanks to those of you generous enough to help Wrenn’s family. It’s not to late to help Wrenn’s family…a link to the NTAF donation page is below.  If all goes as planned they may be relocating to St. Louis this week. Thanks also to all of you who have helped us spread the word. I know there are many many prayers being said for Wrenn and her family. Take a moment to help out how you can.

• If you missed the photos I took a couple days ago of Wrenn be sure to check them out: http://www.amandakern.com/blog/2010/05/a-few-moments-with-wrenn/
• Wrenn’s blog
  
• Wrenn’s NTAF donation page
• Wrenn’s facebook page

I’m totally in awe with the overwhelming response since sharing photos of Wrenn earlier this week. As her family awaits the final medical approvals and decisions to be made many of their friends and family have come together to help Jason & Nicole. After meeting Wrenn I knew she was fighting a rare genetic condition. And I knew she was special. But after doing a little reading I began to learn a bit more about the surfactant protein deficiency she has been diagnosed with and realize just how much she’s up against. The disorder she has been diagnosed with happens in only one out of every million babies. After learning of another little one who underwent a similar procedure it’s my understanding she’s one of only about 50 or so babies who’ll undergo a lung transplant in the last 15 years.

Now of course we’ll have to trust in the powers above and the team of amazing doctors to see Wrenn through these challenges. Though the Parris family does have insurance to help this undoubtably will have a huge impact on their family as they now will have to uproot and move to St. Louis to care for Wrenn throughout all the medical help she will need. I can’t even begin to imagine how challenging it is to think of how much their little girl has already been through and is about to go through but to add in having to move and juggling the financial strain this is likely to put on their family is more than overwhelming.

But TOGETHER we CAN help the Parris family.

Yes, I say together. I recall at the end of last quarter I offered up free photo sessions to help out Relay for Life, a cause very important to me. Together we raised over $600. Yes, I say together because once again I’m willing to step up and help this amazing little girl. I suppose today is also a day I think of the little ones I’ve lost and I’d give the world if I could have done anything to save them. But I know I couldn’t. But together we can help the Parris family save their little girl. So once again, I’m giving away two FREE photo sessions if you guys help me help Wrenn!

Everyone likes “FREE” and I’ve been told so many of you like my photography – so here’s what I need you to do if you want a chance to win a free photo session with me.

• Go to Wrenn’s NTAF donation page and donate to help Wrenn’s family. The minimum donation is $10.

• Donate a minimum of $10 dollars and email me proof of your donation to amanda [at] amandakern.com – to do this either take a screenshot of the confirmation page or proof of payment. (If you choose to donate but aren’t interested in entering to win a photo session there’s no need to email me your confirmation.) Here’s an example of my confirmation:

• When emailing me share with me your name, contact information and the ages and number of people of who you wish to be photographed so that I can get back in touch with you if you are chosen.
• In just over a week, on May 28th, 2010 I will once again arise from my coursework and randomly pick 2 winners. The names of those who have helped me give will be put in a hat and I will let my two little blessings randomly help pick 2 winners. Entries for a FREE photo session will be accepted until 3pm on May 28th, 2010.

If you win you will receive:

• A free photo session with me that will last 1-2 hours for you, your family, or someone you wish to give the session to.
• The photo session will be valid through December 31, 2010.
• You will receive all unedited and edited photos in HIGH DIGITAL RESOLUTION format. Yes, I said FREE. That means I earn NOTHING from giving.
• You will be given permission to print and share online all digitial photos for personal use.

*By participating if you win you agree that photos may be used in my portfolio.
**You must be in the immediate Orlando area or willing to travel to Orlando if you win.
***The value of a custom photo session w/high resolution photos is $650.

So take a moment to help me give. Even if you’re not interested in my photography you can take a moment to donate to help Wrenn! If you don’t have it in yourself to give monetarily, then help me spread the word so that I can give…not just to Wrenn – but families who would value the memories I could capture for them.

Together we CAN help Wrenn!

P.S. If you’re not already a fan of my photography in facebook, go join: http://www.facebook.com/amandakernphotography – this likely won’t be the last time I give this year and my fan page is a great way to stay updated!

LEARN MORE ABOUT WRENN

• If you missed the photos I took a couple days ago of Wrenn be sure to check them out: http://www.amandakern.com/blog/2010/05/a-few-moments-with-wrenn/
• Wrenn’s blog
  
• Wrenn’s NTAF donation page
• Wrenn’s facebook page
  

Some of you may recall before the holidays I posted that I was participating in the “giving is awesome” effort that hundreds of other photographers across the country were doing as a way of giving back to those in need. I was excited to be able to help others through my photography. After receiving a few nominations I found the nomination made by one of my former students, Wendy Johnson, to be the most moving. Wendy told me of a neighbor she had that lost her job in 2008. Her neighbor, Yvette English, is a single mother of two children and has struggled to make ends meet and provide for her children after losing a six figure income. Though Wendy’s nomination was moving I must admit reading an article the Orlando Sentinel wrote after reporters interviewed Yvette last fall only moved me more.

During the holiday break I made contact with Yvette and we began to plan a photoshoot with her and the kids. Both of our schedules have been so demanding that we had to put off the session until last week. We decided to meet at one of their favorite locations, the dog park Pawmosa in Casselberry, so that their dog Polo could join us for a few photos. Yvette mentioned to me that she hadn’t taken photos of her with the kids since they were much younger so I was happy to be able to help capture a few candid moments with her, the kids, and their dog Polo.

I don’t get to photograph preteens and teens as often as babies and toddlers so it was a new challenge. I found myself a few times wishing I could play “peek-a-boo” like I do with the little ones to illicit more genuine smiles. They were both so awesome though and I enjoyed getting to capture a few moments with them for Yvette. As I did I began to think of how much they’ve been affected by all that has happened. Something tells me they’ll both grow that much stronger through the adversity their family has faced recently.

Yvette mentioned that not much has changed since the Orlando Sentinel article in November. She continues to seek employment with medical technology companies and has a couple interviews coming up. The last two years she’s struggled to provide for her children, has faced foreclosure, is in the midst of the final stages of a divorce and as she does she too continues to find it in herself to give back and volunteer. When we met last week that topic came up and we both agreed that by giving of ourselves and helping others we not only felt better because we were able to help others who needed us but it helped take our minds off of all our own challenges. As challenging as things have been for her I admired seeing how much determination she has had and how she refuses to be defeated by all the challanges she’s faced.

Yvette I hope you and your family enjoy the moments I captured last week. It was a pleasure finally getting to meet you and the kids. Best wishes to you and your family…I have faith that better days are ahead. Thank you for reminding me that giving IS awesome.

I’ve been volunteering as a photographer with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS) since this past December and today I was called out to do my 8th session with a little one who was taken from this world far too soon. I’ve been so busy since the new year that I haven’t had much time to commit to photo sessions. I think my NILMDTS sessions may now out number the sessions I’ve done since the new year. Today as I was in the midst of busy moments I received the call that no other photographers were available and quickly gathered my things to head to the hospital to meet with a family that were spending their final moments with their nearly four month old little girl.

For me the trip to the hospital is always a reflective one that mentally I begin to anticipate encountering highly emotional moments. It’s also a time that I am reminded of my own losses after miscarrying and despite how challenging they have been for me, I realize things could have been so much worse. It’s not easy confronting any of the emotions, but I must admit that by helping others during some of the most challenging moments in their lives it in turn only helps see me through the many challenges I’ve faced this past year.

I arrived at the hospital and had one of the most moving moments before ever meeting the family. It was my first time at Florida Hospital Orlando since their renovations and as I went down the escalator I saw this massive mural that totally moved me so much that I quickly took this iPhone photo of it as I went down the escalator rushing to the NICU.

I swear this mural seemed like sign…a sign that God is listening and standing over me and this family I was about to meet. It was a sign that he would provide us with the strength needed to make it through today. The mural was huge, spanning the height of over three floors of the hospital. It was such a heavenly sight for me to see…knowing I was about to greet a little angel. Beneath the mural was inscribed “In the beginning God created” – it only reminded me of the faith I have that God will continue to see me through my own challenges.

Another uplifting moment was getting the opportunity to meet a fellow NILMDTS volunteer photographer, Paris Carter. Paris just began as a volunteer this past month so she’s been shadowing other photographers, something I never had the opportunity to do. I could sense Paris had the same apprehension I had when I first began. But I’m so thankful we’ve got another photographer on board. I have no doubt Paris is going to do some amazing things for the many families that need NILMDTS. Volunteering with NILMDTS has been one of the toughest things I’ve had to do and it’s definitely not for everyone, but it is by far one of the most rewarding and touching things I have ever done. Every single call I go on my heart skips a beat and with each session I do I realize this is something I was meant to do. NILMDTS is always looking for experienced photographers so if you’re experienced and feel compelled to help don’t hesitate to sign up to volunteer. I recall being so apprehensive and waiting over a year to sign up because I was scared it was something I couldn’t do. So if you find yourself in a similar position and have questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me.

By the time we arrived in the NICU the little one I photographed was spending her final moments with her family. It’s always tough because many times we don’t know exactly what to expect before we meet the family. The little one was born with birth defects and complications that she battled for nearly four months. Her family referred to her as a “fighter”. As sad as the moments were today, we all said our prayers and I sent my blessings to the family knowing that their little girl is now resting peacefully. The family said they felt a little better knowing their daughter was now in a better place. As moving as the moments were, it was so heartwarming to feel the love this family had for their little girl.

As I left the hospital I recall looking back at that mural one last time filled with hope. The hope that God will give these families who have lost their little ones the strength to move past such trying moments and the hope that my brief efforts photographing their little ones will help them find the peace needed to help heal their heartache. And the hope that I too will continue to find this same strength and hope to make it through my own losses.

In just under a week I’ve stepped in to help the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization to fulfill the need for three photoshoots for little ones who have passed away or were expected to pass away shortly after birth. Yes, I have to admit that it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but undoubtedly one of the most touching experiences I have ever been a part of.

Yesterday morning I received a call from the Orlando coordinator that there was a little one who passed away around the 29th week of the mother’s pregnancy so I as I awaited the call for the baby to be born yesterday I received another call from another local hospital that another family also needed my help taking photos of their little one who was still living but wasn’t expected to live long due to a birth defect. It was an honor to meet the family along with their little girl.  After taking many photos for the family I took one last photo of this beautiful little girl’s foot prints along side her pretty pink blanket that I was told was made by some of the “pink ladies” at the hospital who make special keepsakes for the parents to keep. I must say that some of the most touching photography I’ve done has been in the last week, work which will remain private to respect the privacy of the families. However, after taking this photo of the family’s little girl’s footprints the parents welcomed me to share this one photo publicly.

Yes, it in itself is so touching, knowing that we’re looking at little footprints of a precious little angel. As I look back at photos like this one I took yesterday, I just continue say lots of prayers for the families.

The rest of the day I awaited the call from the hospital about the other family. It wasn’t until around 4:30 this morning that I received word that the little one was born. I met with an amazing mother, father and grandmother who spent time cherishing their last moments with their son. He was just three pounds and had the tiniest fingers and toes. But just like every baby…he was perfect in every way. A perfect little angel who I was honored to meet.

I highly doubt you’ll hear about all the times I volunteer with Now I lay me down to sleep, however, I hope I’ve pulled a few heartstrings, especially with those of you who are also talented photographers. I know how tough it is to even consider volunteering towards such a generous, yet challenging and sensitive cause. I’ve been there…I was the one who waited a whole year to volunteer because I was nervous to participate in such an emotional and sensitive effort. For the longest time I didn’t have the courage to step up because I knew how heartbreaking seeing experiences like these would be. But after all I’ve lost over the years through the three miscarriages I’ve come to realize that there is something so much more important than fear. I’ve been told I have a gift and something far more powerful than I can explain has driven me to help other families who have lost just like I have. Now that I am volunteering I must say that though it’s tough, it’s one of the most touching things I’ve done. In fact, I have walked away from every single photoshoot counting my blessings and finding myself more appreciative of life. Every family has been so appreciative and though it’s tough to photograph such sensitive and heart breaking moments – I just know in my heart that the work I’m doing will continue to touch the families for many years to come as they remember the little ones they’ve lost. And yes, I’m very surprised that there aren’t more volunteers in the Orlando area – so if you’re experienced with photography you should definitely consider volunteering.

As much as I’m saddened seeing these two little angels over the last day…I’ll continue to say my prayers for the families. I’ll be photographing newborn #40 later this morning so it’s time to move forward because I know the day will bring lots of smiles.

When I first received word that I was approved I felt totally honored and anxious to begin helping families who have lost their little one through sharing the gift of my photography. Though I must admit that with volunteering to photograph a little one who has passed away comes many emotions that any normal person would struggle to confront, so for me experiencing so many personal losses myself through my previous miscarriages I must admit that I was a little unsettled and unsure how I’d truly handle volunteering. However, I am continually reminded of my last night in the hospital after our most recent miscarriage in October and I can’t help but accept the fact that I do have a gift and I know I am meant to share this gift with so many others in need and others who have lost a little one just like myself. I know many people think I’m crazy for volunteering to put myself through moments like this as I will likely experience many emotional and sad moments ahead in order to capture moments for families. However, in my heart I know it is something important that I do because though my losses happened so early in pregnancy, if I had carried a baby full term and then suffered the loss I would certainly hope for a way to remember the little one.

Last night I received a call from the Orlando area coordinator and initially I thought it would be an introduction to what would be needed from me as a volunteer but after a few short minutes I was informed that I was needed last night to photograph a little one who had passed away unexpectedly due to complications during delivery. I know many of you heard that I volunteered last night for the first time so I thought I’d reassure you all that though it was tough, I have made it through my first time volunteering with NILMDTS. I do find that my heart is a little heavier today but I know my emotions are small in comparison to what the family must be feeling at this very moment. Due to the sensitivity of the photos and in the best interest of the privacy of the family I will not be sharing photos like I do with many photoshoots I do. Last night I met with a young mother who lost her little boy who she carried to full term. I was informed that he was perfectly healthy and he passed away due to a placental abruption. It was sad to see a little one who looked just as healthy as any other newborn I have photographed. He had 10 perfect toes and fingers. A sweet little nose and cheeks. He was perfect in every way. I suppose what makes it even tougher is that this family lost their little one so close to the holidays.  As sad as it was, I was honored to meet this little angel and I pray that as the weeks, months and years pass that the family cherishes the images I captured of their little one.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and thoughts you’ve sent my way. It certainly takes a lot of courage for me to volunteer to photograph such sensitive moments. However, I ask instead you begin to say those prayers for families like the one I took photos for last night. I certainly will be saying prayers that they are able to find peace in their time of loss.

It didn’t take long before I was dubbed the “baby photographer” at our location. Early in the day we bumped into a mother with a three week old little girl and I jumped at the chance to take newborn photos. I really didn’t anticipate taking baby photos today, but it certainly made my day. I have to admit one of the most rewarding parts of the day was not just taking the photos but then getting to see the reaction of the families as they saw the photos. This mother was just as thrilled of her little one’s portrait as all the other new mothers I’ve taken newborn photos for the last two years.

Thanks to Jim Hobart for taking the next two photos. I have to admit that as I photographed the three week old things went so fast, but I could sense I had a crowd watching and taking photos of me taking photos. In between photoshoots we were found twittering and updating our facebook statuses. Yes, we probably look pretty geeky twittering but hopefully you all enjoyed the updates as we were participating in Help Portrait.

We had a lot of volunteers today and so as we waited for families to take photos of, many of us went around taking photos of other photographers taking photos. It was very rewarding to see how excited everyone was to have their photos taken.

As we waited, proud canon owner, Kayla got to test out my nikon d700 – and  yes, she took photos of us waiting through a playground peep hole.

This was an international event so before the day was over we ended up seeing several media crews out covering stories of the homeless and the help portrait event. We overheard interviews of families telling the news crews how it was their first ever family photo and just how appreciative they were of all the photographers volunteering their time to capture such special moments.

The kids enjoyed having their photos taken and it was rewarding to see their reaction as we showed them their photos.

As the channel 6 news was filming, Valencia student, Kayla Hernandez was photographing one of the families. She did an amazing job at getting the kids excited about having their photos taken.

Here’s a few shots of me behind the scenes. (thanks Erin!)

This event was definitely a team effort. My team was outdoors and the light changed constantly as the day passed. We were constantly diffusing, deflecting and reflecting the light as we took turns taking photos all day. For half of the day Jim Hobart gave us a huge hand throughout our photoshoot. (photos courtesy of Valencia student, Erin McLain)

It was priceless to see how excited many of the kids were today to have their photo taken. Here’s Erin capturing one of the cutest smiles I saw all day.

We saw many families throughout the day. We even got to photograph a family of seven at one point during the day.

In the afternoon we had Valencia students, Matthew Westerman and David Remedios join us to help out.

It was really rewarding for us to see the smiles on the faces of all the families today.

Here are two shots of our Valencia group that volunteered at Help Portrait Orlando. A big thanks to Erin McLain, David Remedios, Matthew Westerman, and Kayla Hernandez. You guys were amazing today!

At the end of the day we took a group photo of all of us who volunteered during the day. Erin and I were the only two from Valencia that remained at the event all day so why not take yet another picture to remember the day, eh.

We’re still awaiting our images to download from the Help-Portrait Orlando team, so I may have a few more behind the scenes shots that to share later. For all of us who participated it was such a rewarding cause that I imagine we’ll be doing more events like this in the future. Thanks to all of you who made today a big success!

“You should never take more than you give.” -Elton John (Circle of Life)

That’s right, giving is awesome. Those who know me, know that I love to give. In fact, some may tell you that I’ve given so much more than necessary in these two years building my photography portfolio. I now have the opportunity more than ever before to give back and make a difference…but again I need your help. So listen up, and hear how you can help me give back to others through my photography.

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 a complimentary custom photography session any time in 2010 and a series of prints — $500 worth total, to be exact. 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 FREE photo session anytime in 2010 which includes low resolution digital copies of all photos. Prints may be purchased at an additional cost. 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 in Central Florida. 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 through the contact link at the top of my web site or blog.

WHAT IF THE PERSON I WANT TO NOMINATE DOESN’T LIVE IN ORLANDO?
Unfortunately I can only participate in the giving is awesome project locally, however, there are hundreds of photographers nationwide participating and you can look up the location the person in need lives in and nominate them to another photographer participating.

The deadline to nominate a deserving person is December 23rd at Midnight.

Please help spread the word – feel free to share this link with friends and family or anyone you think might be interested in hearing about my efforts to give to those in need.

The winner will be announced on my blog 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.

In collaboration with a group of photographers and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, I will be volunteering my time on December 12th towards this effort. Yes, giving my photography is the easy part. The challenge – we need more help.

If you are a graphics student, faculty, or staff at Valencia, we do have an event page set up in facebook specifically for those of us volunteering from Valencia so that if you are interested in volunteering as photographers, image editors, meet & greeters, or make up artists. All the information on how you can volunteer are available on that page. I have been in direct contact with the Orlando coordinators and they have expressed a need for image editors and make up artists.

If you can’t be there at the event, that’s quite okay – but believe it or not you can still help. We’re still looking for support for photo printing costs, frames, and make-up. If you can help out in anyway visit the Orlando Help-Portrait sponsors page.

I know, I can’t save the world with my photography, but I sure aim to help give those in need this holiday season a little something special through my photography.