Thursday, December 4, 2008

Early Merry Christmas : : Gift Certificate Giveaway!


As the end of the year draws closer and I reflect back on another amazing season, I want to thank my clients, blog readers and friends with the giveaway of not one gift certificate but TWO gift certificates to be used in 2009.

How to enter? Send me a story...tell me how you what you would use a free session for. That's all...super easy friends! Just comment on this post.

The gift certificates are $150 value that includes a session and a $75 print credit. You can use it for yourself or to give as a gift.

You have until Monday, December 8 at midnight to get your entries in. I will be choosing the two lucky winners on Tuesday!

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'd give it to my daughter Laura Frank and her husband so I could have one of your beautiful photographs of my precious kids!

Cindy Kraft
cindy@cfo-coach.com

Lisa Ornekian said...

Hi Amy,
You don't know me and you have never met me. I know you because I am about to be the MOH in Cindy Herman's wedding that your going to be photographing in May. Since she showed me your website and blog, I've been hooked (checking you blog daily).

I am an aspiring photographer and have always been into taking pictures, much to my friend's dismay. I use to work in a studio and I can honestly say that your photographs take my breath away. You really have a true and gifted talent.

I would love to win this gift for my parents. They are the two most generous and giving people that I know and I really can't think of anyone else who would deserve it more. Both my parents are retired and my father is a retiree at GM and he doesn't know what his future really holds. I thought that this gift could bring some light into an otherwise very dreary future.

I know that they would use this on family photos when my brother from California comes into town. We haven't taken a good family photo in a long time and we now have an addition to the gang with my one year old niece.

Getting the whole family together for some of your unique pictures would truly bring a smile to my parents face, and really, what daughter doesn't want to see that?

Thanks so much,

Lisa Ornekian

~marie~ said...

Baby Bump Pictures!!! Since we, ahem, are having to move our wedding way forward and won't be able to have the fabulous lakeside wedding that you were going to shoot, we want baby bump pictures (or in my case, baby mountain pictures)...maybe I'm not a good one to pick, since we want you to shoot them anyways ;-) ~marie~

Keri Jackson said...

I would use it to have family pictures taken of my husband and 3 kids :) And/or include 1 year pictures of the baby! Love your work Amy!

Anonymous said...

HellO! I am a photographer as well but all of my family photos are of my husband and daughter - it's rare I'm in any of them because I'm always the one taking the pictures! I would love the opportunity to be on the other side of the camera, for once! I would love family portraits to document my daughters life and our love for her - she's 10mo old. Thanks for any concideration!

Amanda said...

I have 2 options...
My number 1 preference would be to have a family/newborn shoot when we have our second baby, fingers crossed on that one.
If that doesn't happen I would love to do a family shoot with my parents, sisters, and their families. My mom is always saying how she doesn't have any picture of all of us, she still has our graduation pictures up! So it would be nice for us all to get together and have nice pictures done so we can replace the old ones, and also have pictures of all the cousins together.

Merry Christmas Amy!

AnneMarie, Eric and Katie (Chauncy too!) said...

Hi Amy! I would use it to get pictures of Katie and her cousin Alex. He lives in Minnesota and we haven't been very successful getting pictures of the kids together. Their "toddlerness" doesn't really work with a traditional studio setting, if you know what I mean ;)

Anonymous said...

I would use it for a second chance to wear my amazing wedding gown again and do a one-year-later photo shoot back at Frederik Meijer Gardens with my husband, Joe. We chose the gardens to have our reception because we love the outdoors and nature, and it is so beautiful on its own, both indoors and out. It really reflected who we are as individuals and as a couple!

However, on my actual wedding day, as most brides can imgaine, I totally forgot about arriving early to FMG for some romantic shots of us in the gardens. I missed getting those pictures and want to go back to get some and maybe even do a trash the dress session at the gardens, too! Amy, you did such a beautiful job with our pictures and we would love to go back to the gardens with you! :)

Sara Davidson-LeFevre

shannon hinshaw said...

hello i think it is great your doing this!! i would use them for a family shoot! we have 5 kids, (we hope to have # 6 due next fall) so we could have family, the kids alone, and baby bump out of 6 kids i have never had them taken! with a big family we could never pay full price for great pictures we only use target with a 8.99 package coupon. :) i love your work you did our wedding a few years ago, you gave us a great deal...we were your 1st one!!

gavitren said...

Hi Amy,

My brother in law and his family live in Arizona. They rarely visit and my mother in law misses them so much. They are coming home in February for the first time in 3 years. I would love to do a family session while they are here.

Bethany said...

Hi Amy,
I would use the session for family photos of my siblings and me for my parents. We don't have any formal family photos and now that both of my sisters live in Madison it would mean a lot to my parents to have all 5 of us kids in some photos together. I would then frame a large photo of us- I know my parents would tear up over this!

Unknown said...

Hey Amy,

I was just thinking what a great gift a family session would be for my mom!! She's winning a battle with breast cancer right now, just finished building the horse ranch of her dreams, and is completely sad that me and my younger sister are getting ready to move away from home. Some family pictues at our house this spring with her daughters and horses would be the perfect suprise!!

- Amy Gawkowski

Ashley said...

Simply, my husband Brian and I. Other than our wedding pictures, we only have a few pictures taken here and there with a quick “smile & click” point and shoot camera. It would make me smile to have pictures I actually look forward and can’t wait to put on our wall. I haven’t looked at a picture of the both of us in a long time that didn’t have a glass in the background, one of us blinded by the flash or completely out of focus. I am always the one taking the pictures and it would be nice to have some of me with him.

Mandy said...

Hi, Amy...

I would use it to have a photo of my mom and her grandchildren taken. My mom is dying from inoperable gallbladder cancer and her grandchildren will be too young to remember her. Last December they gave her 15 months maximum and we found out today that they are discontinuing treatment because it isn't doing anything for her.

It would be awesome for the kids to have something so amazing, truly a piece of art, something of their grandmother to always cherish.

macygretchen said...

Hi Amy!

I love your blog and check it daily for updates. Your work is amazing.
If I won the gift certificate, I would give it to my good friend’s family. On Father’s day of 2000, their father died from a heart attack after playing basketball with the family. That was obviously very hard for them. Now they are facing another obstacle. Their mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have a complete mastectomy. They were able to catch the cancer early and remove all the cancer, but she is still going through chemotherapy to be safe. My friend’s mom is the strongest, most caring, and generous person I have ever known. They are a very close family and I’m sure they would love to have some family portraits.
Thank you for your generosity with this give-away. Merry Christmas!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy,

I would love to be able to give the gift certificate to a friend who has been unable to afford professional photos of their son. They have been struggling to meet ends meat and in doing so means "luxury items" are cut out. Their son is one month older than Abigail and I think this would mean so much to them!!

leslie said...

I would use it for a snowy doggy session. I would love to be able to splurge on beautiful photos of Oliver our chocolate lab. Thanks for the opportunity!

--Lindsay-- said...

Hi Amy!

I'd use a free session as a newborn shoot for my parents so they have beautiful pictures of their first grandbaby coming in July!

--Lindsay--

Rach said...

Truth be told, I'd love to use the gift certificates towards one of your next instructional classes. I love taking photos, and only wish I were able to learn more about photography. However, I'm pretty sure that's not an option!

Most likely, I would gather up my family and take the opportunity to have a session together. Or... have Morgan's 2-year session paid for!

Daisy Jean said...

Oh man! We would do a ridiculous fun, happy, newly wed photo shoot at our 'new' house. We also have two dogs now who like to strike a pose. PLUS did you see how many photo credits I gave you over at Pearls Events when I was guest blogging?

WE LOVE YOU. YOUR FABULOUS. PICK US!

- Daisy, Greg, Pixel and Hank

(we understand if you pick someone else, our story is not that good... its pretty selfish actually!)

Msnels said...

I would love to have a family photo shoot for my parents over the holidays (and hopefully some pictures of our doggie too!).

Anonymous said...

Well since it's only been about 15 years that my aunts and uncles have had a family photo I would give it to them. My Mom is one of 11 kids. Yup! 11. My Grandfather passed in 1997 and so it's only my Grandma Torres and the kids. It would be nice to get a more recent photo. Grandmas health isn't the best so who knows how much more time we have with her.

School Day Love said...

I would love to win this! I had spent hours upon hours looking at photographs of weddings (including your blog and website- you were sadly booked for our wedding) and had dreams of our pictures by the flowers, with a blue sky in the background, in the little boat that our venue had. However, it rained- not just drip drop rain, it poured rain the pretty much the entire day of our wedding. We did get some great shots of our wedding which I love. But, I would adore getting some pictures outside for our one-year anniversary- some romantic pictures, some fun pictures, I’m up for anything. My husband really isn't in to getting his picture taken, so this would be perfect- he would have to smile and pose if I won this! (Don't worry though- he would be a good sport once he was there!)

Your giveaway is so sweet. Thanks!
Kristina

Anonymous said...

I would use your very generous offer to do a 'George Costanza' photo shoot. With your wicked talent and my george-like physique, I think you could single-handedly resurrect the long forgotten art of male boudoir photography. Give it some thought. Ha!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NL5wSs-9kI

http://static.flickr.com/19/116450033_4266fb5229_o.jpg

http://www.rorysiems.com/blog/uploaded_images/seinfeld-george-791196.jpg

Remember When... said...

I would love to get our family pictures taken by you! I was one of the lucky people to take your class and learned so much. I have been a blog stalker every since:) Love how your work is creative and straight from the heart. I am not afraid to beg!!:)

Vanessa said...

Hi Amy!

I would LOVE to have you photograph my grandparents who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary! We don't have many pictures of the two of them together, so it'd be really special. Plus, I think it'd be awesome to have a pic with my grandma, mom, Avery and I - 4 generations! :)

- Vanessa

Shana said...

Wow! What a generous Christmas gift for your readers! You are a wonderful giving person.

If I were to have one of your fabulous gift certificates I would use it for family pictures once Brielle arrives. Since becoming unemployed I haven't been able to splurge in fun things and it would be nice to be able to splurge on pictures of our new little family. :o)

As always I'm loving your blog! Even if I don't get a certificate I'm sooo looking forward to doing a session with you in the future!

Nicki said...

I would want to use them for a family picture for my parents 45th wedding anniversary. The last time we took a family photo was over 3yrs ago at my wedding and my youngest nephew was not in it since he was sleeping.

Elizabeth H said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Elizabeth H said...

Hi Amy, its Liz Henrion....You know the Mom of the crazy 2 year old twins Sam and Parker. As I'm getting ready to place my order (yes we got together in August, I'm a little behind) I saw your contest. So my thought is that I would LOVE to win the contest and pray that next time we might actually get both boys to SMILE for a shot at the same time and perhaps look like they are enjoying it!!! I know that is some sort of Christmas miracle but hey a Mom can dream right! I am hoping that next years family shots will include laughter and big smiles instead of frowns and big tears. YOU are an amazing photographer and I recommend you highly to everyone however my boys just didn't cooperate this year! Even if I don't win this contest I will be back for sure with two 3 year olds and a BIG bag full of candy to bribe out those big smiles that I get to see everyday when we are at home. There is NOTHING wrong with a little bribe now and then! HA!

BREE said...

What a fabulous giveaway Amy! Of course, I would love another session in front of your lense for myself and new hubby. Although, we will do that with you regardless. Since the holiday season is truly about giving - I would take the opportunity to give this certificate away to a family that deserves it. They are the type that constantly gives to others without expecting anything in return. They are so involved in their community and church. It would be the perfect Christmas present - to give them a chance to reflect on their wonderful family through your creative talent!

Anonymous said...

If I were to win this incredibly fabulous gift certificate and I would share it with all the amazing people who have already written in.



This is my plan: We’re going to call it the Snowman Project. Or Project Snowman. Or Operation Snowmanian Freedom. Or… well anyway, this is what I would do. I would ask all the peeps who want to; to build a snowman. It doesn’t have to be made from snow and I’m thinking it should be from 12” tall to as tall as you can make it. Then, give me two weeks notice; gather your friends, family, neighbors, or even complete strangers and I will bring Amy to your location (within reason peeps!) for a snowman picture.



Once all pictures are taken, each family can order their print from Amy, but I would also like to make an album available (at a reasonable price) that includes all pictures so we can enjoys our neighbor’s snowman along with our own. It’s just my plan to make the world a happier and friendlier place.



Note to Darrin! Due to the family nature of such an endeavor, we would ask that both you and your snowman be decently clothed…

Sarah said...

I would love to give this to either my mom so she can have a family session done with the kids and grandkids, or to my brother and his family. They've never had a family pic done before and this would be perfect for them for Christmas!

Anonymous said...

I would love to use the giveaway as a gift to my husband. He is always doing wonderful little for things for me like cooking dinner, picking up my favorite candy at the local chocolate shop, calling just to say 'i love you', and handing me my tea in the morning as I run out the door. I never feel like I am able to reciprocate as much with my busy work/school schedule. He often talks about how much he would enjoy some fun photographs of his beautiful wife. I would love to thank him with fun photos of me on his beloved vespa or a couple sassy, boudoir snapshots. Please pick Lance!
MJ
mandi1107@hotmail.com

Kate said...

I would use it for a family session for my parents, brother and grandparents. The family photo we got of everyone was over 6 years ago. since then, my grandpa was diagnosed with leukemia and one of my grandmothers is in congestive heart failure. It would be a great to have the chance to get everyone together and even better for the happy memories we could look back on. I love my family and I can't think of a better gift to give them.

Jessica said...

I would love to have you shoot our family photos since we have never had one done and our first born is almost 9 years old and our second is 5 months. I found you shortly after I got married and was so bummed that I couldn't have you there to shoot our wedding. Ever since I have done nothing but stalk your blog and and am so amazed at your talent. You recently did a boudior session and wedding for my great friends Amanda and Rob. I told her when she first got engaged that she just had to have you for the wedding. It was my way of living through her since I couldn't have you myself. Of course meeting you that night was like a celebrity run in for me! Ask my husband...he now things I am the biggest dork ever for the nervous jitters I got just talking about meeting you.

-Jessica Smith

Sondra's Ink said...

I would have you take some super cool and unique family pictures. We have not had any done for a couple of years now and really need some. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy!
I'm such a fan of yours! I would love to use the gift certificate to have some nice pictures taken of my husband and me. We've been married 5 years and have two kids.. but we never had engagement pictures done and we didn't have a wedding either. This year my mom had a stroke and it made me realize how short life is.. you need to take advantage of the opportunities to make great memories, right? I regret that she missed out on having her day as "mother of the bride"... she doesn't have any nice pictures of my husband and me and always says that she wants some. I would love to give her some! She's a strong beautiful woman who has been through so much but has never once complained in her life :-) She's my best friend!! Thanks for listening! Blessings, Katie

Anonymous said...

Amy,

It is so very generous of you to offer this service and the stories that I read through are so touching. I could never choose a winner. It reminds you that everyone has a story.

My wish for this contest would be to donate your services to families who can't be together this holiday season because of the war. Pictures are the only way they can be visually in touch.

Wouldn't it be wonderful?

Anonymous said...

Amy,

It is so very generous of you to offer this service and the stories that I read through are so touching. I could never choose a winner. It reminds you that everyone has a story.

My wish for this contest would be to donate your services to families who can't be together this holiday season because of the war. Pictures are the only way they can be visually in touch.

Wouldn't it be wonderful?

KelBelle said...

I knew my answer right away – My mom, Jill. Earlier this year, I had the scare of losing her too early in life because of a stroke. This scare brought us closer and to appreciate our time together even more so then before. My mom and I have always been close since she was a single parent (back when it wasn’t the norm) and I’m her only child.

The last picture I have of my mother is from close to ten years ago when we went to see The Wizard of Oz play. She’s not fond of having her picture taken. I think that’s because she’d rather give of herself then have a photo taken. Mom has such a great spirit that I know you could capture that easily in a still shot either by herself or with “her boys.” The boys are two spirited pups – Jack and Jinx – that keep her on her toes these days.

I think a friend summed it up best by saying – “You think of yourself getting older, but not your parent(s).” It’s very true. I have wonderful memories of my mother and would like to have a photo of her as “her,” too, that I can proudly display in my home and at work. It would be nice to have a picture to show of her when I share memories with others.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this. I have enjoyed your website photo glimpses and write-ups. It’s always interesting to see how someone “sees” something through their eyes and you’ve done an amazing thing with your talent. Keep up the awesome work!

aaboras said...

I have been married since April 2007 and was very disappointed with our wedding photographs (not taken by you of course). My husband had huge plans for hanging wedding photos in every room in our home. We ended up with only one picture from our whole wedding day that we love (and it was one that I specifically asked the photographer to take).

I am a constant reader of your fabulous blog. I love to look at your wedding images and imagine what my husband and I could have had. I would love a session with you to take pictures of my husband and myself, and even our dog, that we could hang in our home as my husband had hoped.

I have been so awed inspired and amazed with your pictures that I recently purchased my first DSLR camera.