Meet The Little Girl With The Red Glasses | Maris Ehlers Photography

You've all been waiting to see this little girl, who debuted during our For Japan With Love fundraiser for ShelterBox, and I've been waiting to show her off.  W is ADORABLE, even when she's crabby!  Oh, my - such an expressive little face.  W's mom is toy designer and blogger Mari of Small for Big.  Check out her site.  She has some great toy resources and design inspirations! 

W and her cat named "Moe". 

So sad, but so stinkin' cute when she's mad! 

Children's Spring Photographs With Balloons | Maris Ehlers Photography

Here is a preview from our Spring Mini-Sessions this past week.  These sisters are so cute and sweet.  They've been coming to me since Kendall was a newborn, and I'm so appreciative of their mom, who is one of the best fans ever!

Madalyn is such a sweetheart!

Sisters!

I just love this girl, from the first time I ever photographed her!

Kendall is like a rare bird.  Hard to get on film, and you accomodate her.  She does NOT accomodate you.  ;) 

A had the same dress as the girls - doesn't matter that she's never met them before.  "Hey, can I join your photoshoot?" 

Here

First Preview of our For Japan With Love Spring Mini-Sessions Fundraiser | Maris Ehlers Photography

We wrapped up our "For Japan With Love" mini-sessions today, and my last client (two children) were new to me, and I had never met them.  Mom mentioned at the end of the session that with such a fair haired daughter, they've only ever had portraits taken during the summer months when she has a little more color in her cheeks.  


I told her that fair skin is completely and totally awesome to photograph without "extra" color from the sun, real or otherwise.  I hope these two images help convince her of that! 


Not a stitch of makeup on her lovely eyes and skin (except for some lip gloss).  :) 

Sneak Peek for Spring Mini Session for Kids Prop | Maris Ehlers Photography

Super excited for today's spring mini-sessions for kids, of which we raised $700 for Japan With Love.   I didn't QUITE get to my goal of one complete shelterbox, but still happy with how it turned out.  Stay tuned for picture previews this weekend!  

There is still time to get in on the fun on Monday!

Disaster Relief For Japan via Shelterbox | Maris Ehlers Photography

$23,500 raised so far, in just a few short days.  How awesome is that?  23 families, or up to 230 people, will now have shelter in Japan.  I am so happy to be a part of it! 

MEP Clients have contributed $500 so far via their booking fees for the Spring Mini-Sessions for Kids.  So, if you want to support a good cause and get some great pictures of your kids over spring break, click here to start the process.  

Our goal:  To purchase one complete Shelterbox ($1,000 + shipping).  Together, let's make a difference.  

For Japan, with Love! 

http://www.forjapanwithlove.com

For Japan With Love | Maris Ehlers Photography

I am lucky.  I do what I do because I love it, and for no other reason.  I am also lucky, because you, my clients, graciously bring me your children, your parents, your siblings, your fiances, your brides, your grooms.  YOU allow ME to do THIS.  I am lucky, indeed.  

I never want to take that for granted.  I never want the price of a print to become more than my love of the feel of a camera in my hands, more than the joy of capturing a look or a moment.  I never want to take for granted how lucky I am. 

In times like these, the world is holding a lot of hurt.  Things we couldn't imagine yesterday we see today, and we are reminded how lucky we are to live where we do.  Enjoying freedoms others don't, safety others need.  We realize how unlucky entire populations can be, and we feel helpless.  

But there is something I can do.  I can use my abilities, such as they are, to do something very simple: help.  

My hope is that you, my wonderful clients, will join me.  

Maris Ehlers Photography proudly announces our participation in For Japan With Love.  

Here is what we will be doing: 

1.  We will be donating the proceeds from EVERY single Spring Mini-Session for Kids on Friday, April 1st and Monday, April 4th (those already booked and those not yet booked) to ShelterBox via For Japan With Love. 

ShelterBox was one of THE first organizations asked by Japan to help and were on hand on the Saturday after the quake.  Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family of up to 10 people, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items. 

Our goal?  To purchase at least one complete ShelterBox, which is $1,000.  If you book a Spring Mini-Session, you will still get the deliverable of your choice:  3 mini albums, one disc with 5 professionally edited images on it, or one 10 x 20 custom collage.  

Additionally, I will be participating in the For Japan With Love's Blogger's Day of Silence.  The aim is to simply raise awareness and respect and acknowledge the devastation going on in Japan.  Before then, however, I will be blogging, posting and tweeting about For Japan With Love relentlessly.  

If you would like to contribute to ShelterBox, but can't make the session date, that's OK.  Please go ahead and make a donation, or send one to me earmarked specifically for ShelterBox and I'll make it for you!  They thankfully accept donations in any amount.  So even if you can't participate in the Spring Mini-Sessions, please check it out and whatever you can contribute will be so appreciated.

If you'd like to book a Spring Mini Session and want to get the tax credit for your donation to ShelterBox, simply make a $150 donation to ShelterBox and email me the receipt.  The donation MUST be made between 3/16/11 and 3/26/11, and you MUST forward me a formal receipt.  No exceptions can be made!!!!  

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If you are a blogger and are reading this, please feel to join me and many other bloggers who want to help. If you'd like to join in, please leave a comment with your blog name and a link to your post, too.  

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST ON YOUR PAGE BY CLICKING THE LINK(S) BELOW THIS POST FOR FACEBOOK, TWITTER, ETC.  THANK YOU! 

Summer Maternity Session Josh and Lindsey | Maris Ehlers Photography

Here's a sneak peek at today's pregnancy session, which was really a lot of fun. Lindsey and Josh are expecting their first baby in October and everyone is very excited for them. They brought their dog Harley (very well behaved, I might add), and she even got in on the action on a few of the poses.

A special thank you to my friend Lindi for sharing her beautiful flower gardens with us today. There are a lot more wonderful images to see!