Celebrate
It’s my birthday and I want to celebrate by giving a portrait session away to someone. Here’s your chance to nominate an individual you think would love a portrait session with me.
In the comments section below tell me who you would like to nominate and why and I will make my selection on Monday the 10th.
Happy Birthday to me!
27 Comments
I would like to nominate myself because I love you the most.
Is it awful to nominate myself? I was recently engaged and I would feel so blessed to have my engagement pictures done by you! I love looking at all your photos and see the passion you have. The love for you husband….family shines through each photo. You have a true gift that God gave you and it would be amazing and a true gift to have a shoot with you 🙂
I live too far away but just want to say Happy and very blessed birthday to you. My birthday was this week also and your words made me smile so cuz I remember many years ago when I felt God’s tender tap on my shoulder on my birthday and said, “Child of mine, it’s ok to sing Happy Birthday to Me, cuz I AM joining in with you! It I was indeed a happy day when you were born and I said, it is good!” So know i am and I AM are singing with you!
Blessings to you as you step into the next year of your life!
Beverly
My two children is who I would like to nominate.
I would like to nominate my wife’s cousin Alex. She has two beautiful boys and just got done (literally about 2 weeks ago) with a messy divorce from a not so nice man. I don’t think she’s ever done a professional shoot except for her wedding and her second child wasn’t born yet so it would be such a blessing to her. She’s a great mom, a friend, a woman of God and she doesn’t do much for herself. I won’t be mad if you don’t pick her but I’ll never speak to you again. Just kidding. But seriously (puppy dog eyes are in full effect). Happy birthday my favorite photog! What are you now, 35?
I would like to nominate myself – I have always wanted to be photographed by you because I believe you could make anyone feel beautiful! I want that feeling. I don’t have anything special to offer like excessive beauty or talent but I do want to feel that way at least once. No matter who you choose, I know it will be lovely! I love your work and your spirit. Blessings to you!
I would like to nominate my friend, Melanie Watkins. She and her husband, William, have an amazing family of six children. They do so much for others through their church and their community. They always give to others often putting their wants on the back burner. When I think of “giving yourself” away I think of Melanie and her family.
Happy birthday, Mary Anne! I hope your day is extra wonderful!– Nicole
Mary Anne, I’ve always dreamed of how you would capture in one of your portraits! You have such a gifted perspective from behind your camera! Because of that, I want to nominate one of my besties: Lisa O’Shea. She has had some difficult years with losing both of her parents after being a very involved caregiver for both. Yet, during that time of exhaustion and loss, she continued to serve her family, go to work, teach piano lessons, always putting others before herself. She loves and serves the Lord & His family well!
Lisa’s birthday is tomorrow. They are burying her parents’ ashes tomorrow, too. I know a photo session with you would be a sweet surprise and blessing to her!
I second Enrique’s request for Alex! I think that would be such a healing thing for she and her kids. Also, happy happy happy birthday!!! You are a joy and we are all grateful to know you 🙂
I would like to nominate my beautiful daughter and granddaughter. Being a single mom is not easy, and she is giving her all to raise her daughter well. Life moves way too quickly. At least with your wonderful portraits, we can linger for a moment. Happy Birthday!
Hi- I would like to nominate my girls and I. Here’s the back story. My girls are 12 years apart. Heather, the oldest is 35 and Hannah, the youngest is 22. When Hannah was born Heather had a real live doll baby. They have been extremely close over the years. Well, now Hannah is starting on her journey-she has joined the United States Air Force! She ships out for basic training on December 16, the week before Christmas! Needless ton say this is going to be hard on us. We will miss our girl but are so very proud of her. This portrait would be a moment in our lives, lives that are on the verge of change. Change is a good thing but it can be hard.
Happy Birthday- your photography is stunning.
I’d like to nominate beautiful Miriam. She is learning who she is and to have complete trust in the Lord and I remember one of the things you’ve said in a past portrait session is that you want to show women how truly beautiful they are and I just know this would bless her.
MaryAnne,
Hope you have had many birthday blessings on this beautiful fall day! It is just like you to celebrate by giving your talents away, I am so blessed to have you as a neighbor! I know whoever has a photo session with you will be blessed as well. I just want to say that I am reminded by your offer that I really need to schedule a photo session with you. I am accused of seeing life through rose colored glasses, and so sometimes I am startled at pictures of myself(they never look like the person I see, when I look at myself!). Not sure if that is good or bad, but I do love the way you see things, because it bears witness to the way I see things, too. There is so much going on in the world everyday that is so unpleasant and unbearable, that we need to see the beauty that surrounds us to remember our Creator loves us! Thank you for sharing your self and your talents!
Hello. I would like to nominate my beautiful, amazing mother. My mom is the kindest person I believe I have ever meet. She is always so very positive, selfless, and joyful even when life throws punches her way. About a week before last Christmas life threw something at her that no one was expecting and no doctor could explain. She got sick with what we assumed was some type of food poisoning but as days went by and her sickness continued to get worse we realized this was something much more serious. The next 8 months took our family though a search for answer involving 5+ different doctors, several different medications, many holistic treatments, and every test for internal issues or allergies available. Each time a new doctor was consulted or a new test conducted the answers always came back the same, my mother’s health was “textbook perfect inside and out.” Her illness was undiagnosable and unexplainable. During this stressful time of chaos in our home my mom remained as much her cheery self as possible. She continued to be there guiding my brother and I through our teenage dramas. She stayed on at her nursing job for as long as she possibly could, stepping away only when her physical symptoms of this mystery illness became an interference with caring for patients. She stayed strong and remained faithful that God had some special plan unfolding in the midst of this battle. Though her body was fighting to break her spirit she only grew deeper and closer to God and our family. She had every reason to take a “sick day” from work or being a mother and wife every day for 8 months but she refused to be overtaken. In early September of this year one small ray of hope shined through the dark storm that had been rocking my family since the previous December. A third test of my mother’s gallbladder revealed that it is was hardly functioning at all and was likely been diseased. Her doctor and our family came to the unanimous conclusion that that thing needed to come out. So in the morning of September 12, 2014 my mom went into surgery to have her gallbladder removed. After her surgery her symptoms were drastically reduced and she began feeling more like her old self. It has been nearly two months after the surgery now and while she still has a bad day every so often it is hard to tell she was ever sick to begin with. She has regained her physical strength and is stronger spiritually than ever before. I feel so blessed to call her my mother and to have the close relationship with her that I do. I would be so grateful if she is chosen for this portrait session as it would be such a beautiful a way to celebrate her recovery and her strength through this journey. Thank you so very much! Best wishes to you and your wonderful family on you birthday! Love & prayers – Julia Davis
Our family when our adoption via foster care is finalized! 🙂
Dear Mary Anne, Blessed Happy Birthday Wishes. It may sound selfish of me to request this however to be photographed by you would be a blessing. I am 53 years old, never married, have battled a disease in my jaws called TMJ for 32 years, underwent 18 jaw surgeries including having my jaws replaced with 6 sets of implants, completely reconstructed in 2013 using 2 of my ribs, and have recently undergone 2 jaw surgeries since July 2014. My face has been reconstructed as well due to extensive nerve and muscle damages caused during my 2011 surgery. This disease has robbed me of numerous life’s joys, especially motherhood but I am a survivor. However, I have been “rejected” over and over by suitors for when they see a photo of me taken by my beloved mom (who went to be with Jesus in 2003) just before my first jaw surgery, and they look at me now, they cannot handle how this disease has drastically changed my looks and they walk away. For once, I would love to see my inner beauty. I cannot begin to tell you what this has done to my self esteem. I know that I am a child of God’s and that in HIS eyes I am beautiful. I just wish that others and myself could see that. Oh, how I pray for that.
God’s blessings ARE upon you.
Love and prayers,
Kathy Madden
Hello Mary Anne!! I hope you have the happiest of birthdays. I would like to nominate my mother, Cherie Smith. About a year and a half ago, my mother lost 100 pounds. Not only did her body change, but she was transformed on the inside as well. It was so encouraging to watch such a life transformation. She is an inspiration and I am blessed to call her mom. She always thinks of others before herself and truly is a Proverbs 31 woman. She isn’t one to spoil herself so I would love to see her have fun in a session with you.
Thanks and Happy birthday 🙂
-Carlie Smith
Happy Birthday Mary Anne,
I would like to nominate my son, Samuel, who will be celebrating his 10th birthday in December. Not only would it be a great way to celebrate, but it would be an awesome way to honor the miracle God did in our lives when we adopted Samuel on Dec 21, 2004.
He is a beautiful boy and I think you would have a lot of fun photographing him.
Again, happy birthday and thanks for sharing it this way with everyone. Too sweet.
Jake and Denise Gulledge.
Hi ,
I would like to nominate my mom, Iris Slagle.
The past three years have wrecked havoc on our family and she has suffered a lot. Without going into lots of details the sin in our family has caused a break in relationships, a loss of trust and hope. In spite of it she has firmly rested on Christ and her relationship with Him has grown. Even though life for her will not ever be the same she is standing firm on the rock!
I would love for her to have this chance to feel special, she is a beautiful woman, a loving and caring mother and yet she is feeling old and worn out ,she is turning 75 next year . I would love for you to photograph her and capture her true beauty for her to see.
Thanks Kim Anderson
770-601-2501
Hello Mary Anne! I nominate my family and I. We have a 2 and 4 year old son and daughter. We have been wanting a family portrait done and have not been able to get it done. I have always enjoyed seeing your beautiful photography work. We only have professional pictures of my daughter and none of the entire family or our son. He has grown so much in the past 2 years since we have almost lost him and myself when he was born. He was born premature but has grown so muchl his first 2 years. I have always wanted to get pictures done with you.! Thanks! Angelina Boggs
Probably too late. I’d like to nominate my daughter. We adopted her 4 years ago. She was never to walk or talk. She runs. She is vibrant and lovely. Everyday I pray for the strength, courage and wisdom to raise my hero. I want her to see her beauty the way I do.
I would love to nominate my whole family for a family portrait! We haven’t had one in years and I am so thankful for my husband and girls that I would love to capture them at this time in our life. Originally I was going to ask for Jamie and Jared but after thinking about it – I would really love to have a really good/nice family portrait and I know you could make us all look good (even those of us who are not photogenic LOL!). Even though we really should be taking pictures of you since its your birthday!!!!
I want to nominate Andriea Murphy and my granddaughter Madison. I know that you would be a godly influence for these 2 precious females! Andriea has taken amazing photos of Madison and I feel like with some encouragement she could be a great photographer of newborns and new moms! She doesn’t see it but I do and I know you would too Mary Anne. Please think of these 2. Thanks, love you and miss you – Donna Shriver
A Kirchhoff’ — because you would make us look beautiful
I would like to nominate my best friend, twin and role model Katie Emert. She is truly an amazing mother, sister, daughter and friend and I cannot imagine life without her. She is the one person I strive to be both in my personal and spiritual life. She is my constant reminder of what truly matters and I am proud to call her my better half. She never puts herself first and for once I would like to do that for her.
Our birthday is Sunday, we can celebrate together!
Thanks, MaryAnne for doing this!
I would love and be honored to nominate my dearest friend Lacey Carpenter. She is so hard working and I can’t describe all she means to me. She works for Adventures In Missions, a missionary organization based in Gainesville. She lives off of only $200 a month. The amazing thing is, she is writing a book. It shares her story and how God saved her life numerous times. The story is powerful. I help edit her chapters and I can’t read them without crying about her story and how good God is and the revelations she brings to me through her story.
Her story is so powerful and we know God is going to use it to change lives. It would be so so so amazing if she could have this shoot so that the picture for her book and her author bio could be as powerful as her story. She has expressed to me how powerful she knows photos to be in order to even have people pick a book up. Please help her to spread God’s goodness with the world by using the power of your photography as a tool.
Thank You so much for considering her!!
p.s. her most recent blog is here. you might want to read it..
http://www.wrecked.org/adventure/god-where-were-you-when-i-was-raped/
Thank you to everyone who nominated someone! I have chosen a couple winners this time because it was so hard to choose. Miss Kathy Madden and Miss Janet Bradley. Blessings to all of you. Wish I could have chosen everyone.