Saturday, March 26, 2011

{First Day of Spring...Sneak Peek "A" Family} Virginia Beach Family Photographer

On the first day of Spring, I had two wonderful sessions at Red Wing Park in Virginia Beach.  It was fantastic to be back outdoors capturing moments for families to cherish forever.  (It is hard to believe after today's weather that this was just 6 days ago...come back Spring). 

Mom booked this session as a special present for Dad...I hope he enjoys these images of his beautiful bride and adorable children.









Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Why I LOVE being an Operation Love Reunited Photographer...Reason #101

Being part of Op Love is an absolute honor.   I am a military wife and I LOVE being able to give to other military families.  I could list a 100 reasons why I LOVE this program, but I want to share Reason #101. 
In January, when my daughter, Alyssa, picked up her first Girl Scout Cookie Sales Sheet she was beyond excited…in her mind it was her "initiation" into Girl Scouts.  Apparently you are not a "real" Girl Scout until you have sold a box of Samoa's.
I sat Alyssa down to establish a reasonable goal and to explain to her that there was the option to participate in the "Gifts of Caring" program.  A program in which her troop would be donating cookies to military service members.  Moments after my "Gifts of Caring" explanation I had a proud mommy moment that I will never forget.  Alyssa looked at me with intense sincerity in her eyes and said, "Mommy, you know how you take pictures for families when their Daddy (or Mommy) is gone…we should send those Daddys (or Mommys) cookies."  My heart absolutely melted and all I could think was…My charitable contributions have taught my daughter the gift of giving to others.   
I emailed the "Cookie Mom" and asked if Alyssa's boxes could be donated to Operation Love Reunited.  This little idea, inspired by my sweet 5-year-old, became even more exciting when her troop and a sister troop were permitted to donate ALL their "Gifts of Caring" boxes to Operation Love Reunited. 
So, when VFA-34 "Blue Blasters" returned from a 6-month deployment on Saturday the service members and their families were welcomed home with Girl Scout Cookies donated by Troops 389 and 488.
Tomorrow, Alyssa and I are excited to send the remaining cookies to some Mommys and Daddys that are currently deployed on a few locally based ships.
I REALLY didn't need another reason to participate in this wonderful program, but each time I take the time to be away from my own family for an Op Love Session…I will think of Reason #101.

Thank you to all our military families for their continued service and the sacrifices they make for our country.  And thank you to Troops 389 and 488 for supporting "Gifts of Caring" and "Operation Love Reunited". 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

It's Give-Away Time!!!

Would you like the chance to win a 16x20 Canvas Gallery Wrap???




 
 




If so...follow these easy steps:

1)  Suggest 5 (or more) friends that live in Hampton Roads to my Facebook page (for every 5 friends that "Like" my page you will receive one entry into the drawing.) 

2)  Email rachel@rsutherlandphotography.com a list of the friends you suggested (Please note that only friends that "like" RSutherland Photography will count).  All emails must be received by Tuesday, April 5th at 10pm. 

3)  Once I confirm your list, I will email you an "Entry Number" (1 Entry for every 5 Likes...so (10) likes will receive 2 entries, (15) 3 entries, etc...).

4)  On Thursday, April 7th I will use random.org to select an Entry Number and that individual will win a BEAUTIFUL 16x20 Canvas Gallery Wrap.


Who is Eligible?

Any client of RSutherland Photography who has booked a 2010- June 2011 Newborn, Cherish, or Mini-Cherish Session.  (Session is considered booked when a deposit or payment has been made). 

The client will select the image, but the selection must be made prior to June 2011.