Awareness Ribbon Photo Project

Pick a Cause; any Cause. There is usually a charity that someone loves and can relate to in some way. And there is usually always an awareness ribbon to represent the Cause.

CM Photography has ALWAYS supported charites. It's something we stand by and thats why I thought of doing a breast cancer awareness session emphasisng the pink ribbon. But why stop there?

There are so many people who have a story that needs to be heard. Some people don't even know what some of the colors stand for! So, just for fun, I am going to find models to do awareness sessions for each color and possibly share some inspirational photo's and stories with my beloved fans.

This is a CHARITABLE project so all sessions with the awareness ribbon project will be 100% FREE. ALL ages welcome but it is PREFFERED that you are a victim of the session you model for or have a story of why you want to model for one specific color. Only 1 FREE session per family/model (acceptions may apply, please inquire).

I think this is a perfect project for CM Photography and I can't wait to meet some awesome people who are willing to share their story.

If you would like to participate or know someone who would be interested in modeling, please just contact Jessica at (780) 218 3666 or email charitablemoments@gmail.com or visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/charitablemoments

 IF THERE ARE ANY RIBBONS MISSING FROM THIS LIST, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL REQUEST, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

Pink Ribbon :

Meaning: Most commonly associated with breast cancer awareness, this ribbon is also a symbol for birth parents, and childhood cancer awareness (alternative color: light blue)

Yellow Ribbon :

Meaning: We've all seen this symbol used to support our troops, but it is also a symbol for MIA/POW, suicide prevention, adoptive parents, amber alerts, bladder cancer, spina bifida, endometriosis, and a general symbol for hope. A yellow ribbon with a heart is used to represent the survivors left behind after a suicide.

Pale Yellow Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of spina bifida

Red Ribbon :

Meaning: Most commonly associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV, this ribbon also is a symbol for heart disease, stroke, substance abuse, MADD, DARE, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Burgundy Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of brain aneurysm, Cesarean section (worn upside down), headaches, hemangioma, vascular malformation, hospice care, multiple myeloma, William's syndrome, Thrombophilia, Antiphospholid Antibody Syndrome, and adults with disabilities

Purple Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, domestic violence, ADD, alzheimer's, religious tolerance, animal abuse, the victims of 9/11 including the police and firefighters, Crohn's disease and colitis, cystic fibrosis, lupus, leimyosarcoma, and fibromyalgia

Lavender Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol for general cancer awareness. It can also be a symbol for epilepsy, and rett syndrome

Periwinkle Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of eating disorders and pulmonary hypertension

Blue Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of drunk driving, child abuse, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), the victims of hurricane Katrina, dystonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alopecia, Education, Epstein-Barr Virus, Save the Music, colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), and anti-tobacco - particularly anti-second hand smoke (in Canada; alternative ribbon color: brown), I Love Clean Air/ILCA Campaign (Japan)

Dark Blue Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of arthritis, child abuse prevention, victim's rights, free speech, water quality, and water safety

Light Blue Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of childhood cancer (alternative color: pink), prostate cancer, Trisomy 18, and scleroderma

Teal Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol for ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers as well as sexual assault, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and tsunami victims

Green Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of childhood depression, missing children, open records for adoptees, environmental concerns, kidney cancer, tissue/organ donation, homeopathy, and worker and driving safety

Orange Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of leukemia, hunger, cultural diversity, humane treatment of animals, and self-injury awareness

White Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of innocence, victims of terrorism, violence against women, peace, right to life, bone cancer, adoptees, and retinal blastoma

Pearl Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol for emphysema, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and multiple sclerosis

Black Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of mourning, melanoma, and gang prevention

Brown Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is an anti-tobacco symbol as well as a symbol of colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue)

Grey Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol of diabetes, asthma, and brain cancer

Silver Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol for children with disabilities, Parkinson's disease, and mental illnesses such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.

Gold Ribbon :

Meaning: This color is a symbol for childhood cancer

Jigsaw Puzzle Ribbon:

Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for autism

Lace Ribbon:

Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for osteoporosis

Pink and Blue Ribbon:

Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death due to SIDS or other causes

Flag Ribbon:

Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for both the victims and heros of the 9/11 attacks. It is also a symbol of patriotism and support of our troops. In addition, it is a symbol of fireworks safety.

Rainbow Ribbon:

Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol of gay pride and support for the GLBT community and their quest for equal rights.

NEW PHOTOGRAPHY!

So, considering I have posted a few times now about my "style change" it's really me wanting to try something differently. It's not that I don't like what I do now, I will definitely still be doing maternity, child and family photos for anyone interested. I mostly just want to branch out into something slightly different. 

So that means I am going to be doing another price change.

Child, Family, Newborn and Maternity Photo sessions - $125 ea. which includes 20 images on a CD with full printing rights

Couples, Boudoir, Grads, Trash the dress - $50 which includes 20 images on a CD with full printing rights

Specials - FREE!

So, the big moment.....................................

What kind of photography am I looking into now, you ask? I really want to focus on individuals, boudoir, glamour (with wicked makeup) and couples. But with couples, I want to focus more on the "sexy" part of being in love. (Photo's attached and no, I did not take them) I want to deliver passion and excitement. I really just want to photograph anything "different". It's not like I don't want to do kids or families its just that its what EVERYONE does so I definitely want to step out of the crowd and try something different. I do have a few ideas in my mind that I want to bring to life though...!!

Now, I just need models.................

Is this Really for ME?

I don't want to do this forever. That was stated in previous blogs (are they posted or just drafts?!) 

The last few weeks I have been thinking a lot about what kind of photography I want to do. It's not that I don't like photography by all means, I would much rather do photography and edit photos than to go to a retail job anytime! -  I am definitely looking into a lot of changes....big changes....such as not actively looking to get clients unless they come to me (and yes, that includes possible deletion of my facebook page.) I have a vision of how I want to do photography.

Why? This is because I simply want to practice - a lot - and get better at many things and learn things I don't know how to do and whatnot. Which obviously comes with experience but also, from learning and taking courses. I am definitely going to be actively looking into getting into some kind of training or ways of getting better and PRACTICING. So be prepared for a lot of free shoots?

I also think I need to specialize in something. Everyone who starts out, I find, takes all the clients they can get....there are so many photographers who specialize in everything (which is a good thing because everyone needs to find out what the prefer) but I really want to focus on one thing (eventually that will be just destination/travel/around the world) but for right now, I am thinking more on the couples/singles/boudoir and other adult shoots.

This is probably because I don't have kids so I am not really very good at "controlling" them, getting them to pose, relaxing them or making them feel comfortable. I have never really been around them in my life so that is understandable and its not that I don't want to learn, its that I find photography much more fun when it's a single or couple. I am sure former clients can tell my inexperience with kids (not in a bad way). 


I will definitely be taking special requests and possibly be doing kids and families and newborns and whatnot upon hire....but again, I am going to be looking for a more model base right now....so let me know if you're interested!

Charity: Who is it really about & who should YOU donate to?

I don't know how to start a blog like this. Do I start off by introducing myself, what I do, what I have done in the past, why I started this business? I don't think any of that is relevant to anything I am going to say throughout this post.

This blog post is about charity. Those who know my business know I have always given to charities throughout the year (on a month to month basis) donating 25% of what I make at photography to charity. Its something that has always been important to me - through good and bad - if there is or is not a major event that happens in Japan or Haiti or anywhere around the world. Charity always has been and always will be important 24/7 365 because SOMEONE always needs help in some way. Even if you cannot help them personally you would be shocked at how much $1 can do for a life.

I am always amazed at how quick the world responds to natural disasters! People giving as much as they can, it makes me so proud to be part of the world. What I don't get is....why does it stop?

"How come when the media stops covering and there’s a little help from the government we forget about the people still struggling and assume that its really all love again, see we don’t have to wait for things to break apart if you weren’t involved before it’s never too late to start." -Young Artists' for Haiti

Why do we forget? Why do we stop giving? I work at a retail store and often have to ask people to donate to natural disaster relief and so often I get "I already did" like, honestly, there is a limit to how much you can donate. (Especially when someone spends $50 on something they don't really need, but can't donate even points, or even $1 to the cause but will get their Starbucks coffee the next day.)

Another thing I don't understand is why people donate. What is their motive? Are they doing it because "everyone else is" and they are followers? Are they doing it because they feel obligated to? Or are they doing it to get ahead themselves? Too often do I see people "playing god" when something happens so that they get more and more attention. But for the wrong reason. While everyone thinks they are giving attention to the cause, that person "in charge of it" becomes more and more popular and bringing more and more attention to one person instead of a community of people doing the same thing.

I STRONGLY encourage any reader of this blog to RESEARCH ANYONE you desire to give money or time to. Do their motives match yours? & Try to always donate to a bigger charity (such as a red cross or Salvation Army) with a great reputation with following through so you know that everything you donate (or a large portion) will go to relief efforts (or what you're donating to). Do not always trust people you think you know. If they seem to be trying to act like God, they probably are doing it for the wrong reason, let the big charities do that. I also encourage you to donate whenever you can, even if it's only $1! Also, do NOT get involved in charities that do not have complete understanding of what is happening. If they seem unorganized, and unsure, they probably are.

WHAT $1 CAN DO:

• Feed a family living in the garbage dumps of Reynosa, Mexico a meal.

• Or, give an indigenous child living in the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico a Christmas present.

• Or, print 4 studies that we give to Mexican pastors, or print and mail a study to a pastor who lives farther away.

• Or, copy a CD of a teaching, which will minister to a pastor.

• Or, print and mail a copy of "Life-Line for Pastors" to an American pastor who needs help and encouragement.

• Or, buy one minute of air time on Mexican radio.

• Or, allow us to visit a Mexican pastor to encourage him and pray for his family.

• Or, keep our web site, which is ministering to thousands of people per month, on the Internet for two days.

• Or, provide materials for Vacation Bible School for a Mexican child.

• Or, put 100 tracts in the hands of a Mexican pastor.

http://www.365act.com/

BOUDOIR MARATHON!

 

Please inquire to find out how you can get YOUR photo session for only $160!
The more people interested, the higher chance that this will be a reality and the sooner we can book the hotel!
Please email charitablemoments@gmail.com if you are interested in booking!

Best. Shoot. Ever. (So far!)

Ok, normally I do not brag about my work but I am so happy with how this shoot turned out. The emotion, and the love you can just see and feel in the photo's are just powerful, I had to share!

This weekend I got the privilege to meet someone who has been interested in getting photo's done since she was close to her due date. It was so flattering that out of all the photographers out there - she wanted me to take her photo's and was definitely set on it! Not only is this shoot special because of the love this couple has for their daughter, but also because the father is in the military which is something I have always respected, from family being in the military, to wanting to join myself. It was such a great shoot. No words could describe it. You can really see the love this couple has for their little girl.

Amazing--

CM Photography

Free Photo Shoot Disclaimer

CM photography free photo shoots may include:

• Specials
• First time shoots or practice shoots
• New props models
• Charity Models
• Wild ideas and so on

Photos will be posted in my portfolio (and yours if required with a watermark) if they meet my expectations. 
I cannot guarantee any of the photos will turn out (although that has never happened) which is why it is free of charge. If this happens, a second free shoot may be issued at my discretion .

If you are interested in a free shoot, I expect full response. If you do not reply after a certain length of time, you will lose your spot and a different model may be chosen. Remember, this is 100% of my time, effort and creativity, free of charge, I am going to give a free shoot to someone who really wants it. 

If you have any specific ideas or creative shoots done (that I have not done before) a discount may be issued; or depending on the complexity and my overall interest in doing that shoot (although I am pretty much open to anything) it may be free. 

Free photo shoots get you 15 of the best images. If you want them all the cost will be $20 in which $5 will go to charity. Remember I do a lot of charity work so if you decided to help with that any amount you decide to give will go 100% to charity. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me!


Thank you!

March SPECIAL!

My new years resolution was to support more local charities! March is so exciting! Between supporting SCARS (25% of proceeds go to SCARS) and purchasing a photo shoot for $150 which includes:

Unlimited Unlimited time - Unlimited Photo's on a CD - Framed 8X10 print but for a limited time You also get a FREE Scarf from Pretty Little Knots Custom Made for you! You pick the colors and the style and you get it FREE from CM Photography all through the month of march! 


Not only do you do something great for Charity, you get great photo's and a FREE Scarf! This offer ends at the end of March so book fast!


Have a great day guys!

The Dream - The Future of CM Photography

For those who do not know too much about CM photography, I started this small business last year. The last year I have learned so much on what not to charge, who to watch out for, what not to do, what to do and so on....Since June 2010, I have raised over $150 for 6 animal friendly charities! Something I am so proud of and cannot wait for 2011 to see how much I will raise- - with your help, of course!

Photographer has always been something that has been a huge interest to me. I have not gone to school for it, everything I know, I taught myself or read or watched directional DVD's to help myself grow. With a lot of practice in every area, I hope to do great things and deliver even better photo's for clients..Although that is not the ultimate goal!

One day I hope for CM Photography to be able to do the following:

• Occasional photo shoots for people - I want to focus more on nature and animals and sell photo's to donate the money to either my own charity (I one day hope to have an animal sanctuary or something great for animals) or another charity of the month.
• Do photo's for free or by donation for people occasionally (for people who really deserve it all around the world!). The free photo shoot would include all digital prints on a CD, a framed poster sized photo, and a photo book including ALL prints.
• I really just want to travel the world and bring it back with me in photo's for everyone. The world is beautiful and I want people to see it through my photography. 

These are all big dreams I have in the future of my photography career. Don't worry, I love what I do for now, and I will continue to work on ways to better myself and get more clients but eventually, CM Photography will be very, very different. In the mean time, I am still looking for more clients to help fund this dream and the dreams of many, many others. :) 

FREE Photo Shoots!

I have so many idea's running through my head for the following categories! If you are interested in being a model for a free shoot please let me know by emailing charitablemoments@gmail.com or calling (780) 218 - 3666!

1 Dancer
1 Figure Skater

1 Trash the Dress 
Musical Artist
(band welcome)
Musical Boudoir Photo shoot
(Must be able to play an instrument besides drums)
1 Gay or Lesbian Couple
1 Body Builder
1 Boudoir  
1 Soldier 
(couples welcome as long as one is enrolled in the military)



You will receive 20 HD photo's on a CD.

Must be able to travel to and within Edmonton. Serious inquiries only!

Are Free Photo Shoots Good for Networking?

Although photo shoots can sometimes take a lot of work, it is a good way of showing potential paying clients your talent, practice people skills/photography talents and sometimes a great way to try a new skill that you have learned.

That being said, I don't think photography should be done for free, forever. Building parts or strengthening part of your portfolio is one thing but regardless, photo shoots, editing and so on can take a lot of work and time. It is a great way to learn new skills though and new people. Plus, a free photo shoot can lead to a few paying photo shoots because of recommendations. Word of mouth is the best way of marketing - and sometimes the cheapest....Free shoots are also a good way to give fresh photo's to a portfolio, especially if you have not had a shoot for a while.

Today for example, I got the privilege of working with a client who was willing to sit for a boudoir (my first boudoir photo shoot) and a singles outdoor photo shoot. It was also a free shoot to practice these skills but also to bring a new look to my portfolio. 

Elenna, was so awesome and I had such a joy working with her! (Please be informed that I do not post boudoir photos for privacy reasons!)

Erik's Story and February's Charity of the Month!

On January 4th I got the honor to take photo's for a dear friend of mine. Linnea and Erik are both fighters. Erik a fighter for his life, Linnea, a fighter for her son. The true meaning of MOM. 

When Erik was only 16 years old he got into an extremely terrible accident which took away a good part of his life. Erik went from a healthy, happy 16 year old to a young man who cannot talk and not move. Although he understand what is going on around him, he cannot respond in a way you or I can. 

Erik's accident started with a knock on the door from a policeman. The last person any mother wants to see on her doorstep, especially with bad news. Linnea was told that Erik was in a bad accident and is being flown to Vancouver immediately. Erik was in a motor-cycle accident, Linnea has always told me that she knew it instantly and she was right. Erik was on his way to work on his motor cycle on a foggy morning. He thought he saw a car coming straight on towards him and swerved into the ditch. Erik had a habit of not doing up his chinstrap on his helmet. When he swerved into the ditch, his helmet flew off and his handle bar quite literally cracked his head and crushed his skull. Erik has a brain injury. Erik also survived. Through all the test tubes, cords, weight loss, hunger, tears, hurt, pain, scars, surgeries, loss, mourning (it never ends) Linnea was there every step of the way and Erik survived. 

Linnea does a PARTY (Preventing Accident and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) program in Quesnel, BC and educates people on what happened to Erik can easily have been preventable. She shares his powerful story and introduces Erik. I am so proud of her strength and courage. You would not believe what she has to go through in the healthcare system, welfare system and yet everyday this amazing women gets up at 7am and visits her son every morning. She wakes him off, gets him up, monitors his health, knows more about his medicine than his own nurses, gives him a bath, buys all of his movies, and items. Everyday. Linnea is such a strong women and I don't know how she puts up with it. She always talks about how blessed she is and never dwells on what she has lost. Erik gets better daily and I know for a fact that it has everything to do with Linnea's faith in him. 

Taking these photos was an absolute honor. She deserves something amazing. February's Charity of the Month is going to be going to the fundraiser for Erik's new bed! They have a bed that is absolutely perfect for him that would make life way easier for Linnea. Unfortunately it is not covered by the BC healthcare system and it is over $17,000. The nurses and Linnea herself have been doing fundraising for Erik's Bed for the last few months and I would love to be part of that. If you are interested in helping, please book a photo shoot with me or you can contact me to help by making a donation to Linnea and Erik so they can continue to empower young kids with making the right choices. 

Charity of the Month - Free Photo Shoot!

CM Photography is Hiring.....a model? 

I really want to advertise my charities of the month! So every month I am going to post a theme for the next month's charity on my facebook page!

This way we can advertise our charity of the month better! 

For example:

CM Photography is choosing next month's charity, The Edmonton Humane Society! We are looking for someone to pose with their furry friend(s) (Must be adopted). Please comment below if you are interested in our free photo shoot of the month and you will be randomly selected for 25 photo's on a CD to share, save or print!

To enter to win, all you have to do is comment and you will receive a free shoot. If more then one person enters, someone will be randomly selected to win. Photo shoots MUST be done before the first of the following month!

If this does well, I will gladly continue it all year but for now, it will only be done for 3 months! Please remember to invite your friends so they have a chance of winning too!

This contest is for Edmonton residents only and must take place in the Edmonton area!

Smile!

Jessica

2011!

Thank you for stopping by my blog to check out some of my work. I am trying something way different this year and I am hoping it is easier to stay more organized with photo's everywhere! 

Well, another year has come and gone and it is time to start over, again! I love this time of year for that reason. I have learned so much about photography and people and ideas for new packages and business in general. I have raised over $300 for charity in the 5 months I have been doing photography professionally and compared to how much I would have raised without this company, it would not have come close. I am just as thankful as I am sure they are. I have many awesome clients and have met lots of amazing people who have inspired me and I am hoping 2011 is even better yet. 

I have revised some of my packages to make them more affordable and to easier for everyone. I will be adding a lot more of everything to my facebook page as well.

In 2011 I want to support a lot more local businesses as well which is why some of my props I use in my photo shoots (which include items made by Kloey's Klips, Pretty Little Knots, Rae Lee Unique Designs and whoever else may be interested) I absolutely love these ladies' work!

If there are any other local entrepreneurs, feel free to contact me and I will see if I can use anything from your business in photo shoots (your work will be promoted and paid for!) 

Thank you!

Health and Happiness;

Jessica