i believe the children are our future…

admin — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:55:14 +0000

…teach them well and let them lead the way.

So, i didn’t even need to look up the lyrics for this song. Um yeah. Here are the problems with that:

1. It dates me. ‘nough said

2. It’s a Whitney Houston Song. Tiny bit of SSSSHHH, please don’t tell anyone that i know this.

3. I was singing it outloud when i was typing it. I can’t sing.

On to the real topic at hand. So, I know this is supposed to be a photography blog, meaning I’m supposed to post photos that I take. Well, since I’ve been on a little bit of a hiatus lately, I’ve been spending mucho time on the world wide web. Throughout out my travels, I’ve built a ginormous collection of virtual shopping carts cluttered with about 300 items that I will never actually purchase. Amazon (ever so obssessed with the blythe doll thanks to bonnie tsang) and Etsy (whatever you do, don’t try the pounce function, it’s highly addictive) are at the top of my obsessions lately. However, within my little internet fantasy shopping, I’ve also been researching philanthropic ventures.

I came across this lil venture the other day. I am a huge believer of educating the children of our world. I wonder what path my life would have taken if I had been exposed to photography earlier. There is such power in photography. It doesn’t have to be perfect. There’s no such thing. When I look at photographs that inspire me, they are ones that tell a story and reveal an intimacy that is real and unique. Technical aspects are inevitably necessary, but in reality it’s the emotion that someone feels when looking at the image. This is powerful. This can change people’s lives.

A true gift is teaching our youth to see not only beauty in their environment, but also giving them a voice. I believe in Three Cups of Tea (I’m having a difficult time finding a more inspiring read) and Born into Brothels (a must rent or purchase – to multiply the gift) and now I believe in star shooter.

Here is the venture. Help. It will be amazing.

AND, to top it off they are giving away a Canon 5d Mark II (for all you nutty photographers). Just enter a photo for $25 and you may win.\

http://www.starshootercontest.org/

http://www.starshooter.org/

UPDATE:

as much as it drives me crazy when other people extend deadlines and i get my in on time, i must do it this one instance. my amazing friend, paola (mother to the double e’s), has just spread the “giving is awesome” link around children’s hospital LA, where she works in children’s blood disorders.

with the abundance of entries, i am trying to think of way to pick just one person. i was thinking of possibly doing an open mini-session at a park for a few different families. yet to be decided.

the new deadline is january 20th at 11pm.

if you’ve already entered, please don’t be discouraged. i will still be considering everyone and maybe a few families instead of one.

happy holidays!!!

-jenberry

As much as I love the holidays, I truly dislike the running around and scrambling for gifts. No, I’m not a scrooge or tightfisted, I just always wish I could do more for those that truly need. Normally, we donate to a local charity in our friends and family’s names (which we will still do). However, this year (thankful to KRISTEN) I stumbled upon a way to give back the priceless gift of photography. I know I would have loved to have more pictures of my family from my childhood. The few ones I do have are deeply cherished and priceless. This holiday, I will be donating my time and products to one deserving family.

So without further ado, in Kristen’s words… Please find someone to nominate or nominate yourself…

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.You know someone. I guarantee it.

…and I want to know them too! I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography…worth over $1000 The winner will get a free photo session, (3) 8×10, (10) 4×6 & (10) 5×7 and a free disc of images….and the awesome, heart-glowing thing is that, this holiday season, it’s in your power to give a really deserving family the artwork they’ll cherish.

Oh, and it’s pretty sweet for you too: the person who nominates the winner receives a $200 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be? {you can also donate your credit to a potential runner up}

The rules:

You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.) This is a karma thing, people, so please be thoughtful.

The nominee must reside in Los Angeles Area. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself.

You must e-mail me the full story: info@jenberry.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve {pending enough entries, otherwise it will be extended until Mid January}…so tell your friends, and get nominating! I can’t wait to read the entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season…and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

Happy Holidays,

Jenberry

note: if you don’t live in Los Angeles, visit the site to find another amazing photographer in your area: http://givingisawesome.com/

This map shows the places that photographers have volunteered so far…

jenberry photo blog » contest

i believe the children are our future…

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