H&M Photography & Design: The Blog

Do Fun Stuff!

There are lots of photographers out there who I admire. Some for  their amazing talent. Some because they're really great people. Some of them I know in person, and others I know through blogs, twitter, etc. 

Ryan Marshall is one of those I've "met" through the social media world. He writes an amazing blog that makes me cry on an almost weekly occasion. Not only is he a talented photographer, but he's also a gifted writer. And a great guy on top of that. Almost makes you want to hate him, but you just can't. :)

Ryan is doing this really great thing and I want to do what I can to help him make this thing a success - that's why I'm posting here today. He has pioneered a charity album to raise money for Smith Magenis Sydrome (SMS), a rare genetic disorder that his step-son, LB, has. (Please click over to his blog to read about LB and the whole gang. But plan to stay a while...and have tissues ready if you're anything like me. And as a side note, I don't think Ryan writes with the intention of bringing tears. It's just a side effect of lots of love, beautiful images and sweet words coming together.) 100 percent of the money raised from the album will go directly to a grant fund with PRISMS.

So please, check out the album today and buy it - I did (and I don't even have kids!). One of my favorite bands, Rabbit!, did a couple of songs on the album - Ladybug is my fave! (Although, Potty Time by Cracker Jackson did make me laugh...a lot!)

And if you have a blog, Facebook, twitter or some other means of getting the word out about Do Fun Stuff, please help Ryan out by sharing the link, posting the widget or tweeting with the hashtag #dofunstuff. 

Beach Sessions Next Week!

Next week, I'll be in the Gulf Shores, Destin and Seaside areas and I'll be taking a very limited number of sessions.  If you live in or are visiting the area (there's still lots to do other than get in the ocean!) and would like a session, please email or call me (678.316.7906) as soon as possible to book your session.

Sessions will take place on and around the beach (we'll steer clear of the oil!) and will last around an hour. We'll hang out, play, and maybe fly a kite or get some ice cream. It's about having fun - not stressing about photos while you're at the beach!

The session fee is $100 (for up to five family members; ask about larger groups) but $50 of each session fee will be donated to Gulf Coast oil spill relief efforts.

I know the Gulf Coast may not be the most appealing place for a visit right now, but the people who live there - and even so many people who don't - rely on tourism as a MAJOR, if not primary, means of income. To us, the Gulf Coast is more than a vacation spot. It's the place my parents call home. It's the place where Matthew and I have taken multiple trips together since we first met. And it's the place where, nearly three years ago, we said "I do." Just like so many other people, we want to do what we can to help, and this is one of those ways.

 

Hope to see you on the beach!

Oh, and if you are in the area, Jimmy Buffet and Zac Brown Band are giving a FREE concert on July 1 in Gulf Shores. 

- Heather Maynard, Gulf Coast photographer

Red Cross Mini Sessions

Thanks to everyone who came out for the mini sessions on Saturday, we raised over $200 for the American Red Cross Haitian relief! I have such awesome clients!

Here are a few of my favorites from Saturday:

Liam and Mary - some of THE smartest kids (and pretty darn cute, too):

 

 

 

Sawyer was too cute (and basically perfect in every single photo) - I love his flying pose: 

 

Mary Jo came for a mini session with her friend, Briley. They were born just a few days apart (so were their mamas).

 

Their moms are friends and were roommates at UGA - 

 

And Brittany came to support a good cause. She rocks the serious look, doesn't she?

 

- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia photographer 

Mini Sessions this Saturday to Benefit the Red Cross

My heart breaks as I watch the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake unfold in videos, photos and words, and if you're like me, you're at a loss for what you can do to help. But there are ways we can all help.

I've tried to think of something we can do as a studio to help that will have the most impact. That's why this Saturday, January 23, we're holding mini sessions with proceeds going to Haitian relief. The full session fee from each mini session will go to the American Red Cross.

So here's the deal: I know it's last minute, but the people of Haiti need our help now. So here's a chance for you to have a few professional photos taken (at a much lower price than a typical session costs!) while doing a good thing.  

Here's what you get:

For a $35 donation to the American Red Cross, you get a 20-minute session for up to three people (groups of more than three people may purchase two sessions) and 10 images presented in a password protected gallery. For an additional $10 donation, you can get low-resolution, watermarked files of all 10 photos in your gallery to share on Facebook, your blog, etc (online use only). 

Photos will be available to purchase at regular price from your photo gallery two weeks after your session.

What can you use the session for? Let's see...new family pics. Updated photos of your kids. Photos of your dog (as long as he's nice). Fun photos with your friends. A Valentine's Day gift for your significant other. A new Facebook profile picture. Anything you want! Feel free to bring props!

All photos will be taken indoors in Statham, Georgia. Sessions must be scheduled; no walk-ins. The donation of $35 is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable.

If all session spots are filled, that means more than a $400 donation! Sessions are limited, so call 678.316.7906 or email hmhmaynard@gmail.com today to schedule yours.