[and the GRAND PRIZE winner is.......]

Stephanie A.!!!!

There was NO way I could pick one of these awesome nominees. So, I assembled a "panel" to carefully consider each nominations.

Every one of the people or families nominated were deserving and will be receiving a mini session and photo gift from me (details will be sent to them after the holidays).

The nomination letter....

Last year, Stephanie fought a battle with cancer and during that battle for her life, she lost her job, her apartment and struggled with unending pain. She finally went into remission and met a man who she felt was everything she had been looking for. They married in Feburary after a very short engagement and soon after things began to fall apart. Her husband began to treat her differently. He slowly became more and more abusive and it wasn't until Stephanie found out she was pregnant did she decide to leave for the safety of her baby. She is now due to have her baby in a few weeks and though she was able to get a low income apartment, she lives off of disability. She wants nothing to do with her husband (whom she is trying to divorce) and found out that he has an abusive track record so she does not want to ask for child support. She is determined to raise little "J" on her own. She has an amazing faith in God and He has taken care of her needs, but I think she deserves a few "wants". I know the distance might be a challenge, but I would love for you to photograph hhim after he is born. He is all she has and I know she will barely be able to provide the necessities let alone something as amazing as you could do for her. If she is chosen, instead of Todd and I receiving a prize, perhaps you could use the money for gas to get up to her residence. Thanks for considering her!!

Thank you Todd and Kim for nominating Stephanie. And though I appreciate the offer, you will still be receiving your prize too!!

I can't wait to contact Stephanie in the morning!!

Many Christmas Blessing to everyone!

God Bless~
Shari

[baby, it's cold outside]

It has not even hit 20 degrees in the past few days. We have over 2 feet of snow in our yard and it is WAY too cold for the kids to even enjoy it.

So, is your shopping done? My is not and after sliding into a ditch last night with my husband, I am NOT going out tonight by myself. So I will finish in the morning and my sweet hubby will work from home.

THREE MORE DAYS!!!!

Here is a wintery picture of my sweet angel!





Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to turn in your nominations!!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

[giving is awesome]

I just wanted to give a shout out to my fellow photographer buddy Kristen Kalp. She is SUPER talented, side-splitting funny and wonderfully generous. Please check out www.givingisawesome.com to find a photographer in your area to nominate a special family for a custom photo session! IF YOU ARE A PHOTOGRAPHER PLEASE JOIN US!!!!

Thank you to all the SUPER UBER talented photographers who are donating their time and talents!! I am so proud to stand beside all these generous hearts!


We have over 450 photographers donating over $480,000 dollars of photography!!

WOO HOOTY!

[tis the season]

I love Christmas. It is my favorite time of year by far! Why you ask? Because I love, love, love to give my family and friends gifts. I love the whole experience from thinking about what would be perfect for them to seeing the expression on their face when they open it. It is the way I express my love.

The last few years have been really tough on our family with the economy and starting up not one but two business. Through the intense struggles I have gained an even deeper understanding of what is really important in life and a deeper compassion for those that are struggling.

A couple of Christmases ago I sat fighting back the tears because my heart was so sad that there were barely any gifts under our tree for our kids and most were hand made because that was all we could do. My daughter opened a gift from her brother and as she slipped the red plastic heart ring onto her finger she exclaimed, "Ryen, this is the most beautiful thing anyone EVER gave me! Thank you so much!" As I watched the exchange of hugs, laughter and tears my heart was full of joy and hope and one thing became abundantly clear......comparing yourselves to others is a ridiculous waste of time because true love and joy can not be bought it can only be given.

So here's the deal.......

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.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $1,150 worth, to be exact. Whether it's a canvas, album, prints, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

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.)

* The nominee must reside in Michigan. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve custom portrait photography. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story by December 23rd at Midnight: shari@orangekitephotography.com.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,

Shari

[happy birthday]

My baby is 6 today! Which means she is officially not a baby anymore though she will always be my baby. She went off to school looking adorable and wearing a tiara! I am picking her up for lunch per her request and off for a quick photo shoot since it is a beautiful white fluffy snowy day!

Here are a "few" pictures from her birthday session....sigh.....she is so cute!!















HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY SWEET ANGEL!! I LOVE YOU MORE!

[my son]

This was on our want to his football banquet a few weeks ago. Isn't he handsome??? I am so proud of my son!!

[young jedi, sweet witch, toothless vampire]

WARNING!!!!! Picture overload.........


The Young Jedi, Obi Wan displaying some of his most awesome "moves".










The cutest, little witch you have ever seen and her rockin' socks.










A toothless vampire??? BEWARE: she may just gum you to death....or hypnotize you with her eyes.

[halloween part one]

You are probably completely over Halloween by now BUT here are a few pictures. We had our 2nd Annual Trick or Treating/Daddy and Mr. Abraham's Birthday party. It was a blast!!


This is the myself and my gorgeous children.


My mom and dad brought Rascal over with them. He helped me pass out candy!


Cady took this picture of Rascal and I. She has such a great eye!

I will post some individual pictures of the kids later.....off to bed for me right now!!

[practical jokes]

Anyone who knows me, knows that not only am I a smart aleck but I am a jokester as well!! So, on Saturday night while I was getting ready to go out with my girlfriends to the "So You Think You Can Dance" Tour, a little evil grin started to spread across my face and I ran for my phone to call Kristine. I suggested that we show up in some of our dance costumes from the past to Michelle's house. We agreed that Michelle would roll with laughter. When we got their Michelle was gone picking up her son from a birthday party and her mom was cracking up and told us that Michelle was going to totally freak and think we were actually going dressed like that! Well, that was like saying sick em to a a dog. Needless, to say we yanked poor Michelle's chain for awhile with that one!!! What a laugh we had!


Carol, Kristine, Michelle and Me



Is it possible for 3 girls to get together and NOT do this pose? LOL



Thanks Michelle, Kristine and Carol!! I had a great night and one I will remember for a long time! And Michelle finding out you are so gullible, just added a whole new element of fun to our group............hee, hee!!!

Thanks Charlie for taking pictures and the Oktoberfest brews!

[stephanie rocks the town]

I have had a blast photographing seniors this year! Stephanie was AMAZING!!!! She is beautiful, so stylish and a natural in front of the camera. She was so fun to work with and up to whatever crazy thing I asked of her (which a photographer just loves).








Stephanie, have an amazing senior year! All the best to you!!!!

[senior reps]

[facebook]

So I finally got on FaceBook.........




.........now to figure it out. :)

Add me to your friend's list!!!

[couture christmas]

Can you believe the Holidays are just around the corner?!

I am taking mini sessions in October and November for Holiday Cards and Portraits. My current schedule is Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. There are many gorgeous card designs to choose from and they all compliment black and white images perfectly. The 5x7 flat cards come in quanties of 25 with envelopes and you have a choice of semi-gloss, linen, watercolor and pearl papers! See session details and pricing below.






Contact me at:

248-770-0891

to schedule your appointment today!

[....a whole month]

Okay, I knew it had been awhile since I posted but A WHOLE MONTH????? Where does the time go? Thank you Kara for the little nudge!!

Let's get to down to business......

Here are a few pictures I took of the gorgeous Chelsea! She was SO fun to work with!! With her style, creativity, intelligence, stunning eyes and stop you in your tracks smile.....this girl will be a success at whatever career she chooses!!

[end of the summer crazies]

Hi everyone!!!

This month has been INSANE! Why do we try to cram every bit of our summer fun into the last month??? LOL

Ryen is on the Oxford Junior Wildcat football team. He is doing great and having a blast! He got his official "football nickname" tonight. The coach was calling his name and mispronounced it. Ryen was correcting him again and they started joking around. Coach said, "DeVgood, DeVogue, De Voo Voo....Hey, we'll just call you VooDoo because you got charm and you will be our secret weapon." Needless to say it was a momumental moment with the man folk in our home. A rite of passage per say.

Cady and Lauren made the pre-competitive dance team at their studio and are just doing amazing! I can't believe how much they have improved over the summer.

6 more days until school starts.........I am sad to leave the warm weather behind and the fun times hanging out with my family BUT the thought of having 5 UNINTERRUPTED hours is sounding pretty devine.

Hope you are all having a wonderful and happy day!

Enjoy every minute!!

Here is a few pictures of my boy......aka VooDoo.







Break it down...............WILDCATS!!!!

[spokes"model"]

I think having a "spokesmodel" would be a perfect way to promote my business. Of course, I am not talking about the handsome man next to the car (I already own him ~ LOL) but the VW itself! I saw this when we were in Florida and said, "I need one of these for my work vehicle!"







I just love the froggie beach toy in the back!!

Have a great weekend!!!! I hope it is full of sunshine and laughter for you all!

[my heart was home]

There are no words to explain the deep contentment that fills my soul when I am on beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. My heart soars there, my dreams take flight and all my anxieties and worries fade away.

The day Bruce and I arrived in our hotel room, I took a long, deep breath and savored the aroma of sea as it filled my lungs. My heart giggled with delight as the warmth of the sun kissed my cheeks and as I opened my eyes I saw the white sandy beach extending its great arms and call to me "Your home!!"