Today when I talked w/ my sister, Abbie's mom, the excitment that came through in her voice when we talked about the event really reaffirmed that what I am doing this month is going to help provide great gifts for so many that suffer through unimaginable pain, sadness and loss. I almost couldn't wait for the morning to pass so I could see how the afternoon shoot would unfold. It is a little like Christmas each time.
As I drove up to Volunteer Park I had a brief thought again of "what if nobody shows up..." and I had a little talk w/ myself that replied, "it will be okay, I'll be a little bummed out but okay and just remember all I can do is try and hope for the best..." But once again, as I saw the first stranger approach w/ a little boy and I went up to ask if she was looking for me, my little soared when she said yes. Seriously, I was once again relieved that at least one person showed up to participate. And then I saw another mom and by the end of it all the 4 shoots were filled and I drove away a little mentally exhausted (mostly because right before the hour started I drove my car into a cement post as I spaced out on the what ifs & I was not looking forward to sharing this news w/ my husband) but with my spirit soaring. Four more people who donated to Souluminations!! SO GREAT!!
There was lots of running around, rolling down hills, exploring the "forest" that kept everyone busy and entertained. Thank you Cristi, Margo, Ann & Markee for your contribution and enjoy the sneak peek of your little beauties.

May 5th GEDIM

Today's shoot is still on for 4:30 but I wanted to get everyone thinking about tomorrow's GEDIM shoot. My neice Abbie was admitted yesterday to Children's Hospital in Honolulu with bilateral pneumonia, she is doing very well and hopes to be discharged in the next day or two. Since this week is in her honor, tomorrow's shoot will be for all of us to think about those with children, friends &/or family who are currently in the hospital. If you know someone in the hospital you "qualify" for tomorrow's shoot. I ask that you make a little sign saying hello to that person so I can share an image w/ them that let's them know you are thinking of them. If you don't "qualify" for tomorrow's shoot please forward this on to someone who may be able to join me. Info on location and time will be tweeted later.

I could hardly sleep last night as different ideas were spinning in my head about GEDIM & this morning I am trying to get great things to happen so stay tuned!
But my reality is that I still have a lot of work on my plate and I have clients who are patiently waiting to get a peek at their images. So Genna & Don your wait is over and I hope this makes you smile. The last time I photographed this family in El Paso they had to endure high gust winds and lots of dust in the air. Not ideal conditions for your family photos. This time around the morning started w/ rain so it was not looking promising and my heart was sinking for them because I was really wanting to capture great pictures for them, especially of their little girl since I have photographed her brothers over the years, she needed a few great shots to hang next to her bros! The sun came out and as soon as we started relief washed over me because I was going to finally give this family what they were hoping for. I am adding a few extra of their little princess because she deserves it! I love this first one with her dad. She was being shy about a kiss but he snuck one in.

May 4th GEDIM

Shoot will be at 4:30 tomorrow...here is a hint on where it will be Abbie is Leo (lions are present here) and we are going to continue with the donut theme from today but tomorrow it will be a BIG donut. I will tweet exact location tonight. If you don't Twitter DO NOT be afraid. You can just sign up and NEVER EVER tweet yourself...just follow me and then find me tomorrow!!

Or I just realized you can look to the right side of my blog...and never sign up at all.

Because I am just so excited about today's turnout and I really want to thank the women that generously donated to Soulumination and showed up on my first real day of this event I am going to post an obscene amount of images from the hour we were together. I am so excited for them to see all of them as their kids are adorable and I had so much fun with them.
Thank you Sarah, Jayme, Jane & Shidan for coming out today, for your contribution to Soulumination and also sharing your excitment and enthusiasm about what I am doing this month with me. Your words really means so much to me. And your showing up makes me believe that my little crazy dream may have some legs under it soon to be off and running and the sky is the limit as to what we can raise for Soul!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! Now enjoy your sweet little ones.

A Big Thank You!

I have to admit I was not sure how today's Giving Every Day in May was going to go. As I picked up the donation of tasty mini donuts from Mighty Os rain was falling and I starting wondering if my boys were going to be the only ones super happy about my crazy GEDIM plan. I was not sure if anyone was going to show up and I was beginning to regret my decision to dream big this month.
But thanks to 4 wonderful moms my spirits were lifted beyond explanation! Because a few arrived at the same time I decided to go w/ a let them play as we go and the kids had a great time & I think I even had a better time then they did. I am going to share many pictures very soon but first I must thank Mighty O Donuts for their contribution that ended the shoot on such a high note. Kids LOVE these donuts and if you have not heard about or had a Mighty O Donut you need to track them down ASAP, seriously! Here are a few pics for a little proof.

Giving Every Day in May continues today & this first week will be in honor of my niece Abbie. Tomorrow will mark 6 yrs since Abbie became my inspiration. She is a drowning survivor who continues to astound us with her strength & intelligence. Yesterday on a run through the Arboretum I found the perfect spot for today' shoot. The flowers are in full bloom and all of Abbie's favorite colors are represented. If you have a child 8 1/2 yrs or younger (Abbie is 8 & 1/2) then you meet "criteria" for todays's GEDIM shoot.
AND all the little ones will get a special treat from Mighty-O Donuts...I know if Abbie lived in Seattle she would be a HUGE fan of Mighty-Os!
The shoot will be at 2:30pm. You can find the exact location on Twitter (tclarkphoto). Please come support Souluminations, celebrate Abbie with me & have some fun amongst the flowers!
Yesterday I did my Mother's Day shoot for my family. And everyone is always telling me that they just cannot get great pictures of their kids & I tell them I have the same problem w/ mine and I don't think they believe me. It was like pulling teeth to get my boys to stay put w/ my mom for just a few minutes and even when they did bribery had to come into play for them to give me a half way decent look...but we did manage to get a few. Happy Mother's Day Mom!
And the first picture is a favorite of Abbie w/ one of her brothers.

The giving has begun and I am so excited and must thank Gretchen for being the first to join me in making Giving Every Day in May successful. She gave to Souluminations and was also giving herself a Mother's Day gift in hopes of getting a good picture with her little ones. I hope I was able to give her the gift she will cherish for years to come...here are my 3 favorites from the shoot.






Join me at 9:45am same place (see Facebook or Twitter) for your chance to give and receive!!