{something special}

is happening among photographers across the country, and beyond, thanks to a fellow photog friend, Kristen Kalp of Essential Imagery She is using her talent to bless a family in need and challenging the rest of us to do the same. Well, I accept this challenge and also challenge you to do the same.

(thanks to Kristen for allowing me to borrow her words!)

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 – $1200 worth, to be exact. This includes a session, a slideshow dvd, a 5x5 session album, and $300 in print credit.

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.

*The nominee must reside in Larimer County. The session has to take place between January and March 2009 and will accommodate up to 5 people.

*Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why you feel they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself.
*Comment on this blog entry to let me know you've entered, and e-mail me the full story: lyndsey@lyndseylewphotography.com.

I will be taking nominations through December 22 at 10pm and 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.

{pumpkins}

are the greatest...except for that weird orange/yellow tint they put on faces!! Anyway, I love to photograph kids with pumpkins, it is always SO cute! This family was no exception. Here are few peeks at the third mini-session...

{our mom-preneur}

for November is Robin with Rag-a-Muffin Totes I'm really excited to introduce this mommy to you for two reasons....one, her bags are AWESOME and two, this is not just for the locals. She has a great website and will take orders from out-of-state! And, of course, there will be a contest so if you're interested read through to the bottom to find out how you can win!!! Here's some fun info about Robin and Rag-a-Muffin Totes....

How did you come up with your name?
A couple of reasons. The totes are made in the style of a rag quilt, and as a child, I always wanted to dress myself and never let my mom brush hair, so I was always being called a rag-a-muffin.

What is your official website?
www.ragamuffintotes.com

How long have you been in business?
A little over a year

Tell us about your totes and how you developed the concept behind it.
I make tenderly tattered totes, handbags, diaper bags, baby quilts, security blanket and more! I've always been a purse girl and I'm sure my hubby was tired of buying them, so I decided to put two of my pastimes together - sewing and purses. I made a couple of bags for myself but so many people loved them that I decided to start selling them.

How do you balance your business and your family?
I've come up with a system of days. On certain days I work on orders, and on the other days I work on housework, etc. And I generally work only during nap times, that way, when my kids are awake I can be attentive to them and their needs.

Anything we can look forward to seeing in your business in the future?
Hopefully some "Daddy diaper bags"! and always, new fabrics

My favorite shopping link is etsy.com - I can spend HOURS on it!!


My favorite find in Ft Collins is Kahlua Madness and the Human Bean (yes, I agree)

My favorite restaurant in Ft Collins is HuHot Mongolian Grill (yep, absolutely!)

Most days I just need some coffee!!!

Don't count on me to be caught up on laundry! Ha! Or spend a lot of time chatting on the phone...really you are a lucky person if I actually answer it!

If I'm typically craving something it is A coffee drink and dark chocolate (umm...agree here too!)


















Thanks to Robin for being a willing participant of my mommy-preneur 'thing'! Check out her website, www.ragamuffintotes.com, and see for yourself how cool these are!! (You can see all the totes she currently has in stock and all the fabric choices available on the website.)
SOOO....if you are interested in purchasing a custom made bag for yourself or for a fun Christmas gift, leave a comment and your email and you will be put in a drawing for a gift certificate of $25 towards purchase! You have until November 30th at 10pm!

{awww...}

could these two be any cuter?? Here is a peek of mini-session number 2 - I'll try to post more tonight...and, stay tuned for the November Mom-preneur (even though we are already half-way through the month!)

{finally}

working on the mini-sessions from 10/18 and 10/25...those of you waiting ever so patiently....soon, real soon! ;) Here is the first sneak peek of that wonderful day.

{i've been busy}

trying to get all these shoots edited....here are some I've just finished up. I had to put one of little "E" pouring rocks all over herself...she was hilarious!

{a couple cards}

that I've done recently and a perfect capture of what happens at the end of a shoot...so cute!

{just a few}

for a patient momma! Here is a little sneak peek for you....

{it's no surprise}

that I'm really behind. So, if you're waiting for pictures, or just even waiting to see a little peak, know that they are coming...I promise! ;)

Here is the first of a 9 session stretch I've had in only 10 days. (kind of crazy, I know!) This family was so sweet and fun. I had a great time with these two and so did my little guy. Every time he sees a picture of them he starts talking and laughing and giggling...he is in love with them both - and how could you not be? They have a sibling bond that is so incredible...very cool! Here are a few of my favorites.

{it's been a little while}

since I posted, but, it's also been a bit crazy around here! October is turning out to be quite a month and has been extremely busy - which is definitely a good thing! ;) An update on the schedule....I am now booked until after the New Year. Yep, booked. I do have a few days available for newborns but everything else is filled up! SO, I am now booking for Jan/Feb and early spring.

Here is a little teeny, long-awaited, preview from a session a few weeks ago (oh, yeah, a little behind!)

{something new}

thought I would try out some vintage looking pics on the shoot I'm currently working on...and then I added some texture. I'm not really sure if I did the texture right but we think it looks kind a cool?? What do you think?? Only the nice comments please ;)

**edited to add...I put a few more on in the vintage look

{the red and green collection}

**these posted smaller than I thought they would so click on each part to see the full size**