Updated: I can’t keep up with the map or list anymore since there are over 400 photographers participating now! Check out www.givingisawesome.com to find a photographer near you (or if you’re near me, send those nominations in!!)

A fellow photographer friend of mine, Kristen Kalp of Essential Imagery in PA, sent out a challenge to the photography community to join in the spirit of giving this holiday season by giving a deserving family the gift of custom photography. I’ve been following Kristen’s work for quite a while and those of you who have peeked at the ‘inspiration’ links above may have seen her work before and as the one who started this rapidly spreading challenge, she certainly is an inspiration for more than her awesome photography skills. I told Kristen I’m up for the challenge and only ask in return, all of you spend a moment of time to nominate a family and forward the link on to others who may know a deserving family! (Thank you Kristen for the use of your words below!)
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 – $1000 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, 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, people?
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 Minnesota or western Wisconsin. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they would appreciate a custom photography session. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
Comment on this blog entry to let me know you’ve entered, and e-mail me the full story: lauri@lauristumphphotography.com.
The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve…get nominating! The deadline for submitting nominations is midnight, December 22nd. 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.
Check out the links of other participating photographers across the country and pass on their link to friends you may have in other areas of the country!
Kristen Kalp, of Pennsylvania
Matt Nicolosi, of Texas
Kaycee Dean, of Oklahoma
The Selanders, of Iowa/Nebraska
Alice Park Photography, of Georgia
Charlene Chavez, of California
Kimbrali Boyd, of Louisiana
Rachel Logan, of Texas
Surprise Photography, of New York
Lauri Stumph, of Minnesota
Laura Green, of Iowa
Kimberly Ann Photography, of Wisconsin
Photo Art by Suzi, of Michigan
Krista Muskovin, of Michigan
Kelly Holder, of Kansas
Tiffany G, of Las Vegas
Bamboo Photography, of Pennsylvania
Mollie Kendall, of Texas
Marlo Yoshimoto, of California
Brandi DeLisi, of Tennessee
HRG Photo, of Washington
Dini Groner, of New York
April Todd, of South Carolina
Steven Parker, of New York
Christine DeSavino, of New Jersey
Sarah Pettinger, of Missouri
Veronica Reeve, of Utah
Adrienne Griffin, of Nevada
Barbie Schwartz, of Tennessee
Dawn of DLM Photography, of Texas
Tiffany Hix, of Idaho
Adorations Photography, of Texas
Alicia Caine, of Montana
Rebekah Pope, of Tennessee
Lisa Nelson, of North Dakota
Crystal DelaHoz, of Texas
Joell Parkos, of Minnesota
Lyndsey Lewis, of Colorado
Jenny Gironda, of Maine
Jennifer Mullinax, of Kansas
Photography by Angelique, of Missouri
Charmi Pena, of New Jersey
Tami Henry, of South Carolina
Kim Mattina, of Arizona
Christy Stickley, of Colorado
Carie Frabotta, of Arizona
Butch Bernstein, of Maryland
Wendhy Jeffers, of Nevada
Shari DeVoogd, of Michigan
Sara Anne, of Texas
Jodi Davis, of Arizona
Samantha Uphold, of Indiana
Emily G, of Oregon
Erin Carlyle, of Texas
Little Lives Photography, of Indiana
Kristin Williams, of New York
Babymoon Photography, of California
Pamela Nicole, of Arizona
Christine Tremoulet, of Texas
Ooh La La, of Idaho
Untamed Heart, of Missouri
Tracy Routh, of Missouri
Kelli Jane, of California
Skye Hardwick, of California
Jeannie Papai, of Ohio
Margaret Palmiter, of Georgia
International:
Jenna Faye, of Ontario, Canada
Peachyc Photography, of Manila
Josee Caza, of Toronto, Canada
Bev Robison, of Poland
Rebecca Honeywell, of England