Toys for Tots/ Island Toyfest

Hey everyone! Can you believe that we are already in November? I just went to the store this past weekend and Christmas decorations are already in abundance! This year has really gone by quickly! I’ve been so grateful  for everyone’s support and all the new clients I’ve met this year! If it wasn’t for my wonderful man, Sidney, my family, and all of you, friends and clients alike, I wouldn’t have been able to start my own photography business. I am really lucky and blessed to have you all in my life and I can’t thank you enough for believing in me and my work. This is something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the courage or determination to just go out and do it, until this YEAR!! So thank you all again!

I especially want to thank the love of my life and best friend, Sidney. Without his support, I most definitely wouldn’t have had the fortitude or the strength that I needed to just go for it!  No one in my life has ever made me feel the way he does. He stands besides me no matter what, encourages and inspires me daily, and makes me believe that I can do it, this, my business and my dream. Thank you baby. I love you more than words can express.

I’d also like to give a special thanks to famed photographer Kevin Kubota and his Kubota team in Bend, Oregon. I’ve learned SOOOO much from them on running my business, creating awesome images, and streamlining my work. (I still have LOTS to learn) But everyone there has been so kind, wonderful, and extremely helpful WHENEVER I needed them. So again, thank you Kevin, Claire and the Kubota Team!

Another special thank you to my new favorite Rockstar photographer, Benjamin Edwards, also a friend of Kevin and Claire Kubota and whom I met via Facebook. He is a true inspiration to me not only in his work, (which, by the way, is AMAZING) but the invaluable advice that he has shared with me personally, and above all, his love and compassion for people and humankind. He and Kevin both have inspired me to, not only share my knowledge with others, but to also make sure to give back as often as I can to the community. They both go above and beyond anyone I’ve ever known, and have truly changed my life & my business, for the better.  I may not have met them in person YET, but they have had a true impact on me and inspired me (without even knowing it) to be a better artist, photographer, and human. I’ve donated my time and money in the past for worthy causes. But now I’ve learned from them that I can also give back to the community in a different way, in a way that I know best: Through My Photography. Whatever one can do to share their kindness with others and to help change one’s life, to a simply happier state, is what it’s all about, right?

So with that being said and in the spirit of “Giving Back” to those in need, it is that time of year for everyone to come together and donate gifts of the heart for Toys for Tots.  My friend Suzette Truesdell is in charge again this year for Island Toy fest, which is being held November  20th at Sharkey’s Restaurant and Pub. The event will be all day with food, drinks, music and fun to benefit Toys for Tots. Everyone needs to bring a unwrapped gift for a boy or girl. There is going to be great giveaways, loads of dive stuff and good times.

Along with many other local business, I’ve decided to join Suzette and donate my time and services for this years Island Toy Fest. I’m auctioning off a free Portrait Shoot which includes one 8×10, four 5×7, four 4×6, & 16 wallets.

Also right now I am booking mini photo shoots from now until November 20th, for only $49!  (Book on or before November 20th. Sessions can be scheduled for anytime before the end of the year) All you need to do is bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots and your fabulous smile! (or any family member and their smile). Session includes your choice of either 25 Holiday Cards with envelopes/ OR  two 5×7 prints, two 4×6 prints, and 8 wallets.  Great way to get a jump start on your holiday cards or a special print for that special someone! Shoots can be at your home, at the beach, or wherever you choose!

If you would like to make a monetary donation you may do via Island Toy Fest directly or Suzette on Facebook.

This is for a great cause and not only will it make you feel good, it will make some “lil” someone truly happy as well!

It honestly has been a great year for me, so lets make it a great year for those around us and in our community too!

Again, thank you all for your support!

xoxoxo, Micha