A Very Special Gift.

It's no secret that most of our photography is of good things: weddings, new babies, birthdays and the requisite pet photo, to name a few.  But what about the other photos? The ones that tell a story no one wants to tell?  Last August I was a summer camp photographer and had the privilege of meeting so many great kids, but one girl was special.  She had a brain tumor and was in the fight for her life but sadly, on April 13th, she lost the battle at the tender age of 4.  Not too long after, her mom contacted me: I would like for you to attend Ann's service and burial on Friday, and if possible captivate it with your wonderful lens.  It was definitely taking me outside of my comfort zone as I had never done something like this before, but how could I not? It was the least I could do for this wonderful family and to honor the child they had lost. 

Have you ever gone out of your comfort zone when photographing something or someone? Please, share your special stories with us...

In Loving Memory of Ann Marie Ambrosio-Cerna, June 17th, 2006 - April 13th, 2011

To Mama With Love

This year, your Mother's Day gift could change the world.

no, really.

To Mama With Love is a collaborative online art project that honors moms across the globe and raises funds to invest in remarkable women who are transforming the world. Participants create heartspaces that include words, videos, photos & investments in honor of mamas they love. 

This year, the funds raised will be invested to expand the efforts of four extraordinary women who are building schools in Tanzania, providing education and loving care for local children in Nepal, and running shelters for women in Afghanistan. People from all over the world have already joined the love bomb movement and shared their heartfelt love for their mother, wife, sister or friend.

So today let's celebrate motherhood. Share with us the stories and images of the women who inspire us to be brave, to be playful, to love fiercely, and whose support continuously reminds us that we are strong and capable even under the most difficult circumstances. And if you're so moved, show a mama your love and change the world!

Also, a group of talented women photographers have graciously donated original prints to benefit the To Mama With Love 2011 campaign. If you're still looking for a unique and meaningful Mother's Day gift, please consider purchasing one of the beautiful prints in the store. 100% of all profits from print sales will be invested in the dreams of these four inspirational women changemakers who create hope in our world.

Happy Mother's Day to you all!

celebrating mother earth

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  
- Margaret Mead

Happy Earth Day!

Every day with our cameras, we turn our eyes to our surroundings. We feel gratitude for our environment, put barefeet on grass and show our respect to mother nature. Let this day be no different. Let your focus fall on Mother Earth today with a quiet reverence that many of us around the globe will be doing the same.

Shutter Sisters has partnered up with B Kind 2 Earth Day, and something very powerful is happening because of it. We, as creative sisters with cameras as our tools, have superpowers! The power to shed light. For what we focus on, the world sees. And when the world sees, the world changes. 

"Because of you, thousands of people are already seeing Earth Day in a new light -- as a day to celebrate and recognize our planet in a kind act  - big or small. It's a simple but revolutionary idea and through your enthusiasm and creative talents, you all are putting the earth mother back into Earth Day. You constantly inspire and awe us."

Let's be especially mindful of our focus today. How do you celebrate Earth Day? Please share your comments, stories, insights, and images with us today.

just ask

Do you find it difficult to ask for what you want?  It may be advice, assistance, compassion, guidance, maybe even love. I'm slowly learning the power of asking.

Over the past year I’ve experienced an endless shower of blessings. Many, because I was brave enough to ask. And many of these blessings have been incredibly BIG. 

It’s not just the BIG things. Honestly, it’s the everyday things....the little gifts that can turn my world upside down...make me giddy with excitement.

A few weeks ago I was on the hunt for an antique camera.  I stopped by my local camera shop. I was buying a new lens and just when I was about to leave I noticed a collection of antique cameras on display behind the counter.  OH my goodness, it was a fabulous collection.  Anyhow, my mind was spinning.  Could I dare ask to ‘borrow’ one of the cameras?  Just before we wrapped up the sale I went for it. 

Oh, wait.... allow me to back track a little.  I had just ‘asked’ for a break on the lens.  And I’m not good at stuff like that.  Not good at it at all! But I asked and guess what.... he gave me $75.00 off the lens, simply because I asked. Anyhow, I took a deep breath and.....

‘what a beautiful collection of cameras!  I don’t suppose you would consider allowing me to borrow one?‘ stammer, stammer....  I started to jabber on about my plans for the camera. He wasn't overly interested in my story. He was like ‘sure, no problem.’  I was like, ‘really, oh my gosh, thank you so much.  I will take good care of it.’ He was all casual. He had no idea what a gift he had given me.  

Big or small, gifts are waiting for us.  Sometimes we just have to ask.  

Sarah Ban Breathnach in her beautiful daybook, Simple Abundance writes 

‘Ask for what you need and want. Ask to be taught the right questions. Ask to be answered. Ask for the Divine Plan of your life to unfold through joy. Ask politely, Ask with passion. Ask with a grateful heart and you will be heard. Just ask.

What have you asked for and received? Share your gifts with us today......

crimbo limbo

Here we are in “Crimbo Limbo” - the period between Christmas and New Year. Full of all the goodness that the Christmas festivities brought, reflecting on 2010 and waiting for the celebrations and the New Year to begin.

I’ve been enjoying time with my family, catching up with friends, playing games, cooking & eating food, and generally relaxing. All the while photographing the memories of festivities, spying the decorations and capturing the friendly faces surrounding me and the people I love.

I’m grateful. For the pleasures of life and for this time. Being in “Limbo” has been good.

How about you? What does this time between celebrations mean and bring to you? I'd love to see what you've been up to.