Win a free session + images for yourself or a friend!

Do you know someone who deserves to win something for herself or her family? Maybe she's never had a family portrait taken and she wants to do it before her kids are no longer kids, maybe a loved one is ill and she's hoping to record the way life is now before things change, maybe she's always wanted custom portraits hanging on her walls but she's been unable to afford the luxury. Or maybe you're the one who would love a chance to win custom photography for your own family.

Becky Higgins (formerly of Creating Keepsakes magzine) had a great idea to find photographers willing to donate sessions to dozens of lucky families across the US and beyond, and I am very excited to be one of those photographers!

Become a fan of Salina J Photography today so you'll be notified when the contest for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area is open. Becky isn't sure when each photographer's turn will be up, but I will announce it here and on my fan page as soon as I find out, so tell any friends who might be interested to become a fan, too! Once the contest is open, you enter by posting comments on Becky's blog about why you deserve a gift of photography, or you may nominate someone special.

This isn't limited to those in the Twin Cities, either - if you're outside of this great state, check out Becky's blog to see where photographers have volunteered their time and talent.

The winning family will receive a free session, 10 completely edited, full-resolution images on disc, and one 16x20 mounted print.

Good luck!

Anticipating - Modern Maternity Portraits

Dusting this blog off! I've been busy working on my new website, which should be ready soon, as well as booking springs sessions now that the sun is shining and the snow has melted. Can't wait for the trees and fields to green up, I feel like I'm finally exhaling after holding my breath all winter.

I recently had the pleasure of traveling from Minnesota to small-town Wisconsin to photograph a family who is expecting a new baby boy in the next couple of weeks. What a gorgeous mom-to-be - she was feeling great and simply excited to be approaching the day she'd meet her son.

Pregnancy can feel like it goes on and on (and on) when you're waiting for the arrival of a baby, but once the little one is born you so quickly forget what it felt like for the baby to kick, or how it felt to rest your hand on your rounded belly. I hope these portraits help the parents remember this miraculous time in their lives.