Cure Clubfoot - Giving Back

The beginning of this year, I made a promise to all of my supporters and clients that out of the profit I made, I would give back 10%. I believe in tithing and that when we give, we receive so much more. I have thought long and hard about where I feel the proceeds for giving back should go. Here is a very personal area where my heart aches. Warning...you are about to engage in reading a story of a personal journey.

It was December 2007, I was sick. My husband was the first one to know what was really going on. We were expecting a precious baby, and of course, I had no clue. We were completely overjoyed. This was what we had been wanting for soooo long. Several months had passed, and when I was six - seven months pregnant we went in for our regular checkup and ultrasound. What we thought was going to be a great appointment...became a life changing moment and a devastation pounded on my heart. We were told that our son was going to be born with clubfoot. In some cases, clubfoot can be an indicator that a child has cerebral palsy. I was completely panicked and worried about our son. A million questions came to mind..."Is this my fault?"..."What did I do wrong?"..."How is this possible?"..."How do we treat this?", etc.

When Kalvin was born, he was the cutest baby that I have ever seen (yes, I'm partial). I was frightened, because I was a first time mom, but even more so, because I didn't know how to care for my son. The first two months of his life were spent in and out of doctor's offices three to four times a week, hours on end. I felt exhausted and sad that my little boy's feet were leaving him crippled. I knew that if we didn't treat his feet (casts on both legs, special shoes, surgeries) that he would never be able to walk. Thankfully, the clubbed feet were the only serious health issue that we dealt with.

Today, our little boy is vibrant and healthy. He has gone through two surgeries, and walks like a champ. Running is not his most graceful skill, but man will my kid be able to snowboard like a champ. From a parent's perspective, you want to give your child the best life that they can possibly have. Could you imagine your child not being able to walk, and play with the other children? Wouldn't that just break your heart? That same fear, was absolutely crippling for me. Thankfully, clubfoot is treatable. In many third world countries, children are suffering from clubfoot. This treatable disability can cause the child to be a social outcast, unable to care for themselves and leave them crippled. Without their parent's support, these children will not be able to work to provide for themselves when they become adults.

There is a ministry doing something about this. Here is the link
The ministry is called Cure International. They don't only treat clubfoot, but they treat many other disabilities and illnesses in third world countries. Your support of Samantha Randall Photography means that you are supporting a cure for children with clubbed feet. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help other children, like my son.

Free Senior Photos - Denver

Alright, it's time for all of you high school seniors to get pumped about the school year starting. Why?...you may ask, because you're SENIORS!

I will be holding a contest. It's easy to do, so don't miss out on this opportunity.

The winner will receive a free senior portrait session with their images on a CD. Yes, I said FREE!

Here's how the contest works. Each senior that wishes to participate will need to email me a snapshot photo of themselves. Along with your photo, write a few sentences telling me about yourselves. I want to know your name, birthday, what your goals are after school, any school activities that you're involved in (sports, FCCLA, band, etc). I also want to know about any extracurricular activities you're involved in outside of school (musical instrument, art, swimming, sports, etc).

The DEADLINE for all entries is September 25, 2011. All entries must be submitted by email to srandallphoto@gmail.com.

Good Luck!

Sterling Colorado Wedding - Style Shoot

I had an amazing time yesterday as I headed out east into Sterling territory. An awesome style shoot was headed up by some of the areas best photographers. As a professional, I am always looking for ways to increase my knowledge and become one of the best. We all worked together to create some beautiful lighting scenarios. I would like to say a huge thank you to the lovely models that I was so privileged to have been able to work with. Enjoy the images!

Winter Park Wedding - Deo and Sharon

When I first met Sharon and Deo, it was very obvious how much they loved nature. So, it was only fitting that they would have such an awesome wedding. Their friend Peter was awesome as he assisted me with the lighting. I have to admit that I almost fell down the hill at least five different times. Visions of "Princess Bride" flashed in my head, as I could see myself tumbling down the hill calling out, "Doh, uh, ow, ah...as you wish!"