New Orleans trip - we're published!

Nick and I were flattered when we were asked to write about our recent trip to New Orleans with Jewish Funds for Social Justice in the organization's monthly e-newsletter. I totally recommend the trip and JFSJ so be sure to check out the next trips to Tampa, Asheville, Savannah and New Orleans. It was a rare opportunity to help the people of New Orleans who really need volunteer support in order to get back on their feet.

Be sure to watch the movie of my images from the inspirational and emotional weekend here.

New Orleans Movie

Click the image to watch the movie

It's hard to believe that Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans 3.5 years ago. I kept having to remind myself that we were not in some 3rd world country because the conditions that many are surviving in is truly unacceptable.

So many thoughts filled my head as we met survivors of the storm, talked with community organizers, witnessed many homes still marked with an "X" indicating the number of people found alive in each home, heard about the educational, healthcare and housing conditions before, during and after the storm, and learned what a large impact we, a group of 16 young adults, could have on such an overwhelming situation.

When my husband, Nick and I, heard about the trip to New Orleans with Jewish Funds for Social Justice, I have to admit that I was surprised that there was still need there for help. I haven't heard anything about New Orleans and the recovery efforts from Katrina in a long time, so I naively assumed that things were back to normal.

New Orleans is not back.

New Orleans still needs help and I believe that it can only get to a better place than before the storm with the help from volunteers. The two projects we volunteered with are proof of that.

The image above is especially emotional to me.

Click on the picture to watch the movie and find out why I was brought to tears.

And please, PLEASE, share this with your friends and family. My hope is that by sharing my images and thoughts, that you will look into what is really happening in New Orleans and help those in need and the organizations that are there to help.

This movie has been a true labor of love and hope. So please comment if you are moved to do so.

For more information:
St. Bernard Project
The School at Blair Grocery
The House of Dance and Feathers
Beth Israel Congregation

For more information about volunteering with other organizations:
Volunteer New Orleans

Harper's 1st Baby Album

Harper's portrait a couple weeks ago was the first of the Growing Baby Package. Mom and dad decided since they loved so many of the pictures that the Carry-About Album would be a perfect baby album. And I couldn't agree more! After each session, they'll be adding to the collection and getting another album. How cool will it be to have such fun albums documenting Harper's first 12 months!

Check out this adorable 5x5 album. The colorful circles I used as backgrounds on many of the pages are actually on the wall in the nursery. I just love all the bright colors.

Margaret's 2nd Portrait

Big brother, William, has a lot to teach little Margaret, but one thing she has already mastered is looking adorable. For this 5th portrait with the family, mom had a wonderful idea to use the veil from her wedding during the session. I have mentioned toys, stuffed animals and books to parents to personalize the session and make the kids feel at ease, but this was so different and so beautiful. The soft sheer texture combined with her beautiful skin took my breath away.

And since I started photographing William when he was just a few months old, he's become quite the ham. Every time I aim my camera in his direction, he is so aware of me and looks up to give me a big smile. So cute! He had a blast in the back yard with bubbles. Bubbles have become a recurring activity at many sessions. They are so fun and encourage complete uninhibited laughter and joy. Love William's smile as he reaches for the bubbles in the air.

Hope you enjoy the slideshow. Click the image below to view it.