An End of the Year Gift that Gives Back...

It's that time of year. Time for end-of-the-year charitable giving. Almost at every store front Jingle bells can be heard, and we find ourselves digging through our coat pockets for spare change to donate. That little red bucket provides an easy way to give anonymously without great sacrifice on our parts, and we all walk away feeling good about "doing our part".

The Salvation Army has great success with this approach, but isn't there MORE that WE can do? What if we were to give in a way that demanded something deeper of ourselves - more thought, more love, more sacrifice? What if this year we were to give with the goal of changing lives?

Tammy Labuda Photography wants to encourage you to do just that. So, for the next three days we will match any amount you donate to charity with a gift certificate for portraits, up to $250.

Here's how it works: Say you donate $100 to the American Veterans Society. We'll send you a $100 gift certificate for portraits with Tammy Labuda Photography to be used toward your next portrait session. No expiration date. Use your gift certificate on any future session or book one now. You can even give it away as a gift. It's your choice.

All you need to do is send us the receipt/confirmation of your donation (It must be dated within the next three days), and we'll match your donation with a TLP gift certificate of the same dollar amount. (Not valid with already completed sessions. Print minimums apply.)

We also want to challenge you to make your gift personal. Do you have a family member suffering from diabetes? Perhaps you know someone in the military and could make a donation to an organization that provides gifts to our soldiers for the holidays. Is there a missionary you could support?

We challenge you to bless someone this Christmas season - and look forward to blessing you in return!

Here are a few ideas:

Help my friend Julie's daughter Lizzie raise awareness for Autism by donating to the National Autism Association of North Texas.

Checks can be mailed to:
NAA - NT
2232 Cross Bend Road
Plano, TX 75023

Here's a picture of Lizzie at home and at her school:


Or, join in the fight against Breast Cancer by contributing to my friend Flora's charity of choice - Cleaning for a Reason. This organization offers free housecleaning services to cancer patients going through chemo therapy and radiation treatments. What a creative and practical way to help those fighting this life-threatening disease!

I'm thrilled to report that beautiful Flora has been cancer free for one year now. Here she is with her precious boys!


Several of my friends suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. You can help people like my friend Colleen's mom Monica find a cure for this terrible disease by visiting the National MS Society on the web to make a donation.

Here's Colleen's two little boys with their Grandmother who battles MS daily.


Lastly, consider helping Katie, a young missionary girl who has adopted over 10 little girls, feed and educate hundreds of hungry children in Africa through the foundation she started:

Amazima Ministries


The choices are limitless. Make a difference today! We look forward to seeing you in the year to come.

Happy Giving and Merry Christmas!

Senior Pictures Contest

Voting Ends Tomorrow (Sunday, October 10th, 2010) at 10:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. I'll be logging on to Facebook at that time and will record the winners. Votes received after that time will not count. I'll announce the winner here on the blog and on facebook sometime on the 11th.

To Vote:
1. Go to Tammy Labuda Photography on Facebook.

2. Click on the Like Button at the top of the page.

3. Scroll down until you see the Senior Pictures Contest photo album.

4. Find the person's picture who you want to give your vote.

5. Click on the "like" button below their picture.

One of these girls will be a very happy senior come Monday. Thank you to everyone who took the time to bring these girls a little joy.

2011 Senior Voting Has Begun!

VOTING STARTS NOW!

Here's what to do:

1. Go to Tammy Labuda Photography on Facebook to visit our fan page where the contest is taking place.

2. You must first "Like" Tammy Labuda Photography's fan page. (Only fans of our page are able to vote.)

3. Locate the 2011 Senior Pictures Contest photo album on the fan page Wall (or under the Photos tab).

4. Click on the picture of the Senior you'd like to vote for.

5. Lastly, Click on the "Like" button directly below their picture to cast your vote specifically for them. Please Note: Even if you already "Liked" our fan page, your vote will not count unless you also "Like" their individual picture.

Again, only fans may vote, and you can only vote once.

Readers of the blog can get in on the fun as well. These girls are competing for a FREE Senior Session with Prints. I'm sure they would appreciate any extra votes they can get.

Send this to everyone you can to get votes for your favorite!

Voting ends at midnight on October 10th. The winner will be announced October 11, 2010.

*********
Meet Our Seniors (in alphabetical order):

Amy:


Laiken:


Sarah:

Good Luck, Ladies!

Or, better yet: Best Wishes. (I don't really believe in LUCK.)

2011 H.S. Senior Pictures Contest {DFW Senior Photographer}

Senior Pictures Contest—win a FREE H.S. Senior session with lots of goodies (i.e. prints)!

See rules and contest details below.


If you are graduating high school (or know someone who is) and need senior pictures, this contest is for you. Enter now for your chance to win a FREE custom senior session and print package.

Here are the Details:

1. Take a picture of yourself.

2. Send in your ONE favorite picture to me via email at labuda@sbcglobal.net. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to do this for you (per Facebook regulations).

3. I will then post these pictures to a special contest album on my Facebook fan page.

4. “Like” my fan page by searching for “Tammy Labuda Photography” on Facebook.

5. Send people (your friends, family, co-workers, etc.) to “like” my Facebook fan page and have them VOTE for their favorite picture (i.e. YOURS!) by "liking" your picture in the contest album.

6. The winner will be announced on October 1st based on the total number of votes for each entered image. Votes are counted by the number of “likes” on each individual image/entry. A person must be a fan of my Facebook fan page to vote. Votes from people that are not fans will not be counted.

*****Rules!
- Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, September 28th! I will post all entries on Wednesday, September 29th, and the voting will begin immediately.
- One entry per person.
- Click “like” by the picture to vote! Feel free to add any comments about the picture.
- Voting will continue from Wednesday, September 29th through Sunday, October 10th. Winner will be announced Monday, October 11th.
- For obvious reasons, photos taken by professional photographers will not be accepted.

THE PRIZE:
The winner will receive a complimentary Senior session with me and gift prints (1 8x10, 2 5x7s, and 8 wallets). The session will take place at one location of your choice (within 30 miles of Allen, TX). A signed model release will also be required prior to the session.

Let the fun begin!!

Share and Enjoy!!

Facebook Fan Page

I just published my new facebook fanpage! Yeah me!

Being somewhat technically challenged (and having a three year old at home to watch), I'll have to work on adding the html for adding the LIKE button to my blog page at another time.

My brother Phil has been encouraging me to take advantage of social networking for quite some time now, so he can finally be proud of me for taking the first step - baby step though it may be.

I would really appreciate if you would visit my facebook page and "Like" it and encourage your friends to do the same. You will see many familiar faces in the many photo albums I've added to the wall. I'm so excited to share it with you!

Photo Party {Allen, TX Photographer}

My client Mariah recently took me up on an offer for a free session and digital files. In exchange she agreed to invite 5 families to participate in a Photo Party event. We chose a tea party/dress-up theme. Mariah and I had a great time scouting out locations and brainstorming ideas for the party decorations.

Mariah did a beautiful job with the treats table. She also brought along some of her custom hand-painted Dress Up Suitcases. I have to say, her hand-made fabric banners were just the right touch.

My friend Sarah gave me her daughter Allyson's old purple Disney princess chair and table set. Thanks! My husband spray painted it a soft and creamy white color. I like it so well, it's now a permanent fixture in our kitchen.

Thanks, so much, Mariah for putting this together. I had a wonderful time meeting all your friends!


Mariah's children look so cute in their custom outfits by Kristi Kelly Designs. Love the polka dots! I was eyeing those treats all night. Aubrey, Piper, and Parker wasted no time helping themselves.


Kate and Sarah Paige, pretty as a picture.


Aubrey plays dress up enjoying the treasures found inside mom's custom cases.


Ally enjoys a cup of tea. A tea party with friends, so sweet!


Morgan, Carson, and Holden - such a joy.


Kiley and her mom, Intaly. The very fun and active Andrew.


Mason, Brady, and Logan - definitely ALL boy!.

Mother's Day Special {Dallas, TX Photographer}

Dad's, fear no more. The search for the perfect Mother's Day gift is over. What says, "We Love You!" better than custom portraits of the ones she loves best?


Now is the perfect time to take advantage of our special Mother's Day promotion to get half off your session fee and a free 5x7 to present to your children's mother (or your own) on Mother's Day. You will also receive 10% off additional prints ordered.

We've had several mother's tell us that they would LOVE custom portraits of their children for Mother's Day, so this is for them! And, moms, who says you can't buy yourself a special little Mother's Day gift? Or, at least you can point everyone in the right direction!

Please contact us for pricing information, or call us at 214-547-9820 to schedule your session.

Orders must be processed before April 30th in order to get your prints in time for Mother's Day.

Cora Mae: Beautiful People Model Search Contest Winner {Allen, TX Child Photographer}

Meet Cora Mae!

This sweet little 18 month old is full of life and energy - and from what I hear, she's a real Daddy's girl. Her mommy made this adorable outfit for their sibling session (which I'll post later in the week). Apparently she fell in love with the outfit and has been wearing it nonstop since. I can totally relate. My own daughter, Alden, has even asked to sleep in her favorite dresses from time to time. What is it with girls and their clothes?

Cora Mae, her mommy, and I had a great time playing peek-a-boo during her session. Cora Mae, I'm so thrilled your mommy entered you in the contest, sweet girl! You are truly beautiful.

Now, let's hope Daddy loves these pictures as much as I do.






If you think this little angel is a cutie pie, there's more to come! Just wait until you see her three siblings! Talk about gorgeous!

Allyson: TLP Beautiful People Contest Winner

Allyson's mom entered our Beautiful People Model Search Contest earlier this month and was one of our winners. This past Saturday I met up with them in downtown McKinney for Allyson's photo session. I had a great time getting to know Allyson and catching up with her parents.

Allyson's mom and Dad and I go way back - back to my very first days as a Texan. John and Sarah were members of the church I worked at when I moved to Texas in 1997. We became great friends but lost touch when I got married and moved to another town. It's hard to believe Allyson wasn't even born yet the last time we all saw each other. So, you can imagine how excited I was for their session.

And what a great day it was! Not only did we get some great pictures, but after the session our families all went out to dinner together. (We highly recommend Spoons on the square in downtown McKinney.) It doesn't get any better than reconnecting with old friends and meeting each other's children for the first time. And what a terrific feeling to know you can pick up right where you left off.

I'm so thrilled you entered the contest, Sarah! For so many reasons.

Now (because I know Sarah can't wait any longer), let's get to Allyson's pictures.

Allyson is a little on the shy side, but oh so sweet. I found out she's just a little afraid of heights. (You let me know when you're ready for some pictures on top of that building, Allyson. I'll be waiting.) All-in-all, she did a great job!

Take a look at this beautiful 8 year old young lady!



John and Sarah clean up pretty well, too, don't you think? Sarah doesn't look a day older than the day I last saw her. Amazing!


I include these next pictures along with a little personal history. John and Sarah were with me the day I met my husband Steve. Our sunday school class was out dancing at Cowboy's Red River that night. Those were fun times! It's good to see you still have all the right moves, y'all!


I soon found out that Allyson's daddy held the key to Allyson's heart (notice that big huge smile). All he had to do was act a little silly and she opened up like a beautiful flower.


I love it when families are affectionate with one another - especially when it comes from the heart. This family is so special. Allyson, you are one very blessed little girl!


So glad we got to catch up, Sarah, John, and Allyson. Let's get together again real soon!

Beautiful People Model Search Contest: Winers Announced!

Thank You! Thank You! To all of you who stopped in to vote for your favorite Beautiful People. The turn-out was amazing!


Here are the Winners in the Babies/Child category:

First Place: Cora Mae (45 Votes)

Second Place: Allyson Nicole (32 Votes)

Third Place: Leeson Siblings (18 Votes)


The Winners in the Family Category are as follows:

First Place: The Walenciak Family (45 Votes)

Second Place: The Yardley Family (22 Votes)

Third Place: The Delao Family (12 Votes)


Our two first place winners will receive a free mini session (valued at $75) and a $50 TLP gift card.

Our two second place winners and our two third place winners will all receive a $50 TLP gift card to be used anytime in 2010.

Congratulations, everyone!

If you were counting the votes in the comments section, you may have noticed that there were a few anonymous votes. Those were not included in our final tally. There were also a few votes left in the comments section of other posts. Those were counted. Though the anonymous votes were not included, it's good to know that they would not have affected the final outcome even if they had been.

I hope you all had as much fun with this contest as I have. I've truly enjoyed all the visitors to our blog these past few days and am so grateful to all of you for getting the word out! If you are a visitor and are interested in more information about our blog and studio, please email us. We'd love to hear form you and would be happy to add you to our email list to receive updates on upcoming events and special promotions.

Be sure to check back the first of March when we announce our March Madness Promotions and our 2010 Mini Session Schedule. Who knows, maybe next time you'll be the big winner.

Oh, and better yet...

Be sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming pictures of our Beautiful People Model Search Contest winners here on our blog and in the opening slideshow of our blog in the weeks to come. I for one can't wait!

Voting for the Beautiful People Model Search Contest Starts Today!

First of all, I wanted to send out a BIG Thank You! to everyone who participated in our first ever Beautiful People Model Search Contest. Receiving your pictures in my inbox and reading your touching stories has been the highlight of each day this past week. I can't wait for the rest of you to meet these truly beautiful people!

So, let's get to it...On to the VOTING!

We have received entries in each of the following two categories: Babies/Children and Family. The pictures in each category are randomly numbered. I've made the executive decision that ALL entries will be eligible to take part in the vote - not just three per category.

Please CAST YOUR VOTE in the COMMENTS SECTION located at the bottom of this post. Be sure to indicate the image number and the person's name you are voting for. Limit one vote per person/per category/per email address. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR NAME WHEN VOTING. ANONYMOUS VOTES WILL NOT COUNT.

Voting is open TODAY through MIDNIGHT TOMORROW, February 12th. Winners will be announced Tuesday, February 16th.

One winner will be determined by your votes in each of the two categories. The winner will receive a free mini session (valued at $75) and a $50 TLP gift card. The two runners up in each category will receive a $50 TLP gift card toward their next session.

Without further ado, here are the entries for the BABIES/CHILDREN category:








And, now for the entries in the FAMILY category:





Thanks again to all of you who took the time to ENTER the contest and to those of you who stopped by to VOTE. This has been SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Now, GO! Spread the word. Get ALL your friends and family to stop by and VOTE (before midnight on Friday), so you can SNATCH UP your prize and WIN!

Best Wishes to ALL of you!

Last Day to Enter: Beautiful People Model Search Contest {Dallas, TX Model Search}{Dallas, TX Photography}

Today is the last day to enter your favorite person for our Beautiful People Model Search Contest. We already have several entries in the baby/children and family categories. If you know someone in the teen/young adult, maternity/newborn, or engagement/bridal category, enter them today. Chances are fairly good they'd win a free session and a $50 TLP gift card.

Last week I showed you the picture I would have entered of my daughter Alden. I wouldn't be a very good mother if I neglected to enter my son now, would I? So, here's the picture I would enter of Stephen. Too bad he doesn't qualify for the contest, but he sure is a winner in my heart!

Beautiful People Model Search Contest: Deadline Extended

The deadline for our Beautiful People Model Search Contest has been extended.

* Entries will be excepted through midnight Tuesday, February 9th, 2010.

* Voting will take place Thursday, February 11th through midnight February 12th.

* Winners will be announced, Tuesday, February 16th.

See the previous post for full contest details.

I'll leave you with a picture I would enter of my daughter Alden (from when she was a baby)...IF she didn't already get free pictures for life, that is.

Beautiful People Model Search {Dallas, TX Model Search}{Dallas, TX Photography}{Allen, TX Photography}

Last year I got sucked into a reality television show called True Beauty. The contestants thought the producers were looking for America's Most Beautiful Person and assumed they were competing on looks alone. Little did they know the producers were much more concerned with their inner beauty and integrity than their outer looks. It made for interesting viewing for sure.

I find in photographing people that a person's inner beauty is what makes for a truly beautiful photograph. When I look at an image and can see a person's soul shining through, then I know I've captured true beauty. It's what I love most about my job as a photographer.

And, when my clients see it too, it's beyond satisfying!

The following is a testimonial sent in by one of our bride's moms earlier this year.

Tammy, I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful Bethany’s portraits are! You have really captured my daughter’s soul. I weep every time I go through the collection...You have managed to make her look like an elegant young woman in love who deserves every good thing possible...


Now, THAT is what it's all about - for me anyway. If I can capture just a hint of my client's true personality and soul, then I know I've done my job. And to know that I've blessed a family with a gift that will last a lifetime...is truly fulfilling.

And, I'm itching to do it all over again this year!

That's where our Beautiful Person Model Search Contest - and YOU - come in.

Do you know a person who is just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside? We'd like to meet them! TLP invites you to nominate them for our Beautiful People Model Search Contest. The winners (decided by your votes) will receive a free mini session and a $50 TLP gift card. No additional purchase required. They will also be featured in the opening slideshow of our website for two months.

We are looking for one fresh new face in each of the following five categories: maternity/newborn, child, teens/young adults, family, and bridal/engagement.

Here's how the contest works:

1. Email a recent picture of the person(s) you'd like to enter into the contest to labuda@sbcglobal.net. Limit one entry per category per person/email address.

2. Include the person's full name, age, and email address in the body of the email - as well as your contact information. If the person is a minor, please include the full name and contact information of their parent/legal guardian. Be sure to get their permission.

3. Entries will be accepted through midnight February 5, 2010.

3. TLP will narrow down the entries to our favorite 3 beautiful people in each category. A 24 hour vote will take place on my blog on February 7, 2010 to determine the winner. Participants will cast their vote in the comments section of the blog post. Limit one vote per person/email address.

4. The Five Winners will be announced on our blog on February 9, 2010.

5. The two runners up in each category will receive a $50 TLP Gift card to be used any time in 2010.

6. Free session certificates will expire May 2010.

6. Entrants must live within a 25 mile radius of Allen, TX to participate (or be willing to travel to the photographer).

I look forward to checking my inbox this week and meeting a few of your favorite beautiful people. Please share the link to this post with others and round up as many voters as you can for your favorite entries. Post a link to your blog or facebook homepage (and send us an email letting us know that you did) and you will receive a $25 TLP Gift Card to be used any time in 2010.

Here are a few of my favorite beautiful people from 2009.