Inspired and Honoured

Okay...I have something to announce.
I've been keeping it secret until I was able to get a few things in place. I had to get a proofing gallery set up, set up my studio office in our basement and....can you guess what my announcement is?


No, I'm not quitting my job to do this full time.....it  has to do with this post.....OK the anticipation is killing me.I am so honoured and pleased to announce that I was selected and approved to be an Inspiration Through Art photographer. I'm giddy, touched, excited and looking forward to my first session, and all future sessions.

What is Inspiration Through Art?

Inspiration Through Art (Formerly the Littlest Heroes Project) runs a few different programs.  The program that I am participating in provides free photo sessions for children and youth (aged infant - 21) who have been affected with any type of serious illness or disability. 

What Does The Photo Session Include?

I will provide a free sitting for the session and will donate images and/or prints of each little hero and their family. Families will also be provided with a link to a private site, so they can share all the images from their session with friends and family.  

Finally, I will also feature their story and a few images on my blog. I come to you or you can come to me, we can even do a hospital shoot if required.  Each session is about 1-2 hours. Click here to see a sample session from a photographer that I love.

I Know Someone Who Would Be Perfect For This!

If you know someone who would be deserving of this gift, all they need to do is apply through Inspiration Through Art.  The application can be found by clicking this link. Once an application is approved (usually a little over a week) you are free to contact your photographer of choice - pick me, pick me!

All of Inspiration Through Art's services are free to the participants, as a way of giving back to the smallest of heroes. 

Who Is Eligible for Inspiration Through Art Services? 

Any child or young person (Infant-21) that is currently fighting or has fought or suffers from any of the following: Autism, Alopecia, AIDS, Bell’s Palsy, Cancer,Chiari Malformation,Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, CHD,Childhood Stroke, Servere Diabetes, Down Syndrome, HIV,Immune System disorders and diseases, Kidney Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Neurocutaneous Syndromes, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, Spina Bifida, Tay-Sachs Disease, and other serious childhood illnesses 

And...because a post isn't a post without some pics.....here are some oldies, but goodies!

*insert girly squeal here*

even grumpy babies need love....

just in time for Movember......

Good News Coming

Okay....I'm announcing some good news tomorrow. It's something exciting for Beloved Muse but you'll have to wait until tomorrow. That being said, I have a few more pictures for you to enjoy from the last few weeks!


Hopefully these remind you of the things that make childhood amazing.....

Older cousins that dote on you and love you - a perfect part of childhood

Chalk drawing on the sidewalks......awesome!

Family photos gone wrong.....I gambled that the dried out dead branch could hold the weight of 2 adults.
I was wrong.

Exploring uncharted territory!

Other family photos gone wrong......

Playing in a box. Another one of childhood's best offerings.....

There are pictures everywhere...

Since I have started this 365 project I have noticed that there are pictures EVERYWHERE. Everywhere I look I see pictures. I recently read about the FART method (amusing side note, when I googled the FART method I found this. Who knew that you could squish up a newborn to yield these results? But I digress....); it inspired me to be more thoughtful about what I am shooting, and why.


The FART method is broken down as follows - Feel. Ask. Refine. Take. I'm not going to go any more in-depth here, but I suggest checking out Fart For Fantastic Photos to try to improve your own creative process. Trust me, you do have one!


So....the F stands for 'feel.'  Now that I am looking for a picture a day, I often feel like taking a photo, several times a day. That's usually where I stop; I miss the 'ART.' I really love that FART urges you to question what inspired you, and then to work to capture that.  


I'm going to start trying to focus on the 'ART' and try not to get lost in the 'F.'


Tonight, on my way into the house for dinner, two of my neighbours stopped me and shouted out 'you should take a picture of the sunset.' I love that even my neighbours are helping me find inspiration for my 365 project. But they were right - the sunset was crazy tonight. 


Ironically.....I didn't use ART to take these pictures, but I did try something new.  First, I took a few long exposure night-time shots; something I had always been a little too timid to try. Then, I learned how to make an animated gif (see questionably successful results below).


So, get out there, try something new, and be inspired by those around you!

** Note: These pictures were not taken with the intention of creating an animated gif, but when I saw the clouds rolling across the photos, and my dear husband commented that it would make a good blog post, I thought I should follow the external inspiration cues for the day.