Our contribution:

- a mom getting into the wrong car at a gas station (which was the runner up, even though that doesn’t come with a prize)

- a mom mistakenly using car air freshener for body spray

- a mom scolding movers for “stealing” her jewelry only to remember that she pinned it into her bra just to ensure it would not be stolen

We honestly had a hard time deciding which story was worthy of the free session and canvas. Emily’s story hit close to home.  There is a similar story about Aaron’s mom’s attempt at breadmaking that has become somewhat of family lore… though no animals were harmed in the making of the story.

Here’s what’ Emily sent us:

“My name is Emily Pearl and I am 25 years old. My wonderful mother is Agnes. She married my dad in July 1973 and first became a mother in June 1974 (they didn’t waste any time) with my oldest sister, Katie. Then in 1979, Tim, the only boy and therefore our mother’s favorite  ;)  came along. Mary was born in 1981 and I arrived in 1985. 

I’ll start her funny story before then though. Katie must have been around 3 because Tim wasn’t born yet. Mom had made some meatloaf one night. Well the small family didn’t get it all finished, so the next night they ate it for leftovers. It just so happens that Dad got sick! What bad luck. But that darn meatloaf was still around, and my mom, being how she is, just couldn’t throw it out. We don’t waste food! So the next night Mom and Katie ate the meatloaf and then Katie got sick! Mom would not throw that meatloaf out though, so she ate it for a couple more meals. Finally, she was so tired of eating meatloaf; she gave the rest of it to the dog. The next morning the dog was dead! LOL!

 So Mom’s meatloaf has a bit of a reputation. It also proves just how much of an iron stomach she has too!”

Congratulations Emily! We’ll see you and your family soon… but please don’t ask your mom to bring any snacks!

Heather’s mom is notorious for telling on herself. If she does something silly or embarrassing history has proven she’ll tell at least one person. We know all moms aren’t as forthcoming, so in honor of Mother’s Day we want you to tattle on your mom.

Tell us the funniest, most embarrassing, or weirdest story about your mom and you could score an awesome Mother’s Day gift. We’ll give the winning entry a gift certificate for a family session and 20 x 30 canvas of mom’s choice. That’s like giving your mom $850 without even opening your wallet!

So open an email and tell us what’s up. Be sure to include your name and phone number so we can contact you if you win. Entries are due May 5^th. That night we’ll settle in with a glass of wine and maybe an abacus to tally the winner.

Plus (because everyone hates to be a loser) we’ll give you $100 off a family session just for entering.

Go… now… write!

Contest Rules

1. Submissions must be made by 7 p.m. May 5, 2010, and can be any length. Pictures are welcome, if you think it will help your case, but they’re not necessary.
2. The prize is a Family Session from Hawes Photography and one 20 x 30 canvas. The session must be scheduled by August 31, 2010.
3. Hawes Photography will decide the winner using a complex mathematical formula and the “who can yell the loudest” style of debate. Whatever we say is final.
4. We also reserve the right to change this contest without notice… just because.
5. We will notify the winner by Thursday, May 6 and arrange for delivery of a gift certificate he/she can present to his/her mom.
6. All entries that include a full sentence will qualify for $100 off a family session. Sessions must be scheduled by May 31, 2010.
7. Send entry emails to aaron@hawesphotography.com

Because inquiring minds like to know… we present some Family Session FAQs

Q: Which family members are usually included in a session?

A: You’ll want to bring along anyone you consider “immediate” family members. That generally includes your spouse and kids (and kid’s spouses and associated grand kids). It can also mean the family dog. If that group is larger than 10 people, contact us for special pricing.

Q: We want some pictures but we’re not sure where we would shoot. Can you help?

A: Absolutely! When you contact us to book your session we can start the process of deciding what and where to shoot. We’re a great resource for locations.

Q: We were thinking about dressing alike, maybe jeans and white shirts. Is that cool?

A: No. Have you ever left the house wearing the same clothes??? We’re not saying you shouldn’t have a cohesive look, but matchy-matchy is no allowed.

Q: How long will it take before we see the pictures?

A: We will schedule your session and viewing at the same time. Usually we can have you in within two weeks of the session.

Q: Do we have to have a viewing? Can you just put the images online?

A: The viewing isn’t mandatory, but it’s a great way to see the many, many options we have for printing and displaying your pictures. Plus we’re photographers, not salespeople, so there’s never pressure to purchase something you want. That being said, we’ll put your images online after the viewing so you can share them with family and friends.

Q: If my parents want pictures do I have to collect their order and money or can you just handle it?

A: We’d love to work with any family member so you don’t have to serve as a middle man. The online proofing has a shopping cart for web savy family members. And we’re happy to take phone or email orders as well.

Q: Can I purchase this session as a gift?

A: Of course! We’ll print a gift certificate for the family of your choice and give them 3 months to redeem it.

Q: While we’re on the subject of pictures, my high school senior needs some. Do you do those as well?

A: Yep! Just contact us for pricing and availability.

Polaroid Model 3 Restoration from Aaron Hawes on Vimeo.

I’ve been excited to post this session for a while now. Ryan is an old friend from High School. Believe it or not we actually had music classes together back in the day ( I know it’s hard to believe). Ryan has turned his love of music into a successful composition career in Baltimore, even being featured in the KC Star a couple years ago. So needless to say when he called and wanted me to help with some great profile imagery for his new website I got pretty excited.

Honestly I’m just glad he loves the result and I could be a small help with his wonderful music. Be sure to go check out some of his work and site at www.ryanmain.com.

You may have gotten an email a couple weeks ago announcing the launch of our new session, <the You session>. We still have a few slots for our release discount. The details are below:

Writers, artists, businessmen, entrepreneurs, musicians, mechanics, lawyers, accountants, anyone who works with people: You and your employees are the face of your company. What do your profile pictures say about you?
 
Today a personal connection is an invaluable tool in reaching your clientele. There is simply no better way to establish an immediate connection than through imagery.
 
So what are you waiting for! We are happy to announce the release of <the You session> specially targeted for the unique business/creative professional.
 
The Session:
- a brainstorming/planning session (we get to know you, you get to know us, and together we come up with some great ideas to highlight what you’re all about)
- CD with at least 20 finished images and copyright release
- a feature on our blog with links and info about your business
 
The standard rate for this session is $500, but to celebrate it’s release we’re offering it to the first 5 takers for $400.
 
FAQs
Q: I hate having my picture taken, do I really need to do this?
A: Absolutely! Your clients still want to see the real you. Besides, our shoots are completely relaxed and natural. I promise you’ll have fun!
 
Q: How long do we shoot for?
A: It just depends on you. I don’t like to worry about time too much, some people only need an hour for a great portfolio and some need 4 hours. We’ll figure out an approximation at the planning session but we’ll shoot until we’re happy -usually between 2 and 3 hours.
 
Q: What should I wear?
A: What are you wearing today? That’s probably a good place to start. Anything that looks like you or what you want to be will work. I’ll give you plenty of ideas in the planning session but nothing crazy. If you’re a construction worker there is probably no reason to wear a tux.
 
Q: Only 20 finished pictures? Is that all you shoot?
A: Not even close! I shoot tons but how many do you actually need to display? The 20 are the best that have been fully retouched. We’ll put the rest online for you to sort through, if I missed one of your favorites we can retouch it for an additional fee.
 
Q: How exactly can I use these images?
A: On everything! Well maybe not quite. They’re perfect for websites, marketing materials, presentations, or hung in the office.
 
Q: My office has a lot of employees, can I do this for everyone?
A: Yes, and you probably should. We offer case-by-case pricing for offices with multiple employees, just ask for pricing. We also offer creative group shots. In fact, does your office have a lot of foot traffic? Ask about our marketing partnerships and get the shoot for free!

Here’s me rockin’ the new specs and doing a little self portrait work with our spiffy new ringflash!