Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. 
I love a good charity, and no one has to twist my arm for photos, usually. When I came across this advertisement for a fundraiser for the March of Dimes I thought it was absolutely adorable and something my readers might be interested. So I shared it, but I wasn’t planning on participating in it. I am happy to report that I was correct. You all were into it, and shortly after posting it I started getting messages from many of you saying that you were interested but you wanted to see mine first. I should explain… I wasn’t going to participate because my children are photographed a lot, not because I didn’t love the idea, I really love the idea, I just fear that my kiddos will have enough one of these days… BUUUTTTT once you all started asking me to I agreed (it didn’t take much convincing). I was there a week ago, and here’s how it went.
Firstly, here is the deal… More info can be found HERE
- Session fee is $50 per child, which includes an 8 x 10 print of your child(ren). 100% of this goes to March of Dimes.
- There are a la carte options for purchasing additional poses or prints or both. A portion of these fees goes to the March of Dimes
- Your photo is entered into a voting contest. Votes are $1 each and 100% of this goes to March of Dimes.
- If you are one of the top 13, your photo goes into a calendar that is sold for $15. 100% of this goes to March of Dimes.
I made my appointment (click here to do the same) and was able to get in very quickly. (E) loves to play dress up so I was not too worried that she wouldn’t have a good time. I chose not to bring (A) because he has so many after school activities and it would be near impossible to book for him. I was also a little worried that he may not be into it.
It took just about an hour to get to the studio, and it was not hard to find. We were brought in and taken to a dressing room where there were several different outfits, wings and headpieces to choose from. We let (E) choose her own. It ended up being perfect, and not what I might have picked if it was my choice so the girl has got style.
(E) chooses her costume. She chose the one that was so a-typical, and I am SO glad she did.
Once dressed we walked into the studio itself where magical music played in the background. Instead of just throwing (E) into the scene and forcing photos, they just allowed her to walk around, to get accustomed to the setting. She was able to explore the animals, the “water”, the flowers, everything. While she walked around, the flash stated going off. Totally naturally. The photographer asked (E) if she could do certain things (look into something, talk to an animal, etc.) and she did. The staff had some little tricks for getting her to look in certain places, and for getting her to smile.
Ready for her close-up!
The photographer was so patient, allowing her time to get used to the surroundings.
(E) really loved the fan blowing in her face, she looked like she enjoyed being a “star”. She enjoyed walking around the magical set. When we first walked in there were some toys in the area for parents to stand and she fell in love with a blue wrench. Instead of being upset that she wouldn’t let it go (nope not even to play with the set), they were able to incorporate it into the photos, hiding it to get her to look inside or at a certain place.
They were able to get (E) to look in certain places because of the wrench.
Yep its in that little ball too ;O)
Once the shoot ended the tough part started. Which photo to choose. This is always the toughest part and the faerie session was no exception. All of the photos were breathtaking. I was patiently walked through them with a yes, no, maybe process that really helped me to narrow them down. We spoke about the editing process (which takes place after you make your choice). After making that big decision there are some packages you can choose from if you would like more photos than the 8 x 10 that comes with the deal. You can also purchase photos a la carte.
The quick last shot I took before the photographer did his thing.
LOOK AT THIS PICTURE!!!
(for a special surprise, download the free app “Vivaloo” and use the key word Faeries to see video of (E)’s session).
I ADORE my photo. I am GLAD that I did it. It may not be something that I ever do again, but I have this beautiful keepsake of my little girl. Since completing my session I have shown the photos to several of my friends, who quickly signed up for sessions. I can say with true confidence that it was fun for both of us, and the money goes to an amazing cause. It is a really fun and innovative way to fundraise. Everyone walks away happy. Except maybe (A) who said that he wished he could have gone too.. and I thought he wouldn’t be into it (go figure).
To schedule your appointment call 845.707.4061. You can also see more about the experience, and ND Pro Media at their website: http://magicalfaerieportraits.com/
