THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT CAUSING LIMITED SESSION SPOTS. NEW DATES TBD
I can’t tell you how excited I am to meet you all and introduce you to my sweet Hannah Grace! Every time I go on tour to various states, I met so many amazing families who are now life long friends. The hardest part about having out-of- state clients is missing them when I leave. It’s that extra special connection that we share with our kiddos that connect our hearts no matter how many miles apart we are, and it’s going to be such a blessing to meet you all and tell your amazing stories through beautiful portraiture all while helping to support your local non-profits!
I know many of you already know of me, but for those of you who don’t…My daughter, Hannah Grace (now 4) was born with Down Syndrome. My (then) husband chose not to accept her diagnosis and left us when she was only 5 days old with 3 holes in her heart and possible leukemia…He said, “she’s defective”. That word he used shattered my heart for her future because if her own flesh and blood wouldn’t accept her…who would? This left my daughter and I virtually homeless living in hotels and couch surfing; living off of limited government food programs having to pawn my wedding rings for additional food and bills. Fast forward 2 years to 2016… I had prayed for a platform to advocate for my daughter and others like her to change the negative perceptions society has of children with special needs so that what happened to us wouldn’t continue to happen to others. My employer at the time who was a pro videographer saw some images I had taken of Hannah with my iPhone and said “you have a gift” and urged me to get a ‘real’ camera. After arguing with him like he was crazy because I’m horrible with technology lol, I finally got one and the Lord used our mess and turned it into a literal miracle and has given me a testimony for others to see our children through the same lens Jesus does…the lens of unconditional love and acceptance. Within only days of posting my first collection of images, I had media from all over the globe including Washington D.C. contacting me wanting to know “why are you photographing so many children with special needs?” So I happily obliged them, and our story spread like wildfire and hasn’t stopped since and my daughter had her first TV debut at just 2 years old and has become the global sweetheart of the special needs community. My images are internationally recognized and published. Images can be understood in every language and I have followers as far as Japan and Brazil wanting to be included in the Doll Collections which is why I started doing session tours last year. Paperdolls Photography quickly became a global campaign for inclusion as we continue to promote inclusion of all abilities and point others to stories of hope and love.
I am grateful everyday for this gift God has given me to be able to connect with our children in a way that is incomprehensible to me teaching the world to love like Jesus does. I can’t wait to meet your amazing families and include you on our amazing journey in helping others see our children the way we do…beautiful, capable, and loved.
So now that you have my back story, let’s get to the good stuff and how I can contribute to your DSA community…The Fundraiser! All session pricing includes premium editing/ post processing, time and talent of the photographer (aka-‘sitting fee’), number of digital images included in the package you choose, and a gorgeous online gallery including ALL of your best shots where you can purchase your stunning prints and canvas from and any additional digital images you may want. (Due to so many families wanting to purchase the ENTIRE digital galleries, that option will now be available for you too:)
All sessions will take place at the Beach At Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and meet by the pier
4201 Ocean Dr
Lauderdale by the Sea, FL 33308
Below you will find 2 Beach Session Options to choose from for this fundraiser. Of course the longer the session, the more variety and shots you will have to choose from. If the session is for the whole family, I will get shots of the entire family as well as shots of just the kiddos, sibling shots, individual shots etc..(I recommended the 30 minute session for families of 4 or more). If the session is just for the child/children, then of course the entire session will revolve around your sweetheart/s.
Who can participate? Anyone who has an extra chromosome, OR loves someone who does!
10% of each session fee will be donated back to your local Down Syndrome Non-Profit, and an additional $200 will be donated for every 10 families that book! So forward this to all your local friends so they don’t miss it! This is my way of giving back to others who have the same mission and heart as Paperdolls Photography. It’s hearts like those who run these organizations that can really make a difference in our children’s futures, and I am honored to partner with your DSA on this amazing and unique fundraiser in your area as we continue to raise awareness and change hearts one stunning image at a time.
PACKAGE 1 $425 includes
- 30 minute Premium Portrait Beach session
- 7 digital images
- Kids have time for an outfit change on the beach to give you various looks:)
PACKAGE 2 $325 includes
- 20 minute Premium Portrait Beach session
- 3 digital images
To Book simply email thedollcollections@gmail.com with which package you want and what your first and second choice days are to book on (dates TBD), then you will be sent the available time slots I have left for those days to choose from. After you’ve chosen your time, you will be sent your invoice…Please Note: Due to limited availability, invoice fees are due in full immediately at time of booking to secure your session. You will be invoiced via email and pay straight from there. Your spot will not be held until payment is confirmed. Session spots are on a first come first serve basis. Session fees are non refundable except in the rare event that we do not reach our fundraiser goal in which case refunds would be issued and we would reschedule your area for another time. We are looking to raise significant funds for your non-profit-not just a few dollars here and there so be sure and share with your local friends! Please be sure to check all email folders, as your email may filter the Invoice outside of the main inbox. BOOKING CLOSES JULY 21st!!!
I am told that sunrise and early morning is the best time of day to shoot this time of year to avoid the heat (6:50am-9:45am) not to mention incredibly beautiful and well worth getting up early for. The other option is evening between 6-7::30pm (sun will be setting at 8pm during the time the tour). So these are the most ideal booking timeframes that will be most comfortable for your family.
See you in the sunshine soon!!! Enjoy the tearjerker video below of our amazing miracles we call our children!
FOLLOW THE DOLLS ON FACEBOOK 🙂