A Year for Living Water :: A Year of Radical Giving

If you had asked me two months ago what my goal for 2014 was, it was have been a very strong and very straightforward - "Work from home." You see, just after Ryan and I got married, I decided it was time to set a date to be a full-time photographer. So I set a date, and started working towards the goal. I started making budgets, equipment needs, business research, taxes, branding, etc. None of that has really stopped, but my goal has changed entirely. 

Our (amazing) church, Ecclesia Houston, supports Living Water International (if you haven't heard about it - check it out here). There are events, art markets, and gift cards that go to raising money to build water wells around the world. Every year I am amazed at the amount raised for the organization. I am even more amazed when I check in with their Facebook orBlog and am able to see the faces and communities that have been forever changed by receiving clean water. 

As we were sitting in church the first weekend of Advent, a stirring began in my heart. Our pastor, Chris, made the announcement that in 2014, the Ecclesia goal was to raise enough funds to build a water-well in each of the 23 countries that LWI currently works in, as well as two additional countries. 

25 countries. 

As Pastor Chris often does, he laid a question on the congregation, asking what we could give to make this goal a reality. This is when the stirring really began.

What can I do? 

So the stirring became planning, and while the planning is no where near finished, the goal is set, and the foundation is laid. Rather than aim to save up a nest-egg and work from home, Smith House Photography aims to donate $30,000 to Living Water International by December 31, 2014. 

Yes, you read that number correctly. Thirty-Thousand. Radical Giving. That is what Ryan and I are calling this year. 

Now here's the thing: that is a huge number. HUGE. And significantly more than I made in my photography business in 2013. But as I prayed about my goal, the number stood out so prominently to me that I know it is what the Lord wants me to aim for. But I can't do it without help from my clients. 

So how can you be a part of this? (I hope you are asking this question!)

1. Book a session. 

This probably seems the most obvious, but it is indeed the most significant for my goal. I will be posting again soon what the breakdown of your session fee looks like, and how much of it exactly will go to LWI. 

2. Donate. 

You can, at any time, donate directly to LWI by going to their website. While your donation will be separate from the Smith House Photography goal, it will be just as beneficial to LWI - and that is what really matters. 

3. Join me. 

Do you have a small business, a money-making hobby, a craft that you sell? Take a step back, look at your finances, and see what you can give instead of keep in 2014. I'm not the most business-saavy person, but I would be more than happy to help you if you want to take the sames steps I am taking. 

4. Help with Equipment/Business Expenses. 

Along with this incredible donation goal, comes incredible business, donation, and tax paperwork that I (so-far) have not a clue about. If you have knowledge in this area, I would graciously accept your help. It will save me overhead fees of having to go through a lawyer or consultant, and will allow me to donate more to LWI. 

The same goes for equipment. I currently rent many of my lenses, and have a goal to purchase three new ones this year to save on these rental fees. If you have equipment that you don't use, or if you know somewhere that sells used gear at reasonable prices, send the information my way! Again, anything I can do to lower over-head will be helpful in my overall donation amount. 

5. Pray. 

This is last, but it certainly is not least. I ask for any and all prayers throughout the year. Some specific prayer requests are for 1) open hearts from my clients, 2) for my energy and desire for the goal to not grow weary, 3) for no hiccups on the business side/paperwork. I definitely need prayers now, as I start out the year, but I will need prayers just as much in April, and September, and December. 

Now that this is officially the longest, least graphic, blog post I have ever made, I will bring it to an end. As I mentioned above, I plan to put together another post out-lining what this looks like financially/on a session-to-session basis. (Another tip I am taking from our church - be completely open and honest with finances!) 

I look forward to the year ahead, and am so excited for those of you who will be walking alongside me throughout the journey. 

Cheers. 

Johnson Family :: Christmas Session :: Brenham Portrait Photographer

Now that you have all received your Christmas cards, I can share some of my favorite Christmas sessions from 2013! 

If you follow my Instagram, you have certainly seen these boys before. Jesse and Silas are the product of one of my bridesmaids, Halley, and her husband, Josh. I am bias for sure, but they are two of the greatest and most good-looking boys I have gotten to photograph to date. 

We trekked out into the woods near a park in Brenham for the Johnson Family's Christmas card session. The boys decorated a tree in the woods, played hide and seek, blew fake snow, and (of course) took some amazingly adorable photos. 

P.S. Who thinks Jesse and Si would be picture perfect Gap Kids Models?? 

Allie + David :: Engaged :: Katy, Texas Engagement Photographer

Allie and David's session day was QUITE an adventure. The weather played all sorts of tricks on us, but Mother Nature didn't win, (as you can tell from their photos). We also had a visitor pull up to make sure we weren't selling drugs (because apparently, the open field next to this small baptist church in Katy has that problem!). Allie and David laughed through the entire session, even through the rain, and the drug-suspector. They are such an incredible couple, and even only knowing them for a short time, I know that their friends and family are very lucky to have them. 

*It was SO exciting for me to re-blog this session when I created the new website, because I was able to add the amazing review from the couple at the bottom. Thank you, both, so much for your kind words! 

Devin + Barrett :: Engaged :: Magnolia, Texas Engagement Photographer

I was beyond excitement when a fellow-photographer asked me to be a part of this Rockabilly engagement session in Magnolia, Texas. 

Devin, the bride, looked straight out of the fifties with an incredible hair and make-up job, and an even more incredible wardrobe. And, GAH - those eyelashes! They are to. die. for. 

Congratulations on your engagement, Devin and Barrett! 

Randall + Jennifer :: Married : Sante, Fe, Texas Wedding Photographer

What is better than photographing a wedding? Photographing a wedding of a dear, dear friend. 

I met Jennifer just after her and Randall had started dating, and even though it took him a while to pop the question (just teasing), it was obvious from the start that Jennifer and Randall were meant for each other. 

I am so blessed to call these two my friends. It was such a pleasure and an honor to capture their wedding day at Haak Vineyard in Sante Fe, Texas. It rained the ENTIRE day, but they were such troopers. So grateful for the 15 minutes of sunshine after the ceremony that allowed us to capture a few outdoor portraits!  

Congratulations, Jennifer and Randall! 

Venue, Catering, Cake: Haak Winery

Dress: David's Bridal

Hair and Makeup: Untangled Hair Salon

Carrie :: Maternity :: The Woodlands, Texas Maternity Photographer

This sweet soon-to-be Momma has been a friend of mine since college, and what a BIG year she has had! Married in the spring, moved to three different states, and now a baby on the way! 

I was so excited to see her at the bee-themed bee-utiful baby shower hosted by her sister-in-law this weekend in The Woodlands. I am also so excited we were able to squeeze a maternity session into her short visit! Isn't she GLOWING? 

Baby Boyd is one lucky boy to have Carrie as his Momma! Best of luck to Mom & Dad! 

David + Jessi :: Married :: Alvin, Texas Wedding Photographer

This weekend was the first time I had a Bride & Groom want to do a "First Look" before the ceremony, and OH how sweet it was. Jessi and David were able to get all their pre-wedding jitters out, and have a few quiet moments together before the ceremony. 

David and Jessi had a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Alvin Country Club and a sweet, intimate reception following. There could not have been a more perfect day for an outdoor "I-do". 

Best Wishes to the Bride & Groom!