"AMAZING APRIL"-Teaching with Class

 There's something special about photographing someone who gives so much to society.  April is a teacher, a mom, a wife, a friend and most importantly a remarkable woman.  That she trusted me enough to step out of her comfort zone, and allow me to uncover the many sides of April, is an honor. I know her husband IS loving the surprise Christmas photos.  Thanks April.  Can't wait to shoot the entire family.

"OPERATION CHRISTMAS JOY" was a huge Success!!

 I had the privilege this weekend to be a part of the annual 

“Operation Christmas Joy” in Baldwin Park California.

Dr. Sherry Rostami, from Centro De Salud clinic, asked me

to donate my services as a photographer, and take the photos

of the children with Santa. Of course I did this last year and it

was so much fun the answer was an immediate YES!! “Operation

Christmas Joy” is Dr.Rostami’s gift to the community.  We knew

 that we would have more families this year than last year, because

of the struggling economy.  About 700-800 hundred people came

 to this joyous event.

 The moments inside Santa’s Special Corner were so endearing, that

I wanted to share them with all of you.  There were children of

all ages, some with physical and mental challenges, others

who were a bit scared of the big guy in the red suit, and then there were

the outgoing characters. Without a doubt many wanted to make sure

Santa knew what they hoped to get for Christmas.  Some waited for

hours in the sun just to get a free photo with Santa, pick up some toys,

get some food.

We gave away trees, bicycles, presents and lots of love.  This is to me

what Christmas is all about.  Giving your time and love to help others

who so clearly are in need.  I thought when we asked for donations that we

would be in trouble because times are tough. But thanks to Walgreens,

Home Depot, Vallarta Supermarkets, Rage Models, Arnolds Hardware the

Baldwin Police Department the Childrens Center in Hollywood, and many

 individuals who gave, this was a magical Christmas party for many.

As the song from Flash Dance goes “ What a feeling!”