"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!”

"A Symbol of our Soldiers" Veterans Day 2010

As we approach 2010 Veterans Day Ceremonies 

I am reminded of all my family and friends who so courageously served in the military. I captured an image last year in Los Angeles that I have since given to many servicemen, servicewomen and their families as a thank you. This photograph has taken on a life of it's own as people embrace what it represents to them.  This is the story of"A Symbol of our Soldiers."

 On October 20, 2009 I was out in the afternoon with camera in tow, looking for inspiration. Photographers do that a lot. While shooting some colorful leaves that had fallen, I looked behind me and saw the American flag.  It struck me how beautiful the flag looked back lite by the sun.  But even more poignant, more emotional, was the fact that this once intact symbol of American pride was now torn. Like the men and women who pledge their lives in service to our country, yet return emotionally and physically damaged, this flag is truly a Symbol of our Soldiers!  I can only hope that this Image Art stands as a reminder to us all, the price that is often paid by our precious military and their families.  Thank You, Thank You for your Service!

"Face of Lace" Image Art

When is a picture a "photo",when is a picture "image art."I think as we allow our artist eye to move past the obvious, beyond the predictable, and flow into the world of intrigue, emotion and story telling, we create image art.  Something as simple as a piece of lace, and the contrast of black and white,  can transform  a portrait into "image art." People ask me what I do for a living. I normally respond "I'm a photographer." But when I immerse myself in shoots like this one and see what develops, I realize I am really an "Imagery Artist."  Often times my favorite photos are captured in an instant, in the middle of a photo shoot.   That's what happened with this self portrait. A moment of testing my lights, became a moment of expression for Debra Snell Photography.   And so "Face of Lace" was born!  You're thoughts? 

Halloween "Senior Style"

There are no Rocking Chairs for these

seniors in Arcadia California. In fact, Halloween 2010

was just an excuse for this geriatric group to get its groove on

& make it a "night of fright." OK so maybe it was an early night.

Nevertheless, "Who says Halloween is just for kids." When I reach

my 80's & 90's, I sure hope I still have a youthful spirit like these

folks!  At Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel, there

were 6, count them 6, residents between the ages of 100-106 at the party.