It's the season of giving.  In my house, my beautiful 12 year old has been struggling with her self worth due to a bullying situation.  I would love to help another pre-teen or teenager who is struggling with loving themselves and who they are.  The kids that aren't cookie cutters and define beauty in their own way.  Please nominate someone you think deserves a photo session.  This will be free of charge to them.  It will include 10 digital downloads and an 11x14 fine art print.  I want to give back because every child deserves to feel beautiful, feel special and feel like they matter. 

Let me introduce you to my girl. 

If you've ever had a session with me, you've probably heard me talk about my girls.  This is Paige.  She has been struggling with bullies and after crying herself to sleep some nights, has informed me she no longer wants to go to school because they make her days so miserable. This is an honor roll student, who is losing her love for learning because of the constant taunting during class time. 

At 12 years old, she has won two scholarships for college already.  She aspires to be a defense lawyer.  As she puts it, "I won't believe a word that comes out of my clients mouths anyway, so it will be more of a challenge to get them off."  And her correction officer father spontaneously combusts.

She is the light of my life, and a better version of 12 than I ever was.  I have informed her being 12 just sucks.  It's awful.  But bullies are temporary and that in most cases, they have their own issues they're working through, whether it's bad home lives or their own insecurities.  I've tried to teach her empathy for her fellow human beings and that everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.  Even so, their issues are not her fault, and it's never okay for someone to take their bad day out on you.    

So tell me why the special kid in your life deserves to be spoiled a little.  Send me their name, their story and their picture.  Leave a note here, on my Facebook page, messenger, email...whatever works best for YOU!  I will be randomly choosing a winner on Christmas Eve for a session to take place in the spring.  Please have your entries in by December 23 at 12:00 pm (noon, not midnight).  Please feel free to share, tag someone, or even nominate someone who isn't necessarily your child, but that you know could use some extra love!  Child must be a Massachusetts resident, or willing to travel to MA for their session.