Giving is Awesome

I've been thinking about giving back this holiday season and offering photography to someone who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it this Christmas. I then discovered the Giving is Awesome project, a worldwide project of photographers giving away custom photography. At present there are more than 400 photographers offering over $444,000 in free photography. I want to be able to share my photography with someone who will benefit from it, but otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it.

So this is how it works.

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $200 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a free session ($45 value). What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services.

* The nominee must reside in the TriCounty Area or be willing to met me. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : clousephoto@gmail.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

BOY, n.: A NOISE WITH DIRT ON IT. - CHARLESTON, SC PHOTOGRAPHER

My Newborn from last month. You may remember mom's session.

I get so much of my inspiration from other photographers on flickr. This photographer is no exception! She inspires me and has been for over 4 years now! Robyn, You Rock!

Since it's football season and Mom and Dad are NCAA fans, I saw the first one as a must! Here's a sneak peak from their session.

Think Pink Photography - Charleston, SC Photographer

I posted this information last year when I was accepted into the program but in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and since the 7th Annual Blogger Bobbie-Thon kicked off this morning, I thought I would post it again. If you haven't heard of the Blogger Boobie-Thon, check it out! This year, I'm proud to announce that I'm the Chief Boobie Survivor Coordinator.

Amanda Clouse Photography is excited to announce a new partnership with Think Pink Photography. Founded in October 2007 by Ohio Photographer, Tennille King, Think Pink Photography strives to help breast cancer survivors and their families celebrate life with charitable photography sessions. Individuals may choose to document their fight against the disease before or during treatment, or prefer to capture their victory with a session after treatment is completed. Photographers world-wide are now available to donate time and talent to celebrate life and support the cause. There is no cost or obligation to the breast cancer patient.

Think Pink Photography is a non-profit organization. Any profits Think Pink Photography receives through donations or various fund raising efforts are donated to the Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation - a foundation dedicated to promoting education, increasing awareness, and providing support and assistance to families that have been touched by breast cancer.

Clients participating in a Think Pink Session will receive a complimentary photo session, as well as 20 finished prints from the session. They will also receive a discount off of any additional portraits they wish to purchase, although there is absolutely no purchase required at any time.

For more information, you can contact me, or you can visit the Think Pink Photography website at: http://www.thinkpinkphotography.org

Fall Family Portraits - Charleston, SC Photographer

Now booking appointments for Fall Family Portraits. If you are interested in Portraits without having to go to a studio, contact me. Portraits with a casual style!

Local High School Seniors - Charleston, SC Photographer

Are you a High School Senior that lives in Charleston, SC and is graduating in 2009? If so, were you happy with your Senior Portraits? If not, please contact me. I'm looking for a Senior male and female that would like to have casual and fun portraits taken. If you know someone, please have them contact me.

NEW POLICY STARTING 01 SEP 2008

Starting 01 SEP 2008, ALL clients MUST sign a model agreement. Adult and Minor model agreements must be signed at time of booking along with the session fee paid in full no later than 1 week prior to a scheduled session. All clients prior to 01 SEP 2008, please contact me if you wish to not have your photographs displayed on my website(s).

.You Make My Heart Smile.

I met a friend of mine from High School out at Mepkin Abbey last month to take pictures of her adorably cute daughter Miss B. Here is a sneak peak of her session.

.Live Laugh Love.

This is my second maternity session. She had the baby 1 week later via c-section. I can't wait to be able to take pictures of him.

Family is the foundational building block of all of which we are about...

"Family is the foundational building block of all of which we are about. It helps mold us, shapes our value system, and helps to center the universe. Family is that which gives us the feeling of connectedness."
[12/12/2006]

David G. White – Deputy Chief, Well-Being Division - "army families online"

Last summer my husband was overseas for 3 months. While he was gone, I found an organization called "Operation Love ReUnited" which is an on-going program that provides professional photography to military families at no charge. Three types of sessions are offered: pre-deployment of the whole family together, during deployment of the family at home, and homecoming as the family is reunited. Each family is eligible for two OpLove sessions per year. It’s a world-wide program.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Grace from Sam & Bellie and her beautiful family last weekend. Her husband was deployed on the 15th with the US Air Force. I hope to meet with Grace again before Christmas for a family shoot and another for her husbands homecoming in April.

Here's a sneak peak of their session.

“The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.”

Seniors - C/O 2009 - Ana D.

On our family vacation to Myrtle Beach this year, I had the pleasure of taking my beautiful cousin's senior pictures. She was born in South Carolina but they live in West Virginia so it was kinda neat to be able to take her pictures for her in the state that she was born in. View More Here

Little Ones - Miss Izzy

This was my first beach session of the year as well as my first session with someone that I've never met. Granted, she is a friend of my spokes model family, it was nice to take photos for a stranger. ; ) View More Here

Family Ties - Wright Family

This is my spokes model family! You may remember the oldest boy from my banner image and yes, the little one was the one in the tummy at the time. I love seeing how fast they grow. I hope to get to take pictures for the little one for his first birthday. View More Here

Little Ones - Miss A

I had the pleasure of taking photos for a friend and co-worker mother's day weekend. Her daughter is so adorable and knows it! ; ) Here's a few of my favorites and you can view more here.

Melissa & Shane - .Couples in Love.

April 2008

And the Winners are...

It was a pleasure photographing these sessions last year. Thank you to all that participated and thank you to all of my wonderful Clients.

And on to the winners...

First Place - 38% of the votes -


Second Place - 24% of the votes -


Third Place - 14% of the votes -


I'll be in touch with details on obtaining your prizes.