Shawn, Melissa, Sergio & McKenzey

I was reminded recently of how unpredictable life is. You play the hand you’re dealt – every day – and challenge yourself and pray to seek out the good. For more than a year, this family has done just that and more. When Melissa called me one day there was a cautious excitement in her voice. Sergio would be home from Iowa City for a while so we decided on meeting her, Shawn and the kids at Davenport’s VanderVeer Park last week. It was a fun shoot full of personality and love.

Days later, one of Melissa’s Facebook updates: Sergio’s in remission again.. a perfect match bone marrow donor was found… snuggling with McKenzey watching a movie… today was a good day!

Being goofy…

Beautiful smiles…

In love…

Donna ~ Holiday Card Photos

Donna took advantage of my Holiday Card Special – which runs through Nov. 30 – relatively early. Her session with me in Iowa City was unique because we did it in a few segments displaying the use of various seasons in the background and in the open. The result was a unique card with photos she can send to her family. Here’s a few favorites from our time together:

Escape from the Holidays on Dec. 4

I’m excited to be a part of a unique Holiday Escape event hosted by Rivercity Pilates in Coralville on Friday, Dec. 4. All you have to do is show up, and bring a friend or two (or more). You’ll get some complimentary refreshments and get a taste of the good life in your skin, in your body and of course, in your photos and more!

So mark it on your calendars now before you get sucked into the holiday shopping craziness!

Giving Is Awesome ~ Seeking 2010 Nominations

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may recall that last time this year I – along with thousands of other photographers throughout the world – participated in offering custom photography giveaways to deserving families or individuals.

I’ve decided to do it again because Giving Is Awesome.

To give you some background, Giving Is Awesome is a network of photographers worldwide who donate custom photography packages during the holiday season.

HOW IT WORKS: 

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 cannot 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.

I want to know who they are, and give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography — $400 worth, to be exact. And it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

And the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $50 gift card to use toward any of my photography services. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

THE RULES:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a $1 million home does not qualify as a sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Scott, Cedar or Johnson counties in Iowa, or Rock Island County in Illinois. 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 by Dec. 20 at: shuva@accentphotographics.com.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 22 – so 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.

Much blessings and love,

Shuva

Go Red For Women

Tomorrow, I’m excited to be shooting the Go Red for Women Luncheon held by the American Heart Association. It’s a cause near and dear to me and a handful of people I know who have lost a loved one to heart disease or stroke. But the focus of this luncheon is on educating women about the risk factors and empowering them about how to take charge of their health.

I’m especially excited about the breakout sessions:

11-11:20 a.m. – Myths & Facts of Women and Heart Disease
Dispel myths of heart disease in women and get practical tips on lowering your risk factors as well as signs and symptoms to look for. This educational breakout session will make you laugh, but more importantly make you think! 

11:30-11:50 a.m. - CAM and Heart Disease
Learn about the latest research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies for heart disease.  This presentation will provide you with a list of resources for information on CAM therapies and provide an overview of Palmer College of Chiropractic and Trinity at Terrace Park’s collaborative study on the effects of chiropractic care on hypertension.

The luncheon is $35, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (Nov 18) at the Quad Cities Waterfront Center in Bettendorf. Last I heard, the event is close to full capacity but if you want to see if you can still register call the AHA office at 563-323-4321.

If you can’t attend, please take a moment to check out this link for some important Facts about Women and Cardiovascular Diseases. 

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Shuva:-)

 

An Afternoon with Luke

I had an opportunity last weekend to hang out with Luke and his parents, Kevin and Kim, at their home in Sherrard for a photo session. Luke is 1.5 years old and at an age of curiosity, discovery and beautiful expressions.

He took a seat on the pedal tractor in the fields behind the family’s home, and then walked around for a bit. He played ball with his dad and hung around Jen, the family dog.

And after exhausting the gorgeous day, Luke sat down to read stories and play with the coolest blocks I’ve ever seen. (Yes, I built a pyramid with those blocks until Luke decided to end my architectural ambitions with a sweep of his hand – and a beautiful smile).

Photo Specials, Gift Certificates at Holiday Fair in Davenport – 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10

Since a few of us already have lights up around the house (yes, you know who you are!) we can all focus on the holidays, right? So, what better way to start than attending a super-cool, one-of-a-kind Holiday Fair, featuring none other that yours truly!  I’ll have information on some exciting Photo Specials, including a unique Photo Charity Project I’m starting up that will help area children, as well as GIFT CERTIFICATES for sale. The info is below, so come on out and get your shopping done early this year!

Of course I won’t be the only one there. Some incredible area women representing Arbonne International, Tastefully Simple, Signature Home Styles and more will also be there with some neat goodies, drawings and FREE FOOD!

Sailor & Mate ~ Poodle Pictures

It is a little known fact perhaps that what spearheaded my interest in photography were animals – specifically sea turtles and horses. So when Louise in East Moline called me up to do a pet photography session of her poodles Sailor and Mate I was excited for something different. Sailor is 3; Mate is 8. It may be hard to tell them apart in the photos but they were well behaved, friendly, and doing their shoot – done at Duck Creek Park – was a lot of fun.

Oh sun flare, how I love thee!

Tina, Baron and the Boys

My friend Tina has been trying to schedule a photo shoot with me for a year, and finally -  amidst her and her family’s busy schedule - we made it happen last week when we met up at Devils Glen Park in Bettendorf. Joining her were her husband Baron, their two teenage boys, Dylan (left) and Kyle,  and family dogs Julia (left) and Gunner. Here’s a glimpse:

And my favorites of Baron and Tina — I love it when couples who have been together for years photograph like this:

Child Wonderment

Once upon a time we were all children, and fascinated by the most simplest of things – a stick, a rock, a leaf. Emilye reminded me of that during our session earlier this week. 

Her mother and I met met up at John Deere’s main campus in Moline, where Emilye – who turns 2 in December – walked around eager to uncover the curious nature that surrounded her.

She would pick up a stick or a rock and inspect it like it was a mystery to be solved or a jewel she wanted to share. 

And for a moment in time Emilye owned the world – the trees, the sky, the water – and blended with nature’s colors.