Fun. Yes, you can find the definition in the dictionary and right next to that you’ll find a picture of this family. Because I put it there. Meet Cynthia, Bryan and their sweet young ladies, Madi and Bree. We kinda sorta love them!

Cynthia works with Khaled at USF and I had the privilege of shooting a few corporate headshots for her and a co-worker a few months back. We were thrilled to meet Cynthia’s family and spend some time documenting their time together.

Cynthia did a fabulous job planning for her family session. She rocked out the pinterest inspiration and shared her family’s interests to help us choose the perfect location. Madi and Bree were naturals in front of the lens and had me laughing so much that my stomach hurt. I wanted to keep them forever. Ok, that may have sounded a bit like the Other Mother in Coraline but they were so stinkin’ adorable!!

Bryan definitely has his hands full with these three beautiful women in his life. Here are just a few of our many favorites from their session!

We’re taking part in the growing tradition of BLACK FRIDAY starting tomorrow at 5AM! If you’ve been waiting to book your session, here’s your chance to save BIG!

Here are the details…
It’s here! Our Annual Black Friday Promotion starts at 5am on Friday, November 25, 2011!! Enjoy! ♥
Portrait sessions include: Just because, family, engagement, trash the dress, model portfolio, headshots, boudoir, etc…

1.*Must Comment under this promotion on our Facebook page between specific time frame for selected discount.*
2. Redeem your discount by booking your session before 11:59pm EST Friday, November 25, 2011
3. Book your session by paying a retainer of $99 through Paypal. Pay to mariana@kismisink.com.

Note:
- You must “Like” our page on Facebook to comment under the promotion.
- Not applicable for previous proposals or bookings.
- Retainers are non-refundable.
- Portrait Sessions must take place between January 1- March 31st, 2012
- Shoot us an email to mariana@kismisink.com with any questions!
- To send payments through Paypal, Paypal account is not requred.

As my Facebook and Twitter newsfeed lit up with images of yummy Thanksgiving fixings yesterday, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Social Media has played a huge role for many of us (including myself) in connecting and keeping in touch with our families and friends. In our ‘networks’ we are the first to laugh, cry, and share with each other. I’m thankful for that privilege.

I’m thankful today for so many reasons that I know I could not possibly list each one. However, Khaled and I want to take a moment today to say Thank you to each of you.

Thank you to our clients, families, vendors, friends (both in-the-flesh and virtual-yet-to-meet). Your support, love, and trust continues to help us grow and become better at what we do. Thinking of you and hoping you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday.

Karina,

Twelve years ago today, God blessed me with a precious gift, You. I was young, inexperienced and everything was new to me. You were so tiny & beautiful. You were perfect and I worried, because I was far from perfect. I wanted you to have the best of everything, including the best of me. Many soiled diapers and spit-ups later, I came to realize that being the best parent didn’t mean being perfect. Between all the tears, struggles, and laughs, how I dealt with my imperfections and the choices I made were far more important. Those life lessons would make both of us stronger and would set an example for you. When I see your determination to attain your goals, your kind heart, your daily choices, your love of God…I’m thankful. Karina, I know in my heart that this is a very important year for you. As you started middle school this year, you are slowly transitioning into a young lady. To say that I’m proud of your academic and personal accomplishments at such a young age, is an understatement. I’m certain that your successes are only beginning and God has a wonderful plan for your life.

Happy 12th Birthday, my love. Can’t wait to celebrate today and many, many more together. Love you beyond words.

Last week was a hectic blur of busy-ness (not sure if that even makes sense, but that’s what came to mind when I recall last week’s events and preparing for our travel to Mexico!) In a whirlwind of emails, I found an email in my inbox from Thirst Relief. It was my first time hearing about this organization and the email explained that I had been nominated to participate in this year’s Mentor Auction. (A warm thank you to the person(s) that did so.)

I researched more about Thirst Relief and I became anxious to help when I read about their mission and last year’s mentor sessions:

“Last year the sponsors and 90 mentors who participated in the Mentor Auction raised more than $40,700 which directly provided 8,147 people with clean water! 100% of the proceeds directly benefit Thirst Relief International, who provides at least 25 years of clean drinking water to the more that 1 billion people who don’t have it! Add to that the incredible wisdom and talent that is being shared in the one-on-one mentor sessions and you have better and more successful photographers/business owners! So, not only are lives being saved, but the lives of many business owners are being made better! It’s truly a win win for everyone involved!”

Thirst Relief is a non-profit that has set out to “overcome death and disease resulting from the consumption of contaminated water by providing safe, clean drinking water to those in need around the world.”  They have provided a way for all of us to HELP by sharing our knowledge, experience, and time. To accomplish this goal they’ve asked some of the best and brightest in the industry to donate 90 minutes of mentorship time and anything else they feel like giving to be auctioned off to a winning bidder!

The Mentor Auction will start tonight, the 14th at 11pm EST and go through the 17th 11pm EST. You will be able to bid on a 90 minute session with a mentor of your choice/field and the highest bidder wins the session.

Here are the details about my mentor auction:
90 minutes of mentorship time by phone, Skype, Google Hangout, or in person (if in person, includes lunch at one of my favorite restaurants!). The sky is the limit on what we can discuss- fashion, the latest Dexter episode, your latest adventures and any topics of photography and business including social media, connecting & working with your clients to get the most relaxed and natural poses, marketing, shooting destination weddings, shooting & submitting stylized editorials/weddings for print and online submission. Your session will be catered to meet the needs of your business. If you aren’t a photographer or just getting started, you can still bid- this mentorship is open to everyone and includes a hug!
Also included: A goodie bag that includes our exclusive studio resource guide & much more valuable information. A follow-up 30 minute phone call with Mariana three months following your initial mentorship session to revisit areas of discussion.

I am thrilled to be a small part of the 2012 Mentor Auction! If my involvement impacts at least ONE life, it’ll be worth it to me. Please, take the time today and bid, spread the word and impact lives.

You can also help by:

• Donating your FaceBook status to say: Mentor Auction is happening right now! Save some lives today: http://bit.ly/sX1dwN PLS RT
• Donating your Twitter status to say: Mentor Auction is happening right now! Save some lives today: http://bit.ly/sX1dwN
• Blogging about the Thirst Relief Mentor Auction: http://bit.ly/owO063