I have a few few short rules in life.  Mostly though, they have to do with doing the right thing, following the rules, being honest and being kind to people.  It sort of my "Golden Rule".  I love photography and donate my time endlessly to organizations.  For me, it's not what you end up money wise, but how one has helped along the way.  I always laugh and think that when my time comes, and I am standing at the front of the pearly gates in heaven, I will have a list when asked what have I personally given back.  Honestly, though, I love to donate my services to organizations to raise needy dollars for things I believe in.  Usually in exchange, the client will get my services for  free and a portrait in return.  In 2009 so far, I have donated my services for close to 210 portrait sessions.  Yes, that number is correct.  I do fundraisers for schools that why the number is that high. 
When the fundraiser is completed and the clients have ordered their portraits, almost most of the time, a wonderful thankyou is followed by the clients.  They are so grateful and appreciative that it warms my heart. But of late, I have noticed a pretty good percentage of those who feel that they are "owed' more than the average folk.  These are the people who tend to want an extra appointment to view, to change things around in a package, to sit for an hour and a half deciding and then leave and want to come back at a later time, to want massive retouching and in general, step over the line.  At this time, I have to step back and and take a huge breath and remember the pearly gate thing. 
But what I really want to say is this these people who think they deserve more is this:  "We are at war.  Our sons and daughter's are dying for us so that we can live comfortably here.  Just before you came in, I had a mom who was crying because she could not afford her house anymore because of the massive strain her handicapped daughter has put  their finances.  So, I'm sorry you are upset that I photographed some of the photos in a vertical format instead of horizontal, or that we cropped the photo in the proof a little tight.  But in the overall picture, is it worth screaming at us for something so trivial?"
Thats right, I said "overall picture".  So, when life gets you down, you have to step outside and look at what God has given you and realize that yes, indeed there are some out there who want more than others and not to let it get to you. 
Right now though, on this Sunday morning, my plan is to take a giant breath, refill my coffee, and enjoy a few minutes of fall. 

Every few weeks I get asked the same question.  "What camera are you using?"  This same question has been coming my way for close to thirty years now.  Each time, I give the answer the person who asks the questions says something like... "Uh huh."  Here's the secret folks......... THERE IS NO SECRET!  Do they ask football players what kind of football they use?  Do they ask plastic surgeons what type of knife they use?  By buying the same football, does that make you a better athlete?  Yes, it is years and years of training, education and more education.  But there is something else.   A very good photographer (Darton Drake) that I draw inspiration from says this:  "Its not whats in your hand that makes the image, but whats in your heart and soul!"

You have to love what you do.  Heart and soul.

With every portrait session, we always ask for feedback from our clients.  Criticism is always hard, but in the long run, it makes you better in so many ways. 
Here is a recent note from a long time client.  I posted her Holy Communion image last month and received this testimonial.  Thanks Sandy!  Love you guys! 

                                                                                                                       June 19, 2009

I can’t say enough about Donna Lere.  Our family first discovered her about 5 years ago.  We were searching for a photographer to record a moment in time for our children.  We wanted the images to be timeless and unique.  My husband saw Donna’s work at an exhibit in Newtown and knew he had found the right person for this task.

 

Our first set of pictures has that timeless feel and we never get tired of looking at them.  Just recently we went back to Donna to capture the importance of our daughter’s first Holy Communion.  We didn’t want the typical posed looking shots commonly seen.  Donna once again exceeded our expectations.  The photos we have of our daughter really reflect the reverence and beauty of this special occasion. 

 

Donna is a true artist.  She not only captures the essence of the person she is shooting, but her eye for detail, lighting, setting, and mood is evident in every image she creates.  She has a way of putting you at ease and bringing out the best in her subjects.  I know we will continue to rely on Donna to record all of the important moments in our lives.

 

Sandy McGuigan

Newtown, PA

Beautiful Tara!