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Update:  Congratulations to Tuesdai, chosen by Random.org as the recipient of a $20 gift certificate to Dove Chocolate Discoveries thanks to Independent Chocolatier, Kriss!  Enjoy your yummy yummy chocolate!

Contest ended Sunday, April 24, 2011

Let the birthday celebration continue!  And what better way to celebrate than with chocolate…yum!

We’ve all know about Dove Chocolate, but it continually shocks me how many people do not know about Dove Chocolate Discoveries.  As suggested by its’ name, Dove Chocolate Discoveries was founded by Mars, the candy company, who has been thrilling our taste buds for over 100 years.  It allows us to take chocolate to an entirely new level, right in the comfort of our own homes.  From candies and desserts to cocoa rubs and BBQ sauce, Dove Chocolate Discoveries products are fun, fresh and FABULOUS.  Truly the definition of delish!

Photo Copyright of Dove Chocolate Discoveries

So who’s ready for some FREE chocolate?  Well I totally am; but unfortunately I’m not eligible for my own giveaway.  However, thanks to Independent Chocolateier Kristina (I know, awesome name, right?!), you do get the chance to win some yummy chocolate of your choosing!  Kristina has graciously offered up a $20 Dove Chocolate Discoveries Gift Certificate for one lucky giveaway participant.

Entries are easy.  Do as many, or as few, of the items below for additional entries!

1) Go to the Christina Ann Photography facebook page and “like” it.  Then come back here and leave a comment on this blog post stating that you’ve “liked” the page.  If you already “like” me on facebook, simply leave a comment here on the blog stating that you do!

2) Go to Kristina’s Dove Chocolate Discoveries page on facebook and “like” it.  Then come back here and leave a comment on this blog post stating that you’ve “liked” the page.  If you already “like” her page on facebook, simply leave a comment here on the blog stating that you do!

3) Share Christina Ann Photography with your local friends and family.  Send them over to the facebook page, have them “like” it and then have them leave a comment here on the blog that you sent them and both of you will gain an extra entry!

4) Book your own personal tasting party with Kristina and Dove Chocolate Discoveries for this summer (by July 30th) and you will receive 5 additional entries.  Be sure to come back to this blog post and leave a comment letting me know when the date of your tasting party will be so your entries can be included!

5) Book a summer session with Christina Ann Photography (session to be held by July 30th) and you will receive 5 additional entries.  Make sure to leave a comment here on the blog post stating that you have an upcoming session booked!

**Contest will run through midnight on Sunday, April 24th.  All entries must be made prior to this time.  Winner will be chosen via Random.org on Monday, April 25th.

Thanks a million to Kristina for offering up this delicious treat…and may he (or she!) that loves chocolate the most win!

It’s my party and I’ll give away presents if I want to! For today, and today only, celebrate my birthday with me by claiming your own gift from Christina Ann Photography.  Simply email me at christina{at}christinaann.com with the message “Happy Birthday to you and happy savings to me!” along with your name and mailing address and I will mail you out a gift certificate for $10 off your next session fee.  Want an even bigger savings?  Email me today to book a session between now and July 31st, 2011 and I will mail you a gift certificate for $28 off** of your next session fee!  It’s so easy, who could resist?

On a side note, if anyone would like to purchase me this cake – or skip the cake and just give me the camera – I won’t turn it away =)

Have a GREAT my birthday!

**50% session fee deposit (a total of $23.50 with the savings!) must be paid today, April 13, 2011, via PayPal to enjoy the $28 session fee savings.  Cannot be combined with any other offers, including monthly specials.

You can find a photographer nowadays just about anywhere – the yellow pages, google searches – even craigslist will render you dozens of options when searching for a photographer.  So how do you know which is the right photographer for you?

First off – let me share what’s NOT right for you.  If you find a photographer that is offering incredibly cheap prices (all of your images on a disc for $50) chances are pretty high that you’re not looking at someone who is legit.  The cost of any business is pricey.  A photographer has to take into account the cost of equipment (price it out – it isn’t cheap!), insurance, time and travel, editing time, product costs and marketing costs.  Someone who charges incredibly discounted rates is someone who does not realize the cost of business.  This also means that they do not have the experience to give you high quality work.  If they had the experience, they’d know how much it was worth!  Don’t leave your memories in the hands of someone who isn’t giving them their due value!

Beyond that, much of photography is simply art and art is subject to taste.  So what is your taste?  Do you like crisp, clean, bright colors?  Do you prefer quirky angles and funky editing?  Perhaps you’re more into soft, vintage style pictures.  Some prefer very posed, studio style pictures while others want in-the-moment, lifestyle captures.  Take the time to look through the portfolio of the photographer that you’re choosing.  If they don’t hold true to a style that you love, then they’re not the photographer for you.  By the same token, don’t expect a photographer to go outside their realm of artistic expression by asking them to do styles or editing techniques that they’re not comfortable displaying as their work.  If you want selective coloring, find a photographer who shows this in their portfolio.  If you love lifestyle photography, choose a photographer who specializes in it.

Each photographer is going to view a situation with a different artistic perspective.  Find a photographer whose work you love and who puts a proper value on your memories.  You will never regret having images of your family to cherish forever!

The below image is a compilation of the same session as seen by three separate photographers:  Jenny Earnest Photography, Melissa Ann Photography and myself.

Meet Ms. Connie, a national blogger with a sweet spirit, kindred heart and a great sense of humor.  If you haven’t visited her blog, Brain Foggles: Forgetting to Remember(hahah…sorry, the name cracks me up every time), make sure you do so.  She does lots of great giveaways.  I know this for a fact as I’ve had the pleasure of being on the receiving end!

Not only does Connie do giveaways on her blog, but she also has a knack for winning giveaways.  Not too long ago, she won some new business cards and asked me to take some head-shots of her for her new cards.  I think this is one of the ones she’s thinking about using, so if you see it somewhere out there in Internet world, think of me!

Thank you for allowing me to help you capture an image for your cards, Connie!  You’re such a joy to be around!