The problem on days that I do events is that I forget to eat. Predictably, I get about an hour into the shoot and I start getting a headache. By the end, it’s excruciating. Thursday night, at the Halloween Charity event, was no exception.
I did the event to benefit the Airman’s Attic food pantry. It’s an event I’ve wanted to do for a couple of years, but did not have a venue. Grateful to the Welcome Center for letting me use space during their costume contest, I set up my studio. For a donation of canned goods (or $5), each participant would receive a 4×6 print. Not too busy, but in a steady stream, little ones started lining up for photos. There were witches, princesses, zombies, puppies, and pirates. All ages – all decked out in their costumes. I had a blast! The kids were SO cute and had so much personality. There were a few wrinkles that I’ll work on for next time (literally – my backdrop needed ironed!!). Thankfully, I had asked my babysitter to help assist with information gathering, and I couldn’t have done it without Miss Kristan. We had one huge rush, and then, suddenly, the room went from crowded to empty. ( I believe the diversion was the hayride.) In the end, we had a full box of canned goods and a little cash collected for Airman’s Attic – a pretty good success. I was thinking of starting to tear down, when this little guy walked up.
I snapped a couple of images while he just stood there, then he walked off. Thirty seconds later he ran back in, went over and picked up my tiny pumpkins and said, “CHEESE!!” I responded with, “Cheese? I don’t say cheese! Say, ‘gouda’.” And he did…
So adorable! What does all this have to do with me having a headache? Well, this little pirates mom had made cupcakes for the event. They were spectacular! The cake was moist, the frosting was a “take me away to dreamland” chocolate. AND, the baker is a military spouse AND she runs a cake business. (AND her cupcake raised my blood sugar and helped my headache) I want to give a shout out to Cakes by Robynn. It was a pleasure to meet and chat with her. Running a business as a military spouse is difficult, building a business is a constant process. We military spouse entrepreneurs have many talents and gifts. Next time you need something – check to see if its offered by a military spouse.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED TO THE AIRMAN’S ATTIC FOOD PANTRY! I’ll HAVE YOUR PHOTOS IN THE MAIL SHORTLY!