On December 14th, 2012, a day that will forever stay in our hearts, 26 people lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  20 children and 6 kids were lost in one of our nation’s worst school shootings.  Everyone watched the news and was hurt by what they were seeing and hearing.  Many of us made this tragedy a political statement, a talking point for their views on gun control & child safety.  Others (like myself) took this tragedy and decided not to argue or fight, but to try and challenge myself to help others.  To find a way to give back to the community.   Maybe not the Sandy Hook Elementary community, but my local community in honor of all the people that were lost that day.

The Olivia Act was created by an anonymous photographer.  She has been challenging photographers across the world to donate a free session (either a mini- or full-session) to a local family who normally would not be able to afford one.  Every photographer who accepts this challenge is asked to do so in honor of Olivia Engel, one of the fallen children that day.

Well I have accepted this challenge.  I would love to give away a free session to a local family.

 This session will include:

-a 1 hour on-location session

-a password protected online proofing gallery

- 20 final fully edited images on a CD

Now I need your help.  If you know of a family that would love family pictures but cannot afford them please send me an e-mail and nominate them.  All nominations will be secret.  I will not share any of the story or any of their information.  I will only share the magical images we take the day of their session.  I will be taking nominations until January 31st, 2013.

Please send all nominations to AllisonBolsegaPhotography@gmail.com

with the subject: The Olivia Act Nomination

In your e-mail please include the following:

Your name & contact information

The name of the family you are nominating & all the members (with ages of kids)

The nominated family’s contact information (e-mail &/or phone number)

And last but not least, their story.  Please tell me why you think they deserve this free session.

I hope to be able to do many of these free sessions for deserving families this year.  But I can’t do that without my wonderful clients.  Thank you to all the wonderful people who choose me to be their photographer.  Without you I would not be able to donate such a beautiful gift.

You never know when tomorrow’s not going to come.  We have to capture our memories today so our kids & family can remember forever.

If you aren’t local (Gaithersburg, Maryland or Orlando, Florida) but would like to become an Olivia Act photographer or find a photographer who is participating, please follow the links below.

The Olivia Act Facebook Page

The Olivia Act Website