Hillary Anne Fine Art - Giving Back

I have always enjoyed giving to people and have come to realize what an important part it is of business too. That is why we have decided that 10% of the proceeds from Fine Art sales will go toward the A21 campaign. I know most of you are probably unfamiliar with this organization, so let me introduce you.  Did you know...?

• Trafficking in women is the second largest global organized crime today, generating approximately US$12 billion a year.
• There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide.
• Over 25 percent of sex trafficked victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe.
• 90% of victims trafficked into EU member states end up in the sex industry.
• There is an estimated 20,000 women and girls trafficked into the Greek sex industry, earning Greece the title: "the center of trafficking in Europe."
• One study reveals that one in every 10 Ukrainian persons knows someone in their community who has been trafficked.
• Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted.

A21 exists to raise awareness, take legal action, and offer rehabilitation to rescued victims of human trafficking. Their goal is to eventually be able to prevent the human trafficking trade.

I feel this is an issue that needs attention and is overlooked by way too many in our society. In this day and age, how is this still going on? That is why I would like to do my part (even a small part can make a big difference!), and am inviting you to help too. When you purchase a Hillary Anne Fine Art piece, 10% of the proceeds will go towards the A21 campaign. You can also check out THEIR SITE for more information on human trafficking, the campaign, and what other things you can do to help.

Famous Faces

I have been so blessed to capture such amazing people and talent from behind my lens. I really love getting to meet all the new people that I do, no matter what the type of shoot. It is so neat to see the wide range of talent and different roads that everyone travels. I don’t believe I have shared these yet, so I might as well post them all! ☺ (Please note that in all photos- the one I took is on the right side. On the left are screen shots and other photos taken from the internet).

• Kayla Carlyle- I shot with Kayla a while ago to add to her portfolio. If you watch the TV show Chase, you saw her a few weeks ago give an amazing performance as “Hazel”. Keep an eye out for her in the future!
• Pastor Robert Morris- In the last couple years his son got married, and then his daughter and I was fortunate enough to shoot both weddings. Robert Morris is the Senior Pastor of Gateway Church and author of the book “The Blessed Life” (good stuff!). He and his family are really incredible people.
• Danielle Evans- In 2007 I photographed a party that she and Trent Shelton hosted. Dani was the Cycle 6 America’s Next Top Model winner (you ANTM fanatics probably remember her- super sweet and ridiculously gorgeous).
• Trent Shelton- Hosted the above mentioned party along with Danielle. Trent was a wide receiver for the Washington Redskins.
• Kari Jobe- She was in a wedding that I photographed. Kari is a Dove Award winning artist. You should really check out her music if you haven’t already!
• Richard Reising- I shot his headshots. Richard is the owner and founder of Artistry Marketing and wrote the book “Church Marketing 101”. He is a super smart guy and his company produces some great work.
• Pilar Sanders- Pilar asked me to do some promotional photos for her site and upcoming fitness DVD. She and her husband, Deion (the football great,) starred in "PrimeTime Love", and she is now starring on VH1's "Football Wives". 

Hillary Anne Fine Art - Etsy Shop

I am so excited to announce that we now have fine art pieces available for purchase online! There are prints on photo paper, canvas, and even metal. Be sure to visit www.hillaryannefineart.com you might even find some last minute Christmas presents! :-)

The Official Pantone Color for 2011

is (drumroll please)...Honeysuckle! What a great balance to 2010’s turquoise. Celebs have already been sporting the new color- check out Elizabeth Hurley’s sweet sheath dress (image by Gary Gershoff/WireImage ) and the darker shade sported by fashionista Blake Lively (image by Jerritt Clark/WireImage). What girl doesn't look great in pink? There are a million different ways to wear honeysuckle- here are a few finds…
1. Sheer striped blouse by Forever 21 (get it HERE)
2. Silk Betty layered dress by Banana Republic (get it HERE)
3. I’ll Bring Dessert Top by ModCloth (get it HERE)
4. Satin Bow Back Pump by Wet Seal (get it HERE)
5. The So Totally Skirt by ModCloth (get it HERE)
6. Key-Per Laptop Tote by Fossil (get it HERE)

Marketing Yourself

People always ask me how I get my business and where I spend my advertising dollars. Truth is, most of my business comes from word of mouth and Facebook, and I have spent very little on advertising thanks to a certain marketing mastermind I am married to. :-) Brian has really helped me to put my time, effort, and (occasionally) money in the direction that is most beneficial. For example, he knew that money was best spent on a PPC online ad as opposed to a PPI. It is almost free advertising! Have not a clue what PPC or PPI means? (Which, neither did I until he explained it to me!) Check out his super helpful blog post on “Online Advertising – PPC Vs. PPI”, plus some very beneficial books to read (Jay Conrad Levinson’s “Guerilla Marketing” gives you real bang for your marketing buck). Be sure to leave him a comment or two!  :-)

*EDIT: For some reason the links are not visible on some computers, so HERE IT IS.

Wednesday + Whatnot

So it’s been a while since my last Wednesday & Whatnot, but I thought I would share some more of the stuff I like.

1. Peppermint Mocha Coffee-mate Creamer- So good in the morning and with decaf in the evening. I love mint flavored stuff!
2. The Hunger Games books- If you have not read them yet, you MUST. They are so good, you think about them while you aren’t reading them. Great character development and an original plot. Plus they are going to be making the movies so you need to read them beforehand. I can’t share much more because I don’t want to give anything away!
3. Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème- amazing moisture for the dryer season- smells super fresh and makes me feel glowy. It reminds me of when I was little and my mom came upstairs to kiss me goodnight- she always smelled like this stuff.
4. Little yellow wooden bird- Brian bought it for me on our honeymoon while we were in Jamaica. It sits on the top of our kitchen cabinets and makes me smile. I have many more bird things around the house that I will continue to share (remember the bird tray?).
5. Hanover China that was my great grandparents- I can’t wait to host a Christmas at our house and use it. For now it is displayed in the hutch my grandfather made.
6. Baking soda & vinegar- No, not for making a volcano in science class. ☺ This is a super cheap method to make your hair squeaky clean. Mix a palmfull of baking soda with your shampoo and wash and rinse hair as usual. Then pour half a cup of vinegar in a pitcher or large cup and slowly pour over your hair (be sure to douse your roots well!) Rinse hair again with water. The effect lasts for days. My mom showed my sister and I how to do this when we were little and dubbed it “the salad wash” because it smells like a vinaigrette.
   

Elizabeth & Brent Engagement

These two kept me laughing with their funny commentary. They were so relaxed and cute together it made my job a breeze!

I am thankful for

• time spent with family during the holidays (and all throughout the year).
• my wonderful, patient, supportive husband who is always up for a new adventure.
• our house that really feels like home.
• a job that I love and that I can work from home.
• a sweet doggy companion (who makes a great running partner!).
• getting to see my sister and her husband at Christmas this year.
• getting all artsy-craftsy around the house.
• snow days in Texas.
• and most of all, my relationship with Christ!

Hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving!

Lindsay Senior

I felt like I was shooting a Ralph Lauren ad. :-) Isn't Lindsay stunning?

Alex & Jason Engagement

Neeli Senior

I loved getting to shoot with this fabulous girl! In some of the smiling shots she reminds me of Scarlet Johanson. Don't you see it?