This lucky family won one of my donated gift certificates for their Exeter NH Family Photos.  The Birchtree Center exists to promote independence, engaging relationships, and productive lives for children and youth with autism at home, at school, and in the community.  They offer the only program of its kind in the state of New Hampshire and every year they hold a benefit with a silent auction.  I’ve donated a session 3 or 4 years now, I believe, and it always raises money.  This is the first time that the winner has actually come forth to plan a session. And I’m so happy they did! 

They could have gone to the mall, sure. But they’d get 3 forced poses to pick from and no genuine moments or real interactions.  No time for silly faces and exploring.  No opportunity for the shyness to dwindle and the smiles to come out. 

You can always go to the mall for family photos, but WHY WOULD YOU!?