It’s hard to believe that we are almost a month away from the start of Spring. Soon enough our landscapes will be awash in green and colorful blossoms. Charlotte area friends, please join me on Sunday April 17 at the McGill Rose Garden as I photograph ten families to benefit The Lunch Project, a Charlotte-based philanthropic organization that gives kids the fuel to learn — by providing hot lunches to Tanzanian school children and inspiring service in all children.  Each portrait session will represent one day of hot lunches for the Lemanyata and Engorika schools, $85 provides for 900 lunches!

This will be my fifth year offering portrait mini-sessions!  Our 15 minute sessions will produce a set of portraits just in time for Mother’s Day. Each participant will receive a matted gift print, nicely packaged in a pear green signature box with organza ribbon, suitable for framing or giving as a gift to the special Moms in your life. The McGill Rose garden is a magical setting and provides a perfect backdrop for your beautiful family, sibling or child portrait. Nanine brings her 25+ years experience as a photojournalist, photo editor, educator and community volunteer to you. Please contact Nanine Hartzenbusch at nanine@naninephoto.com to book your appointment. Sessions take place at the McGill Rose Garden between 3 pm and 6 pm, but must be booked in advance.  I hope to see you Sunday April 17 !!

I look forward to each January as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and anticipate the gifts this new year will bring. Best lesson of 2012 – There is no substitution for “being there.” Spending time with good friends whom you cherish … Being with family near and far … Truly living and breathing in the moment … Helping a friend in need. As for 2013, I am excited for all the things to come. I’ve started teaching Photojournalism at the Knight School of Communication at Queens University of Charlotte ~ It’s such a privilege to  share the craft of visual storytelling with my students. I’ll be updating my website at Nanine Hartzenbusch Photography with new images ~ and I’m very excited to share  the best of the best with you. I look forward to working with clients, new and returning to bring lasting keepsakes to be treasured. Look for a spiffed up newsletter, special Limited Edition Photo Sessions, and stunning, elegant ways of displaying your family portraits.  As I was going through my recent images, I came across this one, symbolizing the road ahead, open and inviting. Just as my son was anticipating beach fun, I look forward to a year full of hope, opportunity and dreams fulfilled. Happy 2013 to all of you, I wish you all the best this year.