For more information, or to book a session please contact me at: 214-886-1647 or through e-mail at: kalli{at}kallibarkerphotography{dot}com.
To view more of my work please visit my web-site: kallibarkerphotography.com.
Archive for the ‘Charity’ Category
Alley’s House | Dallas Fort Worth Charity
December 1, 2010I don’t know where to start. I guess it started with my parents. And them instilling in me a sense of compassion for others. But how I was able to get involved with the great organization, Alley’s House, and their teen moms and children is beyond me. Last year around the holiday season I felt a powerful drive inside myself to do something good for others, and I wanted to use my talent as a photographer to bring about that good. I wanted it to be personal and from the heart–for the heart. I saw Allison Whitehead, the executive director and founder of Alley’s House, on the news one evening. I saw the passion and drive she had to help teen mothers. She built this amazing nonprofit organization to help these young moms succeed. Everything from mentors, parenting classes, GED and job tutoring, to diapers and clothes for the little ones. And in helping these women she was helping their children. And that is more powerful than anything else that I could imagine.
So last year I met these wonderful moms and their beautiful children for the first time. And there was no doubt in my mind that I would be back. My favorite part about photographing Alley’s House teen moms and their kids was just being able to become such an intimate part of their lives, even for just a few minutes. I was amazed at the love and bond that these young mothers had with their children. The true joy they had BECAUSE their children were in their lives. And the hope and optimism that Alley’s House was able to give these young moms and their kids. They have dreams and goals. Because of their children, and made possible with Alley’s House.
Giving Back
September 27, 2010The Holiday Season is the time to have the Christmas Spirit. And for photographers, we start thinking about this season in September. And as a photographer, it’s easy to get caught up in the ever-busy, money-making “season” and not the charitable, giving “spirit.” If I weren’t giving back, I wouldn’t want to be doing what I’m doing. Seriously. It’s very important to me.
All growing up my family put a strong emphasis on the spirit of Christmas, even with all the excitement of presents. I remember all the Sub-for-Santas that we did. Where we would buy cool toys and new clothes for families that had fallen on hard times. When we were little my mom would give us the money that we used to buy the children’s presents. But I remember the year I went over that budget to spend my own money. Because it was going to a little girl who didn’t have all the things that I had. And me spending a little bit of my own money was the least I could do to show how much I loved her. That girl I’d never met. I remember doorbell ditching gifts on the doorstep of those families on Christmas Eve. I’m forever grateful to the example my parents gave me. For the importance of giving back during the Christmas Season.
So during this Christmas Season (though I know it’s still a tad bit early for most of you), I want to give back. And that’s where I need you. I will be giving a full premiere session to one family in need. They can be in need financially, emotionally, or spiritually. Hard times can be from a recent job loss, diagnosis, or split. They can be nominated by friends or family, or you can nominate yourself. Just write a letter. Tell me why they (or you), deserve this session. And what it would mean to both you and them. (Please nominate those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.) I will be holding nothing back. They will definitely be getting the star treatment, complete with a phone consultation, 1- 1 1/2 hour premiere session, and 20-30 high resolution images presented on a disc.
I need you.
To e-mail me: kalli{at}kallibarkerphotography{dot}com
A letter nominating a friend or family member. And tell me why they deserve a photography session with me.
In two weeks I will be choosing a winner. I will contact the lucky family via e-mail to begin the “star” treatment I know they will deserve.
So let the nominating begin! Your deadline is October 11th, 2010 at 11:59pm (central time).
And here’s to a happy Holiday Season for all!
Relay for Life {American Cancer Society} Preview
May 13, 2010Finally! A sneak peak of my wonderful time as the official photographer for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. I had such a wonderful time last weekend at this awesome event. I had a hard time narrowing down, so here are a ton of pics!
I feel so lucky to have captured these sweet moments!
The first laps were done by those who personally have survived cancer. It was very humbling to see their strength and pure joy.
After the survivor’s lap, they were joined by their caregivers. Which was EVEN more humbling and touching. I couldn’t hold back the tears.
After a few laps, the fun began!
Apparently a tradition: Men dress up in dresses, carry purses around the track, and collect money. The one who collects the most wins! The man with the pink boa was a cancer survivor himself.
Once it got dark, a sweet and touching program was followed by the lighting of candles completely surrounding the track. The bags had names of family and friends who fought the fight with cancer.
Being able to attend this event was such an honor. And I can’t wait until next year! Over $55k was raised from this one Relay, and I can’t wait to see how the event grows next year. Thanks again for the great opportunity!
Relay for Life {American Cancer Society}
May 7, 2010My family has THE gene. On my mother’s side, of the six daughters, four have had to fight the fight. And two cousins have already begun the battle. Everyone has the gene. I haven’t been tested yet, but suspect it as a very real possibility. My doctor says I should be tested soon, but to get my life insurance in line beforehand. Because after, I may be UNINSURABLE. Aggressive treatment would be to be done having children by the age of 30, and then begin very aggressive preventative treatments. After which having children would be impossible. Although menopause at the age of 30 does not sound like my cup of tea, neither does cancer.
In my view, the best option is to find a cure for cancer. And that’s where the American Cancer Society comes in. The 2010 Relay for Life in Irving, TX starts tonight at 7:00pm, and ends tomorrow, at 7:00am. Because Cancer Never Sleeps. And I am blessed and honored to be apart of it as the official photographer for the event. Taken from the official website:
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.
Relay began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to end the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 19 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Thanks to Relay participants, we are creating a world with more birthdays a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.
So that’s a very small way that I can show my support. How can you?
