Portrait Palooza

The power of a community is unparalleled…. and the photography community in Las Vegas is beyond powerful!

What started as a simple idea has now grown into an incredible event. It is truly amazing to see what can be accomplished when a community unites for a cause

I am so proud to announce this exciting Portrait Palooza!! Photographers in Las Vegas are aiming to raise at least $10,000 for Savannah Grace Lighten, and we need your help!

Savannah Grace Lighten was born September 19th, 2010 with severe brain damage. Her parents Terrence and Suzi Lighten are members of the Las Vegas photography community, and are two of the most kindhearted and giving people I have ever met. Please visit Savannah’s Journey to learn more about her heartbreaking story. And a word of caution… if you are a mother, make sure a box of tissues is nearby when you read Suzi’s first blog entry

The Lighten family has hopes that a treatment called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy will help Savannah recover from her serious brain injuries, and the Las Vegas photography community wants to see her receive these treatments. Which brings us to the grand Portrait Palooza!!

Now for some details….

Who: 20-30 of Las Vegas’ finest professional photographers

What: 100 families donating $100 towards a private portrait session (details coming soon on what will be included with the donation!). Just in time for the holidays too! Greeting cards anyone?!?!

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 19, 20, 21, appointments will be available from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Where:  HENDERSON – Sunset Park, Henderson, NV, picnic area “D” right next to the pool (Nov 19, and 20th)

SUMMERLIN – JW Marriott (Sunday, Nov. 21st)

How: families should visit www.PortraitPalooza.com where all the details will be available (currently under construction, but we’re almost there!)

THANK YOUS: Mindy Miller of Red Rock Studios for this blogpost, Steve Fogarty, of Fogarty Foto has been an integral part of this project. Without his energy and commitment, Portrait Palooza would be greatly suffering!  Jayse Hansen designed the incredible PortraitPalooza logo. DWAlliance is donating their event scheduling software, a key contribution necessary to coordinate all these moving parts. Michael Testagrossa of the JW Marriot is donating use of their grounds for PortraitPalooza North on Sunday, November 21, 2011. Juliet Douglas of Green Orchid Events is coordinating the on-site atmospherics and staffing. And of course, the dozens of photographers who are donating many hours, and lots of talent, toward helping baby Savannah. Please check the Portrait Palooza website regularly to see an updated list of participating photographers, growing every day