First Day of Spring at NWA Tulip Field

A family photography session with a purpose at the True Colors Tulip Farm by Perspectability

This family photography session included a $250 charity donation to Perspectability, a local non-profit with a focus on building an inclusive environment for neurodiverse adults in NWA

One of my returning client families jumped at the chance for photographs of their daughter among the tulips at a local NWA field in Bentonville/Centerton, Arkansas. When the farm opened professional photography timeslots, I reserved their date for a session in mid-April and we started planning the family's outfits. Little did we know, the tulips bloomed EARLY this year (by three weeks), so with a day's notice (and the outfits already planned), the family jumped for a session on the first day of Spring on March 19.

Their little girl, a 21 month old who I have photographed twice before (newborns, first birthday cake smash), had just learned how to run and oh my did she love running down each row of the tulips. She loves small rocks and enjoyed sharing her rocks with some of the flowers by placing them gently inside of the petals.

Once she had enough exploration time, mom and dad picked a tulip for her to carry on her adventures and hold for the family photographs. Dad even picked her up and floated her over the tulips (the joy on her face was so cute!).

Family photographs in between two rows were so fun and are going to be great heirloom photographs once printed and hung on their walls.

An adventure mom and dad will never forget, and a memory of happiness, exploration, and love ingrained in the little one's being forever.

Do you love Spring as much as me (and this adorable family)? It is my favorite season to photograph in with the flowers and trees blooming everywhere. Share in the comments your favorite early Spring flowers (I love daffodils).

I Volunteered at the Gown-tastic Formals Drive

Donated dresses were available for free to local NWA teens at this volunteer event put on by Single Mom's Group in Rogers, AR

100% volunteer, over 500 dresses donated, and over 130 teens served

Did you hear about this event that went viral in Rogers, Arkansas? A small group of moms made sure any teen that needed a dress for an upcoming formal could get one for FREE and the Northwest Arkansas community showed up for the cause.

I was honored to volunteer with this fabulous group of ladies who volunteered all of their free time for 5 weeks to put on the event, held on March 9 at the Hyatt House in Rogers, AR. From a single post in their Single Mom's Facebook page about a mom having to tell her child they could not afford a dress for Prom, an idea was born. The Gown-tastic Formals Drive was created to find this teen (and many others in NWA) gowns for FREE, and a bougie event at that with mocktails, petit fours, cupcakes, a photobooth, a bracelet making station, free earrings and formal shoes, giveaway prizes, and so much more!

I donated my time to photograph the donated dresses as they arrived across NWA as marketing before the event. I gave graphic design advice for posters, social media posts, and their website. I photographed at the event itself on March 9 and it was amazing to see the smiles of each teen who was able to find their perfect dress. I also donated a $150 gift certificate for one teen to get Prom photographs, Senior photographs, or Family photographs taken by me.

The event itself was heartwarming. I heard one girl say to her friend "is it possible I found THE dress as the third dress I tried on?!" and it was, and she looked fabulous with a huge smile on her face. I heard moms bringing their daughters saying how they never got to go to Prom and are so excited their daughters get to go to their Prom. Even one of the main organizers said she was homeschooled and wish she could have had the opportunity to go to a school dance so helping others with that dream made her so happy. Volunteers brought their own daughters and got to see the excitement and gleam in their eyes of over 500 dresses to choose from. High School volunteers finished their volunteer shifts and immediately grabbed dresses they had been keeping an eye on all day to try on (and find their Prom dress too!). References were made to "Say Yes to the Dress" and cheering and excited giggles were prevalent.

The volunteers who founded the event promise there are more events to come (with over 300 dresses still available for future teens to find) and I cannot wait to see what they create next. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and on their website too for more information.

Thank you for having me, Gown-tastic team!

Do you have a volunteer or non-profit event coming up in NWA that you need a photographer for?

I have a goal of volunteering 40 hours this year (see my 2023 in recap post) and I am always looking for suggestions (I love helping children, pets, and the food insecure and will jump to help if any of these are served with your event). Comment or email me to let me know!

A new Northwest Arkansas High School Seniors Model photography program

With a focus on happiness, community, and growing into adulthood!

There are only 10 spots available so apply or nominate someone today.

What is a High School Senior Model?

• You are the face of Hannah Golden Photographs' high school seniors sessions for your Senior year.

• You get a discounted senior photography session custom to you and participate in themed group sessions throughout the year such as holidays, spring florals, graduation, and more.

• This program is about building confidence, relationships, and life skills.

What perks and opportunities are there?

• $165 for your choice of 45 minute, 90 minute, or 2.5 hour senior photography session paid upon commitment to the Senior Model team

• 50% off printing investments during model year (June 1 - May 31)

• Receive two free digital copy LinkedIn professional headshots

• Receive a single printed image on an 8x10 acrylic block & social media digital copy of the same photograph

• One free family, pet, or friends sessions in your model year

What is different about Hannah's Senior Model program?

• Monthly Exclusive "life lessons" interactive online trainings such as resume design, job interview top tips, how to do your own laundry, how to cook basic meals, how to eat healthy, work-life balance tips, meditation practice, and more! (Maybe even subjects you suggest too)

• In-person model community events such as volunteering, attending local events, ice cream socials, and more

• End of school year/graduation celebration dinner (hint, my parents have been restauranteurs in NWA for over 35+ years)

• College or vocational school scholarship $1000 (one time payment) given to ONE senior model (essay, interview, community service)

• Lifetime discounts annually on printed photographs with Hannah Golden Photographs

Who should apply?

• Anyone that is a rising senior for the 2024-25 school year in Northwest Arkansas

• Hannah Golden Photographs is committed to diversity and to equal opportunity. Hannah Golden Photographs does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, height, weight, or physical or mental ability.

• You want to have senior photographs to remember and celebrate this time in your life and the great achievement of graduating high school.

• You like my photography and editing style and want your photographs taken in a similar way.

What are the application requirements?

• Attend a required Parent & Senior Virtual Informational call with Hannah.

• You must be a rising high school senior in Northwest Arkansas for the 2024-2025 school year.

• Answer simple and fun questions on why you want to become a model and how it could benefit you and your community.

• Submit 2 recommendation letters — the 1st must be from a teacher, the 2nd can be from a friend, family member, counselor, teacher, coach, employer, or anyone else who champions you.

• Submit your resumé (include categories for school, extra curriculars, volunteering, awards, interests, skills, and any work experience).

• You must agree to represent Hannah Golden Photographs exclusively in your model year (June 1 - May 31).

• You and one parent/guardian must sign the Model Contract if invited to join.

How do you nominate a rising senior?

• Share this blog post with them.

• Tell them you will be one of their recommendations for the application process.

• Share my Instagram with them to see my past work.

Want more information? See my High School Seniors page for more FAQs.

Ready to apply? Click here. Applications are open on February 28th and close on March 28th.