One thing that I really love about having left my Engineering "day job" to be a family portrait photographer is that it gives me the flexibility in my schedule to be with my kids more.  Part of that, for me, has been volunteering at their school as a member of the PTO board for the past two years. One of our big events to raise money for the school (Chapman's Retreat Elementary) is the big Cheetahfest Carnival & Silent Auction each spring.  This year, the big project we were raising money for was a STEM lab for our students, which I was really excited about.  The Auction is a big part of the fundraising for the event and is also lots of fun for all the parents who get to bid on awesome baskets and other prizes. This year the auction alone raised $7200 for the school. 

This is the third year that I've donated a portrait session for the Silent Auction, and I have to say that the three auction winners so far have been some of my favorite sessions. The winners of this session just happen to be the parents of one of my younger daughter's best friends, Ally. They asked if Kayla could come with me as my assistant to help keep the kids interest.  I was hesitant at first, concerned that she might be a distraction or not listen, but she was actually a pretty big help and seemed to especially enjoy helping with two year old Jackson.  

Another time that I shot at Pinkerton Park, the family session was photo bombed by a Hot Air Balloon. This time, I received an assist from a drone.  A many was flying a drone around the park towards the end of our session and 2 year old Jackson was fascinated with it, so I asked the man if you minded flying the drone right over my head so the kids would look in my direction for one last family picture.  It was a lot of fun to watch Jackson trying to chase the drone as well.  Maybe I need a drone as an assistant.  LOL