“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

This week, most of us will gather with our family and friends to celebrate all of the reasons we are thankful. It’s a time of the year to be hopeful and happy. But for some, it’s a difficult time of the year… Being surrounded by so much holiday cheer, can highlight personal struggle and what we perceive to be inadequacies.

I have experienced those struggles myself. I started my photography business during one of the hardest times of my life. In a lot of ways, learning about photography and having that “something” to put all of my energy into kept me sane.  Fortunately, this holiday season I can say that I have found a career I am passionate about, I have built new friendships, I have found a church home, and most importantly, I have found myself. Out of my darkest hour, with God’s love and a camera, I found myself.

So many of you have helped in ways that you do not know. Everyone who has listened to me, offered advice, hired me to capture their family’s love, trusted me to tell their wedding story, recommended me to a friend, commented on my work, called just to check-in, offered up their guest bedroom when I was out of town, hosted play dates for my son… I am thankful for you.

And so this month, to show my thanks, I want to give back in a way I never have before…  and I need your help. Email thankful@elledanielle.com and share the story of someone who needs to be lifted up this holiday season. I will accept emails throughout December.  Nominees can include families, couples, children, or individuals. They do not have to live in the Birmingham, Alabama area, but must be available for a shoot in the city between December 1^st and January 15^th.   The one catch—you cannot nominate yourself.  Regardless of how much you want the gift of a free session, I challenge you to think of someone who needs it more.