Mothers for our Mother: a Mommy + Me mini-session fundraiser

Jan 23

Mothers for our Mother will take place March 26th from 9-11am at the Groovy Plants Ranch! 50% of the funds raised will go directly to the Columbus-based organization Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed. To sign up contact me here.

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know that each spring I host an annual fundraiser. As a family photographer in Columbus, Ohio, I have met some of my most loyal, wonderful clients through these events AND I get to do something that positively impacts my community, so it’s a tradition I cherish and want to continue. It started in 2016 when I was asked to donate mini-sessions to raise money for the Columbus Babywearing library, which I did for three consecutive years. I also participated in a Front Steps Project in 2020 and raised money for the Young Mother’s Fund with Columbus Birth Arts in 2021.

This year I wanted to support an organization that focuses on protecting the environment and our local waterways, FLOW (https://www.olentangywatershed.org/). As a parent I truly believe that we are borrowing the earth from our children and we need to return it as clean, healthy and beautiful as we can, and that is part of FLOW's mission. I follow FLOW on social media and every week they are organizing volunteer-led events to plant trees and clean up our local parks; I love to see the on-the-ground work they are doing right here in our community.

The theme for this event is "Mothers for our Mother," and I’ll be offering Mommy and me mini-photography sessions. These sessions will be held back-to-back in ten minute intervals in one of the Groovy Plant Ranch's colorful, warm greenhouses. This can be what you make it – in the past I’ve had adults come with their chosen Moms, Grandma with baby, expecting mamas, etc. However, due to limited space and time sessions must be kept to 1-3 people per group. And unfortunately, since this event is taking place on private property, I ask that you leave all fur babies at home (it makes me sad too!). Sessions are $200 and include ALL your digital images (no picking and choosing!). I will be donating $100 from each session directly to FLOW, with the hope of raising $1000 for the non-profit*.

Want a spot? Reach out here and I'll get you set up! I'm so excited to have something fun to look forward to this spring :)

*I will only be able to give a 50% refund if you sign up but then cannot attend, as $100 from your session will go directly towards FLOW upon sign up.

**Want to get involved but don’t want pictures? You can donate to my GoFundMe for FLOW here.

"Our mission is to keep the Olentangy River and its tributaries clean and safe for all to enjoy, through public education, volunteer activities, and coordination with local decision-makers." -FLOW

Scenes from the ranch.

Questions/Concerns about the event:

Covid: of course this is a big one. The Groovy Plants Ranch does ask that all visitors be masked inside the greenhouses, however you are allowed to remove your masks for the duration of your session. Please have them on hand for exploring before and afterwards.

Should you come down with covid prior to the session: unfortunately I can only offer a $100 refund if you are unable to attend, as I will be making my donations to FLOW as sign ups come in. I will, however, happily give you a $100 credit towards a future session with Heart Sung Photography.

The location: the Ranch will be open to the public during this event so we will need to be mindful of shoppers. This is why I decided to plan this event for March instead of April (earth month) as it isn’t quite gardening season yet. It also should be quieter in the morning so hopefully crowds will not be an issue. The greenhouses are completely covered and heated so this event will move forward rain or shine (or snow). Also, there are public restrooms available.

Timing: sessions will be held back-to-back so I can’t emphasize this enough: please arrive early. There is a lot to see and it’s a beautiful place to wander around so you will not be bored waiting. I will give more details as far as exact location within the property once you sign up and the event gets closer.

Images: you can expect a minimum of 5 images from your session and as many as 15. These will be delivered to you in a private gallery from which you can order prints, download your images, and get your print release within 3-4 weeks after the event.

Donation: How does the donation part work? After you sign up for a session I will send you an invoice for the total, $200. Once you have paid I will make a $100 donation in your name to my Go Fund Me for FLOW. If you want to make a donation but do NOT want photos, you can donate directly here.

I want to sign up!