Breaking the Cycle...SSickle Cell Awareness

Volunteering our time and our gifts to awareness is pretty important to my husband and me. We feel it is our obligation to set aside time to give back. We don't ever want to be the kind of people that like to tell everyone else what they should or should not be doing, while at the same time, doing absolutely nothing ourselves. We live intentionally and get involved with causes that affect our communities, because end the end, that is truly the only way to help. Well, we were recently called upon to shoot for a local Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser event to support Sickle Cell Awareness, and we did not hesitate to accept.

The organizer of the event, Dr. Lametra Scott, founder of Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle Foundation, Inc, discussed the source of her passion with raising awareness for this disease... her beautiful son, RJ. RJ has Sickle Cell Anemia, type SS. Sickle Cell Anemia is a disorder of the blood caused by an inherited abnormal hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein found in the red blood cells). The abnormal hemoglobin causes distorted, crescent-shaped (sickled) red blood cells, that break apart easily. When they break, it causes anemia. Sickled red blood cells have a short life span, living only 10-20 days, as opposed to the 120-day life span of healthy blood cells. The damaged cells clump together and stick to the walls of blood vessels, blocking blood flow. This results in severe pain and permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, bones and spleen. Severe pain is an emergency referred to as acute sickle cell crisis, with infection and dehydration as common triggers. Sickle cell disease is most common among Africans and African-Americans.  

Dr. Scott was unaware of her sickle cell trait status and received the news during one of her prenatal exam visits that, because she and her son's father carried the trait, there was a 25% change their son could be born with sickle cell disease. Although the news was very unsettling, Dr. Scott is a strong believer and she trusted God to make the final decision in her unborn child's status. Following her son's birth, she and her husband had him tested. It took a third test to officially confirm his medical status... he had sickle cell disease. She realized, after the turn of events, that many healthcare providers are not adequately educated on this disease, and as a result, patients are at a disadvantage and often times suffer needlessly. Dr. Scott began to research and educate herself on this chronic condition and discovered that it is not just the medical personnel; many people within our community are not educated on the disease, how to prevent it and how to properly care for themselves following diagnosis. After months of research and contemplation, her true purpose finally became clear, and she founded the Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle Foundation, Inc, a foundation dedicated to educating the community, raising awareness and encouraging individuals to get tested. 

 

The Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle Foundation, Inc. recently hosted a Bowl-A-Thon, where attendees had a fun time in fellowship, received information, got tested, and had the opportunity to donate to this worthy cause. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to donate to the Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle Foundation and their education and awareness efforts, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/btsscycle. For more information, email btsscycle@gmail.com.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela

The Creative Director
  

www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com

Keys to Building Brand Strength - The Brand Shoot

This time around, the TEAM has taken a different approach in our blog post. Presenting, "Keys to Building Brand Strength - The Brand Shoot".

"Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity." ~Zig Ziglar

 

Success doesn't just happen... it's purposed. It is the result of hard work and diligence, the fruit of exhausted efforts and evidence that the one who receives it put in countless hours to achieve it. Not everyone is built for success, because it is not easy to attain; but for those who will stop at nothing to obtain it, you must know that your brand plays a significant role in the construction or destruction of years of hard work. Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. It is an identifier, and it is used to gauge whether or not you are worth hiring or doing business with. 

"If you’re not branding yourself, you can be sure others do it for you." ~Unknown

Your personal brand identity is, in a nut shell, your reputation. It is something you cannot afford to leave to chance. It dictates how others see you. It determines the image you project to the world, and it is the driving force behind public opinions about you personally and professionally. The focus on personal branding has grown increasingly in recent years, due to the desire of many to seize control of the impressions that are affecting perception.  Personal branding involves digging deep to clearly define who you are, what you aspire to do, and how you want to be represented; then transforming your image to reflect the essence of you to the public. Effective branding affects your ability to achieve your long-term personal goals, because the wrong image could cost you. It is critical to be strategic and intentional when determining what you want your brand to be and how much you want to share and communicate to the world. 

  

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." ~ Napoleon Hill

Your brand is directly related to your level of influence and your opportunities. Your look, your verbal communication and your behavior can either have a positive impact on your achievement or they can destroy your chances of moving on to the next level. Whether you realize it or not, all three are a way of communicating your potential. Your personal brand represents the identity and confidence you want to project in a professional or social environment. It helps to develop your credibility, and becomes the basis for how well you broadcast your expertise in any area.

Depending on what type of good or service you offer, with regard to owning your own business, the image you project to past, current and potential clients about your experience, professionalism and dependability, will be the determining factor in whether or not they hire you. You don't have to be perfect, but you do have to be true to your word. 

 

"If people like you they will listen to you, but if they trust you they'll do business with you." ~Zig Ziglar

When you understand branding and the value of an image, and not just any image, but a great one, then you realize the power of that image to get you noticed. An image that is developed around quality, and an overall positive visual message is the key to designing a personal presentation that works! Professional head shots are a great place to start if you desire to create a sound image. If you are a business professional who is using photos taken with your mobile phone, IPad, laptop or other personal devices, be mindful that the end result will not give you the professional look you are hoping for and may actually keep potential clients from taking you seriously. It is also advisable to keep your images current within the last five years. (A piece of advice: HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER. We can help you polish up your look and your brand, so contact us!)

Your online presence should also reflect a positive message about your brand. The surge of social media has provided many businesses with a vast new platform in which to market their goods and services, interact with potential consumers, and promote causes. Social media gives individuals who have never had the chance before, the opportunity to communicate freely, both in positive and negative ways. Regardless of which way you choose to communicate, know that it will follow you wherever you go and could end up leaving a permanent mark on your brand. Despite our personal or professional endeavors, the outcome depends on us thinking, speaking and conducting ourselves as leaders. No matter your walk of life, take the task of managing your own reputation seriously.

"You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." ~Will Rogers

If you have a website or blog, only your best should be on display. Have someone, preferably a professional freelance writer, to proofread the language on your site and check for grammar and sentence errors, noun-verb agreement, picture quality, etc. In addition, what and how you post on social media platforms could become permanent in the memory of someone you may need to turn to later on. Post wisely and with discretion; your value will be based upon what others see, long before what they hear or know for themselves. This may be your first impression and you cannot erase anyone's initial thoughts of you.

"Be so good they can't ignore you." ~Steve Martin

Just some additional notes as you make plans to enhance your brand strength: Develop a compelling brand, make good use of your gifts and abilities, be personable, be marketable, be smart, position yourself, and give your heart to who you are and what you do. Believe me, it will differentiate you, set you apart and push you far beyond all the rest! Remember, when you are actively and continually striving to be your best, then your only competition is yesterday's effort.  

We hope you enjoyed our post and images from our recent brand shoot. Now that you have the keys to building a strong brand, its time to open the doors to your success!

Thank you so much for visiting our blog! Keep up with the TEAM at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder. 

Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela

The Creative Director
  




www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com

Model: Sheteka Alexander

MUA: Tynita Hunt

(tynitahunt@gmail.com / @makeupbytynita on Instagram)

Creative Director: Angela Ponder

Photographer: Sean Ponder

LEISURE...

Hey again!

Let me just start by saying that we absolutely LOVE shooting in or around water, and if you follow our blog on a regular basis, then I'm sure you have already noticed! We started out with the waterfall shoot, featuring Asia and Kristin in 2013, and followed up with a pool shoot with Mr. ADONIS, and then lakeside with Mariah and Michael in 2014. So far for 2015 we've photographed Adrena at the dam for her senior session, and now here we are again taking in another beautiful watery landscape and this time with the lovely, Brittney! Here are a few images from Brittney's shoot, which I simply called, "LEISURE". Enjoy! 

  The TRUE Leisure shot!

  

Over the shoulder...

 Close-Up...

Sunbathing on the dock...the Cover Pose.

Brittney was excited about shooting with us and she was SO easy to work with! Frame after frame was amazing.  It ended up being a fabulously productive day. The weather was perfect and we could not have asked for better. From the dock while the sun was still up, to the water just before the sun started to set, we took full advantage of the time of day and every minute of it.

 Sometimes you just have to let your hair down...

Fun shot!

Yep, she is in the water! She never hesitated!

Interested in doing a unique and fun photo session? Contact us TODAY and let's make it happen! We can help bring your vision to life, just let us SHOOT you!

Thank you so much for visiting our blog! Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder. We follow back! 

Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela

The Creative Director
  



www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com

Ms. ADONIA FIT 2015

In late summer 2013, the creative idea came to mind to host a Mr. ADONIS photo shoot. The minute the thought downloaded into my head, I immediately set about determining certain criteria that had to be met before crowning someone with the title. Well, with the success of the Mr. ADONIS 2013 shoot, we had to follow-up with a 2014 installment. After introducing Mr. ADONIS 2014, we received an inquiry from someone asking why we did not host the same for women? Well, to be quite honest, the thought NEVER came to my mind. Since this project has always been MY baby, all of the planning that is involved has always been up to me. So after much thought and consideration, we are finally able to present the female counterpart to Mr. ADONIS with Ms. ADONIA (pronounced /a' dōn ya/) FIT!

Introducing Ms. ADONIA FIT 2015... Jazmyne Johnson! Twenty-one year old Jazmyne is a student athlete and broadcast journalism major from Mississippi State University. Jazmyne is a proud member of the Mississippi State volleyball team (Go Lady Bulldogs!), and in addition to being a standout volleyball player, Jazmyne also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Her future endeavors include the possibility of playing professional volleyball, particularly overseas, or becoming a sports broadcaster while completing her Master of Business Administration. She would one day like to coach at the collegiate level, and eventually own and operate her own volleyball club, where she can coach and mentor young girls and teens.

 

 

 

Following this phenomenal photo shoot and standing at an impressive 6 feet tall, she may be able to add one more career possibility to her long list of options... MODELING!  She notes, "There is a lot I would love to do in my life, but whatever doors God opens for me, I will accept them with open arms! My family and friends motivate me. They push me to be the best person I can be in life in whatever activity I pursue. They keep me encouraged to go further!" Jazmyne is not only gorgeous, but she has a sweet spirit and there is no doubt she will achieve all that she puts her mind and hard work in to accomplish. Congratulations, Ms. ADONIA FIT 2015!

The Ms. ADONIA FIT shoot also introduces our brand new glam squad leader, Tynita Hunt! We are excited to welcome Tynita (get Polished by Tynita) to the TEAM, and we look forward to her getting our clients "polished" on future shoots. Email her at tynitahunt@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram @MakeupbyTynita for a consultation!

Congratulations again Jazmyne and Welcome Tynita!

Thank you so much for visiting our blog! Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder. We follow back! 

Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela

The Creative Director
  



www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com