"Dear Photographer Friends (and friends of friends...),

I am excited to invite you to be part of a special Mother's Day Photography Event for mother's that live in the lower Eastside of Santa Barbara. 

As a quick introduction to those of you that don't know me personally, my name is Chrystal Sturm.  My family lives in the lower Eastside and we LOVE our neighborhood.  It is one of friendly neighbors, front porch BBQ's, and peaceful Riviera views.  It is also made up largely of lower income families..

We want to offer a one-day event for our Eastside Mommies to have (perhaps for the first time ever) professional portraits taken of their family! Photographers will only be asked to take the photographs (no editing, no uploading, no fuss required). And we ask that you to bring your own gear (camera and memory card). There will be tripods available and a full 'studio' set ups on site.

We are still fine tuning the details, but here is some of the information.

• Date :  Saturday, June 13th

• Time:  11:00 am to 5:00 pm (6 hours)

• 2 Portrait Stations

• 2 Photographers / hour

• Requesting photographers commit to 1 - 2 hour time slots (we'll take whatever you can offer!)

• Goal is to offer 5-7 good shots/family (about 10 minutes)

• 12-16 families/hour             

Specialty Color Services on E. Cota has generously offered a free 8x10 to each family photographed - to be picked up after the event. SO rad!

Staples has donated CDs and sleeves so that each family will be able to have digital copies of their photos. 

Each photographer will have an assistant from Santa Barbara Arts Alliance Program which is a city-run non-profit organization that provides at-risk youth and young adults with training in the creative arts. They are all very talented and have a passion for art. I believe this could be a chance to change a life!

Like many of you, the family photographs that hang on my walls are some of my most treasured possessions. What a neat opportunity this is to share your talents and give back to the community!

If you are interested in being a part, please respond at  chrystal.sturm@gmail.com. If your schedule does not allow you to be part of this event please consider forwarding this email to anyone who might be interested.

Other ways to contribute:

• Suggestions for additional ways to serve the community through this event

• Baked (or bought) snacks and bevies for the event staff and photographers would be welcome!

• Suggestions or introductions to other organizations that might want to partner in this event

• Come by to love on the kids and their families as they wait; make silly faces to get the kids to smile for the cameras; visit & get to know the SBAAP youth

• Help with the set-up/break-down

• Donate services and/or products for give-aways/door prizes/etc.

• Prayer for a successful event!

Thank you all for your consideration. I'm really looking forward to this and hope you all can be a part!! For questions or more info feel free to email me directly or call me at 805.252.5084."