Second Annual Giveaway (updated with current information)
Trigger Warning (and yes, I’m sharing this in the right place)
25 years ago this week, my life started anew because of domestic violence.
Let me re-introduce myself.
Who you know
I’m Angela, the “smiling, joke-making, high-pitch squealing if it makes your kids laugh or your dogs look at me” woman, who shares stories about the bright side of life and pictures of my amazing and beautiful family. I love photography and connecting with people even though I’m an extreme introvert and still battle anxiety about meeting new people. (OK, maybe you don’t know that last bit because I come across as an extrovert and as if all my emotions are excited!)
Where I’ve been
My story now is beautiful (though it has its own dark corners that I still work through based on what once was) but it wasn’t always. I’m a survivor of complex trauma that includes abuse and assault, though I mainly speak and write about domestic violence, and while I won’t go into the specifics here, you can read my story HERE.
Why am I sharing this here on my photography site? I’m sharing because 25 years ago, I had to restart my life. Because my story went a little differently than many others I know, I didn’t have to start from scratch with a home or tangible items, though I have had to do so in years past — repeatedly. But one thing I did not have were good pictures to look back on.
Oh sure, I DO have lots of snapshots and a few Walmart studio pictures here and there, but I didn’t have any family photos. Nothing with me and my three children. One of the first things I did was book a studio session, taking advantage of a free coupon to get as many prints as possible. And though that one image shows a very tired and grief-stricken mama, as well as three children who have been to hell and back, I cherish it.
So, alllllll that to say, I once again want to have a special giveaway for survivors of domestic violence who are trying to rebuild their lives — whether you’re one month free or 10 years (trust me: this girl knows how the journey looks). As I reflect on how my life once was and how it is now, I am grateful to be able to be in a place where I can offer this — the gift of memories. The gift of GOOD and HAPPY memories.
If you are a survivor of domestic violence living in the Colorado Springs area* (or willing to travel) who would like to receive a free (totally free — seriously) photo session in 2023 with your children (or just of yourself) to rebuild and create new happy memories, please fill out the form below.
I am a trauma-informed photographer and I believe in giving back. Your request and session will be held with complete confidentiality. The only way anyone will know is if you tell them.
*Note: This offer is not available to anyone who has already received any type of gift session from AGK Photography in the past.
Sign up below —
Giveaway runs from December 1 – December 25, 2022 9:00 PM (MST). Limited to 25 total giveaways.
I think one of the hardest things to battle in my head when I want to do a giveaway is that others are thinking, “Wow, she’s just doing this to make her business look good.” But then I have to come back to the truth of who I am and that while sure, it does selfishly make my heart feel good to give, I also have a service that is considered a “luxury” service that many trying to begin again after domestic violence just can’t have. Food or photos? Yeah.