Last December my husband and I decided to do a project with the kids to experience how it feels to give back. We started something we called,The Giving Jar, where the kids pulled a giving task out of the jar every morning in December as a way to countdown the days until Christmas. Watching the kids perform the tasks filled my heart with so much joy that I really didnt want it to end. I decided that I wanted 2011 to be a year of giving on a more regular basis.

So far this year weve all completed several small random acts of kindness, but Ive been patiently waiting for an opportunity to do something bigger. I knew that if I was patient and didnt let the chaos of life distract me that something would present itself. Last week, I was browsing through Facebook and saw a post by the father of one of my high school friends, Dan, who was paralyzed in a horrible car accident several years ago. Dans dad posted saying that Dan was in desperate need of a new specially equipped van to help keep him mobile. They were asking for donations of any kindbig or small. I knew as soon as I read it that this was my chance!

Ive been asked often to do a workshop for photographers who desire to grow their businesses to a new level. As a mom of two busy boys Ive never been able to work it into my schedule. However, I knew this project was too important to pass up. It felt so obvious to me that this is what I was supposed to do and Im happy to be moving forward with the workshop. This will be my one and only workshop so Im planning to make it a good one! :)

*UPDATE: I'm absolutely amazed at the response to this workshop and the generosity shown by vendors in this industry! Participants are in for a real treat at the Van for Dan workshop!

Following is a basic overview of some topics that will be covered during the workshop:

The Van for Dan workshop will be held in my studio in the quaint river town of Hudson, Wisconsin on May 14-15, 2011. Hudson is a short 20-minute drive from the Minneapolis, MN airport (MSP). This workshop is geared toward working professional photographers who are eager to take their businesses to the next level. Participants should have confidence shooting in full manual mode.Below is a brief overview of what the workshop will include:

Day 1: (9am-6pm)

Day 2: (9am-5pm)

Bring your camera, laptop (optional), and a happy heart because you are doing something great for someone in need!

Dan and his assist dog, Yaeger:

Inspired by the urban elements that are often used when photographing high school senior boys. The Edge Series Card Collection features your client's favorite images with defining grunge accents pairing old and new to masterful effect.

Product Description:
-6 layered .psd files (actual card size is 5.25 x 7.25 to allow for bleed space required for press printed cards)
-Cards may be printed as standard photo prints or double sided press printed cards
-The text and most colors are fully editable
-Standard or free fonts used
-Instructions for use and font information included
-Compatible with Photoshop and Photoshop Elements

The Edge Series Cards: $65.00

A huge thank you to Pleasant who sent a photo of her new iPhone case using the Contemporary Phone Cover templates! I love seeing photographers put my templates to use. Thanks, Pleasant for sharing this with me! Send in your photos of how you're using Jamie Schultz Designs templates and if we feature you on the blog or on our Facebook fan page you'll automatically receive a $25 gift card to use on our site. Photos can be sent to info@jamieschultzphotography.com

The Chalkboard Card Collection combines art with industrial design. Each card has a replica chalkboard on the back giving them a vintage vibe with an urban twist. A perfect way for you high school seniors to show off their unique sense of style.

The Chalkboard Card Collection includes:
-6 layered .psd files (actual card size is 5.25 x 7.25 to allow for bleed space required for press printed cards)
-Text and colors are editable
-Standard or free fonts (list with links provided)
-All cards include afront and backfor press print, but the templates can also be used to produce standard photo prints.
-Instructions for use with Photoshop