Canon Asia

sandypucblog — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:22:13 +0000

I had an amazing experience shooting the official commercial for Canon Asia last fall. Here is the behind the scenes footage. The commercial will air in 10 countries throughout Asia. A big thanks to Canon Asia and your amazing team. A great life memory!

Canon EOS System. Behind the Scenes: Featuring Sandy Puc’ from Sandy Puc on Vimeo.

Here is the official Commercial

Seven Pounds Interview – NILMDTS

sandypucblog — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:04:22 +0000

An Interview with Sandy Puc’

The president and co-founder of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep on the healing power of photography

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Liz Matsushita (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

In 2005, photographer Sandy Puc’ co-founded the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation(NILMDTS) with Cheryl Haggard. NILMDTS administers a network of thousands of volunteer photographers around the world who conduct free hospital and hospice portrait sessions of families who have just lost a baby. I spoke with Sandy about the organization and its mission.

Liz: How did you get the idea for the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation?
Sandy: My work was on display at the local hospital, mainly art-type portraits of parents and children. One day I received a phone call from a family I didn’t know. They had just found out that their son had a condition incompatible with life, and they had seen my work. They wanted me to create portraits for them like the ones they had seen. Their son was being taken off life support later that evening. I really hadn’t done anything like that before. But through that session, I became very close with little Maddux’s mother, Cheryl Haggard. We realized how many babies pass away on a daily basis in this country. Most of the families go to the hospital thinking they are going to have a healthy baby; they don’t expect it to happen. There is such shock that they don’t think of things like taking pictures, capturing memories.

Liz: Can you describe your services?
Sandy: Our volunteer photographers go to the hospital and do a full portrait session. Most opt for black and white due to the condition of the child, but otherwise it is just like a beautiful portrait session we would do in a high-end studio. Our photographers go home, do image editing, and provide the family with a disc of photos at no charge. The average volunteer spends about ten hours of work on one family.

Liz: What is the experience of the photography session like?
Sandy: When the photographer goes in, they are required to sign off on hospital paperwork, as a legality issue for safety and health. They introduce themselves as a representative of NILMDS, and are efficient, quick, quiet, and very respectful. They explain to families what they’re going to do. We give them options for photographs: the baby alone, Mom and Dad with baby, Mom and baby, Dad and baby; if there are other family members, grandparents, siblings. We do recommend that they hold their children; sometimes they are in shock, but we know how valuable it can be later. We also know the baby’s time is short, or has passed, and we want to make sure they get as many images as they can. This is a one-shot deal. Once the session is over, the baby will usually be taken to the morgue.

We focus on the memorable parts of the baby: eyes, toes, ears, little hands. We want the parents to have a record of the baby. These are the things they struggle with the most because they’re in so much shock. It helps to remember those little details. They’ll have it forever.

For the parent, that baby is real. This happened. So we can just give them the opportunity to show that and say, this is my child.

Liz: What do you hear from families who have utilized your services? Does it help to facilitate their healing process?
Sandy: There’s such a range. Everyone handles pain differently. Some families are desperate to see the images right away, while some families, three or four years later, have not looked at the images because they aren’t emotionally ready to do so. It really depends on the person. There are parents who tell me they look at the images every day. Some put them on display, on their desk at work. They want people to ask about their child. Unfortunately, a lot of people are misinformed: they tell grieving parents things like “forget it” or “thank heavens you have another.” Things like that are very painful. For the parent, that baby is real. This happened. So we can just give them the opportunity to show that and say, this is my child. That’s what we hear the most.

Liz: Finally, what words of advice can you offer to our SevenPonds readers who may be dealing with grief or the loss of a child?
Sandy: There are so many resources for healing. For parents who have lost a child, the biggest thing is capturing memories. It’s important to keep the memory alive and keep a tribute to the baby, such as with birthday remembrances. We also want to help people understand that it’s okay to talk about that lost child. We want other people to be comfortable with that conversation. Some of our families have the hardest time because people don’t know how to react when a baby passes away. Be forgiving of people, but also help to educate people.

Liz: Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Visit Seven Pounds

To learn more about Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep visit:

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.org

Mommy Class 101 Wraps Up

sandypucblog — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:03:57 +0000

Thank you to all of our wonderful moms who joined us for our Mommy Photography 101 classes! We loved meeting you and getting to spend a day of fun with you!

Please keep posted on our Blog, Newsletters and Facebook for future classes!

Gift Guide 2011

sandypucblog — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:06:14 +0000

Sandy Puc’ Portrait Design’s 2011 Top Holiday Gift Picks

It’s better to give than to receive. Go on—-make them smile with these fabulous holiday gift ideas.

Baby
From infants to six months and beyond, these ball poppers are sure to be a favorite.

Playschool Poppin Park Elefun Busy Ball Popper

http://www.target.com/p/Playskool-Poppin-Park-Elefun-Busy-Ball-Popper/-/A-13437083

Toddler
This is an interactive toy that teaches toddlers colors, counting and different sea animals.

LeapFrog Talk-a-Shoe Talking Octopus

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11838276&prodFindSrc=search

Preschool/Kindergarten
These plates make mealtime extra fun and engaging.

Mr. and Ms. Food Face Plate

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/ms-food-face-plate

Grades 1-3 Girl
You don’t have to pronounce it to make her day, just give her one of these adorable dolls. Most come with a cute little pet/sidekick.

Lalaloopsy Doll

http://www.target.com/p/Lalaloopsy-Doll-Crumbs-Sugar-Cookie/-/A-12269115

Grades 1-3 Boy
Be prepared to bring a huge smile to his face… and get shot in the head, arm, leg, etc.

Nerf Vortex Vigilon Disc Blaster

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11393560

Grades 3-6 Girl
Tis’ the season to be dolly! Give your daughter the gift of reading, history and fun with a timeless classic—an American Girl Doll. Choose from 12 different dolls—each with their own book. They range from 1764 to 1974, and the assortment of outfits, books and accessories is virtually endless.

American Girl Doll

http://www.americangirl.com/index.php

Grades 3-6 Boy
It’s all about LEGOs at this age. Give him this Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired set, and he’ll have hours of engaging fun ahead of him.

LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean Queen Anne’s Revenge

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11517687

Tween Girl
You might not like him, but every tween girl is obsessed with Justin Bieber. Give her one of his CDs, his movie, a poster, tee shirt or even a bottle of his perfume.

Justin Bieber Someday Perfume

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/justin-bieber-someday-eau-de-parfum-1.7-oz?ID=566774&cm_mmc=Google_Feed-~~3-_-11~~-MP311

Tween Boy
At two feet long and three pounds, the world’s largest gummy worm will provide any tween boy with weeks of amusement and sweet albeit unusual snacking satisfaction.

The World’s Largest Gummy Worm

http://www.perpetualkid.com/the-worlds-largest-gummy-worm.aspx

Teen Girl
Victoria’s Secret PINK is every teen girl’s favorite loungewear. Make her smile with a colorful option—the brighter the better!

Victoria’s Secret PINK Signature Crew and Vintage Flair Pant

http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1316653707601&c=Page&cid=1316658152157&pagename=vsdWrapper

Teen Boy
These hoodies are stylish and feature built-in headphones, so they can be plugged into a phone or mp3 player for a convenient and machine washable wardrobe essential.

Hoodie Buddie

http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=1cb76d7&cmOrigId=1cb8532&cmTypeFlag=RichRel&cmCatID=searchresults

College Girl
There’s nothing like a warm, luxurious pair of UGG boots to keep your little smartie warm on campus.

UGG Australia Classic Tall

http://www.uggaustralia.com/womens-classic-tall-sheepskin-boots/5815,default,pd.html?dwvar_5815_color=GREY&start=3&cgid=women-boots-classic

College Boy
Just give him money and don’t ask any questions.

Domesticated Diva
Angelic hostesses everywhere will be in seventh heaven with a fondu set like this one from Crate & Barrel.

Gala Fondu Set

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/fondue-sets/gala-fondue-set/s567160

Man’s Man
There’s nothing better than a bottle of Crown Royal whisky. Add some whisky glasses for an extra touch that he will love!

Villeroy & Boch Highlands Whiskey Tumbler

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=17751654

Athlete/Outdoorsman
A Nike+ Sportswatch GPS is a great gift for any athlete. Powered by Tom Tom, your favorite fitness buff can access plenty of data on up to 50 runs, and chart them on their computer with a built-in USB port.

A Nike+ Sportswatch GPS

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?cp=usns_CSE_081109_GiftsCom&l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-406329/pgid-431911

Fashionista
A large gold watch like this one by Michael Kors will make any fashionista’s eyes sparkle.

Michael Kors ‘Large Gold Runway’ Watch

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-kors-large-gold-runway-watch/2995410?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=494

Bookworm
You can’t beat a reading tablet like Kindle for those bookworms in your life!

Kindle Touch

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Amazon+-+Kindle+Touch+with+Special+Offers/2506155.p?id=1218425939738&skuId=2506155

Don’t forget a card with a personal message!

Happy Thanksgiving

sandypucblog — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:00:42 +0000

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of year. Everyone gets the opportunity to take a moment and reflect on all of the joys and smiles they have experienced throughout the year. Here at Sandy Puc’ Portrait Design, we are so grateful for all we have. We are grateful for our clients, for what they have given us and for the growth of our studio over the years. It’s hard to believe that I started in Colorado 19 years ago and have so many clients that have shared every memory with me from the beginning.

I wanted to share one of those clients with you, one that I am grateful to have been a part of their family’s adventures and growth over the years.

The Cressman’s presented me with a beautiful album that showcases every image they’ve ever had taken with me. Beginning in my home, all of their holiday cards and up to present day. I was so moved by this sentimental gesture that it brought me to tears. To be able to see their children growing over all of these years and to know that our studio has played such an important part in capturing those memories is an amazing privilege in my eyes. To know that a client felt so strongly to actually take the time to make that album was breathtaking. For many of us who have been around the studio for a long time, it left us with tears of happiness and gratitude.

We want to thank everyone, whether you are a new client or have been with us since I was working out of my home. We are so grateful that you have been with us throughout the years.

Warm Wishes and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sandy

Welcome to the Inferno!

sandypucblog — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:40:40 +0000

After a fun weekend in Nashville, I am back from the No BS Inferno Workshop! It was a wonderful production by Rob Provencher from No BS, as well as Kerry Allan from the Photography Schoolhouse. I had a blast at the event and absolutely loved the energy of our intimate group. We had the privilege of hearing from some great speakers and I also had a wonderful time speaking at the event!

We had some great times after hours with all of our friends too! What would a trip to Nashville be without a visit to Jack’s BBQ? I made sure we had time to savor some delicious barbeque! After our tummies were full, we spent the rest of the evening at a piano bar, hanging out with good friends and having a grand old time! I even got to celebrate my birthday a little bit. They sang Happy Birthday to all of the November birthday people and of course it made me blush.

All in all, it was a spectacular trip! Big thanks to Rob and Kerry for all of their amazing work and for the wonderful people they are.

The Humanity!

sandypucblog — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:31:26 +0000

Filmed at After Dark education in Tucson, Arizona.

November is National Child Safety and Protection Month!

sandypucblog — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:08:01 +0000

Take a minute to teach your children these simple yet essential safety tips!

Strangers
Learn how to deal with strangers on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website.

911 Safety
Talk about when to call 911 with these tips on kidshealth.org

Rules for the Road
Visit ottoclub.org where you will find lots of fun and interactive ways to learn about safety on the road—from buckling your seat belt in the car and wearing a helmet on your bike to safety tips on crossing the street.

Tips on Bullying
Learn responsible ways to handle bullying at McGruff.org

Even a few minutes reviewing these safety measures can make a big difference. Help your little ones stay safe!

Mom Photography Class is a Hit!

sandypucblog — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:28:31 +0000

We have been delighted with the response we’ve received from our Mommy Photography Class 101! With happy moms and rave reviews, we are excited to share what our class is all about!

Check out our video recap and give us a call if you want to join in on the fun! We have a few spots left in our November classrooms! 303.730.8638

Heaven…

sandypucblog — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:52:39 +0000

Must be missing an ANGEL!

Congratulations to John Drury and family on their new arrival!

Aleah Sue Rose Drury arrived safe and sound on Wednesday, October 18th at 9:04 p.m.

She weighs 8 pounds, 1.5 ounces and is 20.5 inches long.

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things—wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.”

~Eda J. LeShan

Welcome to the world little one!