Are you America's Cutest Family?

Helen Malick Photography is participating in the International Charity Model Search to select North America’s Cutest Family and to raise funds for the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation. (NILMDTS.org)

Are your loved ones North America’s Cutest Family? We’ll give you the opportunity to prove it! Many exciting prizes will be awarded, and the grand prize winner receives a new car!

Model Search Special:

$50 entrance fee includes a 30-minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery. Restrictions do apply.

Finalists will be determined by online votes. Each vote is $1 (no limit on the amount of votes you can cast), and all proceeds from votes benefit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS.org).

Grand prize international winner will be determined from the 52 city finalists. The winners will be selected from the finalist gallery by photography and modeling industry experts. The winning family also receives a session with the renowned portrait artist Sandy Puc’ and international recognition.

Call 727-437-2004 or email helen@mountainwind.biz now to enter your family in this exciting contest.

*Contest open to residents of the US and Canada. For more information, visit http://sandypucmodels.com/.

All-American Boy from Siberia

Unless someone told me otherwise, I wouldn't have known that this all-American boy came to the US from Siberia. He is charming, fun, loving and your typical energetic 9-year old. His mom, Olga Boudreau, has done so much with her life before becoming a mom. Everytime I talk to Olga, I found out something new. Seamstress, hairdresser, business owner (La Mirage Salon), photographer, great cook, the list goes on and on. Fascinating woman with an incredibly warm and generous heart.

When she told me her journey to becoming a mother, I had to hold back tears. Hoping to do her story justice in my upcoming photography book on mothers.

= Helen Malick Photography website

= HMP Blog

= Become a fan of HMP on Facebook

Mommy Magnetism

I stumbled upon this image of Jeannine, a mom of four, when she was talking to my daughter who is usually pretty shy. She had this warmness about her and the home environment that she has created made you want to stay awhile. I think my daughter, who accompanies me to most photo shoot, would have asked her for a bedtime story if we stayed any longer.

If I could give this effect she had on kids a name, I would called it the "mommy magnetism". Some moms just have it. Her three older kids were home from college for the holiday, even-though they were eager to hang out with friends, I found Alex, Jordan, Michael and Megan all hanging around the kitchen area just to be close to mom. It was wonderful just to watch this effect in action. Jeannine shared her amazing mom story with me. It's got everything from adoption, to having multiple twins to sending kids to college on a modest income. She's one impressive lady and I will look forward to sharing her story in my photography book on mothers. Stay tuned!!

Helen Malick

= Helen Malick Photography website

= Become a fan of HMP on Facebook

Three Generations

I waited four months to capture this image for two reasons:

One, the mom, Dr. Janet Black, is half Taiwanese and I am already taking notes on how she handled growing up bi-racial. My children, much like Janet, is also half Taiwanese and there are days when I wonder, "how do I help them understand their background?" What she went through really hits home for me and I'm sure I'll be calling Dr.Black for prescription refills with a side of parenting advice.

Secondly, the cool thing about this image is that the in just 3 generations, a grandmother, mother and daughter can look similar but at the same time, completely different! Just look at Emrys, cutie pie, who is 1/4 Taiwanese with the long-flowing blond hair. I've always wanted hair like that. Maybe when I have grandchildren ....

I am very much looking forward to tell this mother's story in my upcoming book.

A Mom and Her "Boys"

I had such a fun time photographing this mom and her "boys". Robin had one of the most unique approaches to describing her boys to me. I'm not sure I want to give it away yet because I've gotta save the good stuff for the book! Well okay ... I'll tell you. She described their personalities relative to the roles that they would play when she's in a nursing home. Wesley (left) will be the one to take care of her in the nursing home, Willie (middle) will be the one arranging all the social events and Wyatt (right) will be the one to own the nursing home one day.

It was endearing, sweet and dead-on! When I finally had the opportunity to meet them, I felt like I've known them for years and that's when I get the best shots.

The 'Final Four'

These boys were an absolute joy to photograph! There was not a dull moment during the entire photo shoots. It was pure entertainment to see their coordinated movements. TyRhi, TyRai, Derek and Trevor kept it interesting with their ever-changing poses and facial expressions.

I am so excited for the book to come out so you could see the awesome image I captured of these four boys with their mom. She has such a great sense of humor and the stories she has shared with me about raising these boys is hilarious! She keeps them in line but it shows how much she loves and cares for them. Lucky boys.

Looking forward to doing these mom justice by sharing their amazing stories!

Transformation

I was so excited to photograph this little girl with her mommy, both good friends of mine.  I have known Alex since birth and she has developed quite a dynamic personality.  Alex is personable, lovable and not a shy bone in her body.  I photographed a beautiful mommy/daughter bonding moment, getting ready for a dance recital.  It was so sweet.