What a wonderful time to give...

A fellow photographer recently challenged the photography community to give the joy of photography to a family in need this holiday season.

I have accepted this challenge. However, because I just heard of this last night, I will be making this a New Year's gift instead of a Christmas gift.

If you know someone who has lost a job, lost a home, experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat or has overcome a personal struggle, I want to hear about it. If you know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this new year, please share their story. If you know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's love, beauty and spirit, nominate them!

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography. $1000 worth to be exact. Whether it's canvas or a book, or a slide show to watch over and over... it's in your power to give them the artwork and heirlooms they deserve this new year.

In addition, the person who nominates the winner will receive $250 in portrait credit!


The Rules:


You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must have a proven need.

The nominee must be able to come to Menomonie for a studio session.

Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve a gift of photography in 300 words or less.

Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself.


Please put "New Year's Giveaway" in the subject line and email the full story to: info@siribenrudphotography.com


The winner will be announced on New Year's Day, so please get nominating!! I can't wait to read the entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season - and thank you for giving me the opportunity to open mine!

May God fill your life with love, joy and peace this Christmas Season and throughout the New Year.

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

All the orders have come in for the Little Angels fundraiser to benefit the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and I am happy to report that the outcome was better than I had hoped for. I feel so honored to have been a part of this event. Thanks to all of the generous families who participated and helped to raise over $8,600! This morning I had the privilege of delivering the check to the Children's Hospital in St. Paul. It was a wonderful experience that I was able to share with my husband and daughters. Thank you again to all who helped reach this goal. I look forward to doing it again next year!

Eleven Blessings...

What an honor it was for me to photograph this grandma with her eleven grandchildren! Thank you to everyone for giving me this opportunity and for making the trip to Menomonie in the snow. Enjoy your preview!

Because dogs are people too!

A fun thing about photography is that each session is unique and different. Last night I had the opportunity to photograph my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and "niece and nephew." These beautiful Chesapeakes were great! Thanks for bringing them to visit the studio. Enjoy!

Cousins...

I had a great time last night with these four cousins. In fact, they actually reminded me a little bit of my brother and two cousins growing up. It was so much fun to see them interact. They truly love each other! Thank you so much for bringing them to see me. They are adorable!

Little Princess...

Meet Ella, a one-year-old princess-in-training. Her mom and I had so much fun dressing her up. She was such a good sport about it too, letting us put all kinds of tutus, bows and hats on her. Thanks for making the trip to Menomonie. It was wonderful meeting you! Enjoy!

Do you think she had enough? Look at the look she gave me!

Family Blessings...

What a great time of the year to give thanks for all that we have been blessed with! Family is one of my biggest blessings, and this special family happens to be my brother and his family. I had a wonderful time with you and I am so excited to meet your newest addition in January!

Little Models...

This brother and sister were quite the little models. By the end of the session, they were definitely working the camera! Not only were they naturals, but they were really sweet kids too. There were so many great images, I had a hard time picking which ones to post. Thanks for opportunity to photograph your beautiful children. Enjoy your preview!

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

It was fun being outside with this beautiful family. The kids did great even though it was so cold outside! Thanks for making the trip to Menomonie. Enjoy your "sneak peek!"

Santa Baby...

This is the second time I have been able to photograph this little diva. She is so beautiful. I don't think she takes a bad photo. And her big brother decided to join in on the fun too! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to photograph your sweeties. I sure had fun!