Kathy Ray: Greetings Scott...what a fantastic idea and super neat to be giving back!! I just shared your blog on a few forums I'm in and I hope you get many replies!! Enjoy Mexico and see you soon ~ Kathy Ray

Rob Her: I'd like to nominate the summer art program I teach at here in Oakland. It's called Oakland Fine Art Summer School (OFASS). Inner-city 4th and 5th graders who wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to learn the craft will have a better chance of becoming the next Scott Andrew if this camera is donated to the program. holla!

Michael Godlewski: Hi Scott! I would like to nominate my wife. I am in the Air Force and currently stationed in New Mexico. I just caught her reading Kathy Ray's post on the NYIP forums, and she commented on what a wonderful opportunity this would be for someone in need. The thing is, she has loved photography all her life and has been unable to fully get into it due to monetary issues. I have been trying to save up to upgrade her point-and-shoot, but DSLR's are very expensive with military pay. I have never seen her so passionate about something, and I wish I could provide her with the tools she needs to be a great photographer. Please consider her in your choice, as I know she would cherish this camera. Thank you.

Jen Stewart: Scott, what a WONDERFUL giving thing you are doing! I have no one I can think of to nominate right now, but just wanted to leave some blog love, especially on such an awesome giving post! :)

Amy: Hello my name is Amy Miraflor and I am a mother to two young kids and a very active husband. They all take part in constant antics that deserve to be photographed. I think the MIraflor family would be a very loving recipient for that outstanding camera. It would be given a good home. And maybe even see her former owner now and then. What could be better than that? Course we're definitely not starving. ha. xoxox love you guys. Posting this on my blog, hopefully that helps you.

s h e r r y: Oh wow, that's an amazing idea!

Joel Buxton: Would love to nominate our Home Missions church and My wife as the camera would be a blessing for all of our Church Functions!! Awesome Giveaway Bro. Love the Buxtons

Mitch Yoder: I would like to nominate my son, Jonathan. I love taking photos with my camera and he is always wanting to use it. He would like to get into photography with me. Currently I can not afford to purchase one for him unfortunately. It would get love and be used to its full potential. Anybody that gets this will be blessed for sure. God bless.

Derron Lee: I would recommend any of the local high school photo journalism programs!

Clinton Barber: I nominate myself. I have had a desire to get into photography for many years, BUT I have not the money to buy a camera setup. I would start out doing it as a hobby and eventually work into a side job for extra money once i have learned the necessary skills. You are a blessing from God to do this for someone less fortunate.

Cindy Stafford: My husband has taught photography at a public high school in Fresno for 19 years. He teaches both digital and film and has over 100 students who share 10 very old dslrs for class assignments. A 20d (or any old film or dslr cameras) would be a well-appreciated and well-utilized. His students are not ones who can afford their own cameras or lab supplies.

Phyllis Schiavone: I would like to first thank you for this most generous offer to donate your camera and lens. It is a fantastic opportunity. My nomination would be to donate it to the St. Rose of Lima School in Freehold, NJ. They have been using a POLOROID camera to take photos of their school events. The school has been itching to go digital for their photography needs but the camera has been a financial obstacle to them. I would be very happy to donate a printer to them so that they can print the photos that they would need to do the Day with Santa, Halloween and Mother Daughter dance photos with (where I typically donate my time to shoot for them). They have hesitated to go digital relying on the equipment of a volunteer, so this would be a perfect opportunity for them. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way. Thanks again!

Robert LaVallee: I would like to nominate a friend's ministry, Wordsower International, at www.wordsower.org. They have orphanages around the world that they start and support. They work in some of the poorest parts of the world, Africa, Haiti, etc. I went to Haiti to see and photograph their work in January and experienced the earthquake. They have over 250 kids in their orphan homes in Haiti right now and more coming daily due to the quake. A good camera would be a great blessing to their work.

Anthony Gregorio: I nominate my wife/ Shes is/was always taking pics. for everyone. In the classroom, football games ect. But @ one of the games her camera was stolen w/ all her pics on it. After 7 months w/ no camera I am still not able to get her one. Every time shes sees an opt. to save a moment shes crys. That camera would bring the flash back into her eyes.

aimee: hi im aimee newman..:] i nominate myself..i am about to graduate highschool and finishing up my first photography class..i am loving film and excited about digital!! i want to take photos as a part of my profession i want to travel and go on third world relief missions. i am about to head to germany for a decipleship school which will provide many opportunities for such things and i have wanted a digital camera for so long that i could call my own!! i have no money to spend on buying one since i am spending all my money on my tuition for school. this camera would recieve much love and i cant even describe how much this would mean to me!! i love photography and having a camera of my own would excel me in my passion for photography and doing what i believe i am called to do.. it is so hard competing with all these deserving people so may the Lord guide your decision to who deserves it!!:]] God bless

Stephanie Moore: I nominate 'Team Moore'....we are a fam of 7, who are totally active in sports, activities, etc, and Mrs.Moore (me) also has a website for hair accessories & has a daughter who does modeling for Boutique Designers. I love taking pics, I've been a scrapbooker for 12+yrs, we've just not had the finances to invest in a good camera setup for me. But when we were going to make the purchase, my van broke down, and we needed to put that money towards a new transmission to keep our family running.... My hubby works so hard to provide for our family, I've been a SAHM for 14yrs now, and we sacrifice a lot, for the luxury of me to stay home to care for our growing family..... I'd love to give back to my hubby and start a photo biz, but money has been the issue of me not being able to purchase the camera I've dreamed about for years... thanks Scott...what a blessing you will be to the winner... xoxo, Stephanie Moore

Tim Sarquis: Dude, you got a good thing go'n on here. I nominate my former high school, Yosemite High in Oakhurst, CA. I took the photo/media class and even though we had some nice point and shoot cams, it was always hard to learn exposure, aperture, iso, etc on a automatic cam. I think kids who are really into photography would really appreciate a pro cam that they would probably not be able to get on their own. Even though they wouldn't own it, they can still learn a lot from using one at school. Love this idea and all of these entries totally deserve it! Its going to be hard to choose!

katdodge: lol, you have your work cut out for you.... decisions decisions...

Austin Ftacnik: As selfish as it sounds I would like to nominate myself. Before I tell you why I think the camera should be giving to me let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Austin Ftacnik and I am 16 years old. I currently live in Missoula Montana where my family pastors a small growing church. Photography is something that interests me and is something that I am going to do as a hobby and maybe even a career one day. I can spend hours looking at good photography and thinking about how shots were taken. What would I shoot with the camera? Everything! From action sports to lifestyle portraits to landscapes, you name it! Why should the camera be given to me? I think the camera should be given to me because like most of the other people that want this camera, I also do not have the money to afford a nice DSLR to get me started in photography. Besides that I believe I will use the camera to its full potential and use it as a stepping stone to progress further into photography. By giving the camera to me you are helping to inspire a new generation of photographers. Thank you for this opportunity Scott!

Diana: I would like to nominate a friend of my sons. This is a teenage girl from a single parent household. Katie has had a very rough year. Her Mother has lost her job. Her grandmother whom she was very close to died on Christmas eve. Katie loves photography. She is always looking at my photos and loves having photos all over her room. Her point & shoot was stolen when visiting a relative. Her family can not afford even a point & shoot for her. We helped them get a stove and refrigerator when her Mother had to move out of an abusive relationship. Katie still never complains & always finds the good in things. She is smart & a loving teenager and a camera like this could change her whole world. Thank you for your consideration.

Matt Leitholt: Scott, what a great idea and whomever receives the camera will be forever changed. I would like to nominate my great friend Kristin, she just turned 16 and is very good at photography when using a very old point and shoot (about 6 years old I believe), but she has simply outgrown it. I can see some great potential in her work, but she needs to up the equipment to really exercise that potential. She would be so happy to have this camera and it would mean the world to her. I could definitely see her being the next big thing. I would hope you would consider her, for it would make her so incredibly happy!

Sandi: Id like to nominate Jaime. She is now a freshman in college. In her Junior year of high school, she started collecting shoes for Kenya. Over 4200 pairs of shoes were collected. She went on a mission trip to Africa to take the shoes to the people. She has since been back twice on mission trips, along with speaking engagements across the country. I think Jaime is a remarkable young woman, and I believe she could use the camera to tell her story, the people of Africa's story, as she sees it.

Suzanna Duran: Hello, i nominate myself. I am a sophmore in high school and I do a lot of photography of my friends and family. I am inspired by your work, it helps me alot when i do my photo sessions. I would like to expand my desire, although the camera i have now (a cannon powershot) is restricting me from persuing my goal. This camera would enable me to further my career as a free lance photographer. Photos capture precious moments that some people might not remember as the years pass. Some of my favorite photos are of my ancestors and I would like to carry on the tradition and pass beautiful memories onto the next generations. Thank you for your generosity! I appreciate the opportunity to share with you my desire to advance my love for photography. Sincerely, Suzanna.

Dana: I'd like to nominate our art club ~ Dream LOUD. It's a program that serves children that have an incarcerated parent. We have children ages 6-18 that participate in the program using art as a way to find positive ways of expressing themselves during the difficulties they are facing. Our kids love photography ~ We have been blessed with an old point and shoot digital camera and the kids just can't seem to get enough of it. It has been used to take thousands of photos and we continue to hope it doesn't give out just yet. It would be wonderful to help our kids learn to use the slr to expand thier knowledge and talents. It's always amazing to see the world through thier eyes.

Wendy: Hi, Andrew! My best friend found this website on one of her photography groups. I would like to nominate her. She loves photography and you can say it runs in her blood. She has sacrificed so much for me and my children, including her paycheck. She is single and has no children of her own, yet she works so hard to keep food and shelter for my children & myself. She's always been a giver, and I would love for her to receive a great camera to help her develop her amazing photographic talents!

David Noceti: Scott, thank you for your generous spirit and your desire to help others. I think that in education these days, one of the most difficult parts is getting students motivated to learn. I’ve witnessed this first hand with my wife’s high school students. It seems like every other week the school is cutting something, from teaching positions to classes. The only extra funding they get is for the typical bureaucratic waste: expensive digital projectors and stylus pads for teachers to write on walls with; and yet they can’t find the money to keep art programs open or after-school tutorials going. It’s a hard atmosphere for kids to find motivation in. The closest that any of these kids ever get to real photography is my wife’s yearbook class. Unfortunately, for years they’ve had to get by with point and shoots. The sad part is that if you go digging through the old filing cabinets you can find ancient Canon SLRs with a range of fast primes. It seems that somewhere along the line someone decided that the students could make do with less when it came to photography, or perhaps they just didn’t think them capable of using such equipment anymore. This past year the school’s Site Council finagled a single Rebel for her class. It’s amazing how that one camera has motivated her kids. In years past Melody has had to stay late to take pictures at most of the school events because none of the students wanted to do it; now they walk around in pairs trading the camera off between each other. Each time they go out with the camera they get more daring. Just last week Melody mentioned how proud she was that they were actually trying to figure out shutter priority mode. Alas, it’s only one camera spread throughout an entire class of students. I can only imagine how much more they would be able to learn with two cameras going at once. I can picture students shooting side by, sharing their settings, feeding off of each other’s energy. I can also see other students watching them in action and saying, “Wow, they get to do that in Yearbook? I’m taking that class next year.” As an artist, I’d have to say that those high school years are the most influential. That’s when you either get the spark to pursue it or decide that it was just a fancy of your youth and leave it by the wayside once you graduate. But in order for that to happen, those kids need a lot more time with a camera. Trading a single Rebel around a classroom of students doesn’t give them anywhere near the amount of exposure that they’ll need to turn that spark into a fire. I for one think that a 20D would go a long way towards sparking that passion for photography in students for years to come. That coupled with an entire year’s worth of experience makes for a very hopeful future. And so, my nomination goes to the yearbook staff of Gustine high school.

Julie Cahill: Tina Ratliff. She absolutely adores photography and follows photo blogs regularly hoping to get into it once she can afford a camera. She is the kind of person who is always making beautiful and encouraging comments to everyone like you're wearing a sign "compliment me" or "flatter me." When a person is so giving and in tune with the beauty and nature of people I can only imagine what she would do if you gifted her a camera to capture that beauty with. She is a hard hard worker with a tight tight budget and I know she would treasure it with a FULL heart. Thank you kindly!!

Amanda Sanchez: I would like to nominate two of my teenage sons. They both love taking pictures. My 13 year who is a keep to himself, stay at home, loner could really use something to do with all of his time and having a camera would definitely put his mind and hands to good use. Thanks for the consideration :)

lisa rhinehart: Great idea! I'd like to nominate Melissa Deeken. She lives in a small town and dreams big-- she has worked with kids from the projects in a small town for the last 12 years. Most of the kids are from Philly and experiencing the culture shock of moving to rural Pennsylvania. She gives them a cultural connection, expression, and exercise though steps (step dancing) where they perform in local venues, works with them on a community garden project where they sell produce in a local farmers market and have a party where the neighborhood can enjoy salsa and thier other home-made items. She volunteers in a home for girls in India-- and goes for weeks at a time when a friend shares their frequent flyer miles with her. She has natural ability, and loves photography but doesn't have the funds to buy a DSLR. You can check out the their website: http://networkmin.wordpress.com/programs/ She currently takes pictures with my old point and shoot.

Robert Johnson: I would like to nominate a single mom of 4 kids. Her name is Jen Viland and she is a committed mother and a very hard worker. She works an 8 to 5 as an administrative assistant, she also works evening hours at a coffee shop, and cleaning houses on the side. Her oldest has a love for photography and will be a senior in high school this coming school year. I have heard Jen tell me how she wished that she could get her some equipment to shoot with, but they just do not have the resources. Jen is also wanting to take some photography classes to maybe find an opportunity to supplement her income where she can set her hours and involvement. This would be an amazing blessing to this family.

James Linkowitz: Scott, this is truly a great idea and a unique way not only to give back, but spring someone further. I am not only a wedding/portrait photographer, but a high school photography teacher in Chesterfield, VA. A suburb of Richmond, VA. We are still a 100% wet lab, teaching film and learning the techniques many take for granted in the digital world we live. Instead of nominating my classes or a specific class, I'd like to nominate a single student of my 107 that I teach, and 143 that are in our photography classes. I currently teach (2) Photography I, (2) Photography II, and (1) Photography III class at Cosby High School. Last year I was lucky enough to teach an AP Level of photography in which my kids blew me away with the work they produced. It's hard selecting just one student, but along with the other visual art teachers at my school who often teach the same students I do, have made a great decision. We are nominating Danya S. Danya is a Junior, in Art IV (Will be taking AP next year), a Photography I student of mine, and an active member in the National Arts Honor Society (I'm a co-sponsor) Danya has an unbelievable talent when it comes to drawing, and painting. Her dedication to art is something you don't see in too many students, whether in school, or at home, she is always working on something. I was happy to find out that Danya would be in my photography class this year, I knew of her and knew of her work from fellow teachers. I was eager to see how she could incorporate her artistic eye and understanding of composition with photography. She has nailed it! From the technical side of things, 35mm in a wet lab used by 100+ students a day is not easy! Dust, enlarger issues, chemical woes but Danya has mastered it. Her prints are clean, and just well done. She doesn't have "an eye for it", she actually understands the elements of art, and the principles of design, carrying it into all of her work. This camera will be useful for her in continuing her photography at home, where she doesn't have access to the darkroom. While also serving as a tool where she can paint from her own images she takes, and to document paintings she completes. I felt like I wrote a novel, sorry about that! Take Care James Linkowitz

Penny: ... just alittle blog love. Such a wonderful idea ... so many great posts. Love that you are doing this. High five and a big hug to you and who ever your love is passed onto, may their hearts be fed with their new tool.

Luke Malone: I would like to nominate my brother Austin Ftacnik. He has liked photography for a long time but cant really afford a new camera. He films little videos of him and I skiing and skateboarding. He is really good at knowing the right angles and lighting. I think he should get this camera because it will help him get started in a career that i know he would Enjoy! He is great at it! i think he deserves this camera!

Kendra Hubbard: I'd like to nominate my close friend, Erika Flores. She has enjoyed photography for many years, and even did a photo shoot with a little girl for her senior project in high school. I believe this camera would be used and loved by her :)

Stephanie Bain: What a wonderful thing you are doing. I would love to nominate a friend of mine, Gwenn. She had a very difficult upbringing and never really had much for herself. She worked from the age of 15 and used the money to purchase eyeglasses and shampoo for herself because those things were just not provided to her. Her mother was uncaring and she never knew her father. Her stepfather would often steal her money if he knew she had it. She has overcome her upbringing only to become the most excellent mother and one of the most giving people I know. She is sympathetic and everything her mother wasn't to her. Even now, money is a struggle for her family, but you wouldn't know it. She is constantly doing for her children and rarely does anything for herself. I happen to know that her children have not had professional pictures taken in over 3 years and her youngest has never had a pro picture taken. The point and shoot camera she is currently using is out of date and on its last leg. She shows me pictures of her children and she is so proud of them. Unfortunately, all of these special moments and memories are blurry, foggy, and do not give these moments the justice they deserve. She has very few pictures of herself growing up and it tears her apart that she is not able to provide her children with pictures of their lives. She definitely deserves something good in her life and I know she would appreciate this more than anyone else I know. I know she would study and learn how to use this camera appropriately. I live too far from her to take her children's portraits. She is a hard worker and would monumentally reap the benefits of this wonderful gift. Mothers love nothing more than pictures of their children and Gwenn deserves this pleasure just as much as anyone else. Thank you so much for this wonderful thing you are doing. Thank you in advance for considering my friend, Gwenn, for this wonderful honor.

Jennifer Morris: Hey Scott! I would like to nominate my little sister Melissa. After a missions trip to the Philippines last year, she fell in love with the field and will be going to Belize in a few months w/Pastor & Sis Buxton to help with the mission there. Melissa will be entering law school in the fall but is determined to continue her work as a missionary and has kept the work of God a priority. Only God knows which countries this camera would be a blessing to Melissa’shands. (Plus she has pretty epic style and artistic abilities which I’m sure would flourish with the right tools! :))

Dana Richardson: I would like to nominate my husband, Justin Richardson. He has a passion for photography that led him to take a class while we were in college. Photography 101 introduced him to an entirely new way of seeing things. It became more than just a hobby. He changed his major to fine arts. Photography is about a vision. I can use the same equipment he uses, shoot under the same conditions, and his photographs just capture something that I cannot see. Although it’s not entirely about the equipment, I know that this type of full frame camera has been on his wish list. And I am totally guilty of talking with my hands and knocking his digital camera right out of his hands onto a concrete driveway. We have not been able to work on his wish list lately. So, please consider him for your camera. He will definitely love it, absolutely use it and probably not let me anywhere near it. I think this is an awesome way to find a new home for your camera. Thanks, Dana

Taylor Cortez: Hi Scott, I would like to nominate my sister Monique Cortez, who by the way is a big fan of yours. She has dreamed of being a well known photographer and is inspired by alot of your work. She even used you in a class presentation and talked about how talented you are and what a creative eye you have. She trully desrves this camera because Monique does many local photo shoots without a professional camera. People in our community will go to her for senior pictures, sports events, weddings, family photos, charities, plus many other local events, and as well as working with me to begin a modeling career. Even though she does an amazing job without the professional camera, I know she would GREATLY appriciate the camera as well as me and our family and friends. Please consider her as the winner of this camera!Thanks. :)

Alaina: I'm nominating myself, as selfish as it may be. I have my own photography business, Alaina Gros Photography (alainagros.com). I currently have a "not so professional" Rebel XSi. But still, even with a less than ideal camera, my business is excelling way beyond my imagination! I've recently started a "contest" where I'll be giving away a few sessions to those that are "less fortunate," after being inspired by HelpPortrait, which I regretfully didn't hear about until AFTER HelpPortrait day. I'm also wanting to become a member of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, but I just can't do it with my Rebel. NILMDTS is such a fantastic organization, and I'm dying to become a part of it, but I need a more professional camera to do it. I may not seem as worthy as others b/c I already have what I consider a "successful" business (in my eyes, anyway!), but I can only imagine what I can do with an upgraded camera. My goal is to get my name OUT THERE...I want people to recognize me...with a 20D, I can make that happen. Thanks :-)

Marta Lujan: I'd like to nominate my little sister, Marisela Garcia, who is barely starting to see the world and starting to see the glass as "half full". She is a 20 year old single mother and a full time college student. I'm amazed on her ability to stand on her own two feet and take care of herself and her son. She's just like me in understanding that if you really want something you have to work hard for it. I just want to make at least one thing in her life a little easier for her. She is currently taking her first photography class (not digital) with a borrowed camera I found at a "White Elephant" sale in Oakland. She has always shown great interest in photography, but a camera is a luxury she can't afford. I see her eyes light up everytime she tells me about what she's learning. She doesn't know I'm nominating her and she probably never will, but thank you so much for the opportunity and the consideration.

Jenn Lebron: Can I nominate my husband please?? He is currently deployed to Afghanistan and just got appointed to be 'the guy' who puts together a yearbook for 1-503 BN in Operation Enduring Freedom X. :) God bless!!

santos Samayoa: I know this sounds conceited but i want to nominate myself, i'm a newbie at photography, but i want to pursue a career in photography. One of my dreams i have is to help out the under privilege communities in the city of my church, San Jose, and i want to put up a photo shoot where all kinds and types of photographers would join forces to put an extreme photo shoot, we would ask donations from macys, ross, etc. to donate clothes and give back to homeless or under privilege people and just have a time to make them look beautiful/handsome and be able to take pictures of them. We all need to smile in these hard times. Thank you.

Harmony Loves: I would love to nominate a student of mine (well, actually a past student of mine when I was a counselor). Her name is Lizbeth Soto and she is an amazing person. She wants to pursue photography but she doesn't have the money to purchase a camera-not even a used camera, all of her money is used for books and classes. She recently graduated from high school and is attending a local junior college-she was accepted into a university but had to stay close due to financial issues. Lizbeth is so eager to learn, loves photography and she could really use some help. She is seriously one of the best people I have ever met.

gema blanton: Angela Duncan sent this to me and this is an awesome thing you are doing!!! I would like to nominate the Photography Class in Chapel Hill High School. The funding has been cut and I met with some of the students last semester and they have tons of ideas in their heads.

Lucas Simmons: I'm nominating my friend Troy Livesay. He and his family of 10 lived in Haiti for four years prior to the earthquake and he has taken me around Port-Au-Prince shooting pictures in the past. They are temporarily on hiatus in America but are going back shortly (Lord willing) and he has a strong desire to tell some stories of Haitian friends that were affected by the earthquake. He was just telling me yesterday how he wished he had some better gear to document the stories and then I came across this... I really believe Troy would be a good place to invest this camera.

Danielle: I would like to nominate myself....and I am going to go out of my comfort level and admit something to all of you.....I have been using for the past 2 years a "borrowed" camera for all my work, I rent one for my weddings, and I use this "borrowed" one as backup and for all my portraits....but I no longer have a camera I can truely call my own. I am saving up for one....but yes...I shamfully admit this

eleanorhope: Scott, i know it seems rather concited, but i would like to nomitate myself for this precious item. I have always had an eye for anything creative, especially fashion & photography . I would take wonderful care of this priceless gift and put it to good use. Next sememster, I'm taking photography classes. it would be a blessing to not have to spend money that i don't have on a good camera. i'm working & going to school, so i need every dime. Thank you.

Young: Hello, i'm from Malaysia. I saw this from Bobby's twitter. Ermm.. I would love to nominate this camera to my mom. I know she always wish to have one, to capture every moment of her, no matter she's happy or sad. :) and happy birthday mom!! Love* Anyway.. thanks! and good luck everyone! :)

Rodger Kistler: my name is rodger. I work with YOUTH WITH A MISSION (YWAM) in Tyler TX where Bobby and Lindsey were. I saw on Bobbys page you were giving away a camera. I am a aspiring photographer. My wife KAtrina and I travel alot of places doing really rad things. I have been teaching myself to use media as a way to raise awarness for injustices,people groups, and culture. I currently have a Rebel XTi which is ok but i am in need of a upgrade babdly. I would like to submit myself. www.kistlersphotography.com

Erika Flores: I would like to nominate myself...Erika! I can't even begin to describe what an awesome opportunity this is! Photography has always been a passion and desire of mine like... ALL my life, although I have never had the opportunity to further this art I LOVE, (Except by using throw aways and borrowed cameras) is how I've been able to release this...I don't even know how to describe it...desire mabey :). Anyways cliché as this sounds... this would MEAN THE WORLD to me and be a start to a new career and my life. Your a great man!

Brent Wale: I hope its not too late, Im the youth pastor at a church in Amite, LA, and would love to put that camera to good use. We take pictures of all our major events (look here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31041097@N04/, but its with a borrowed cheap camera from one of our youth. My wife used to work for a few photo studios and could teach us how to really get some use out of it. i want to use it to create a wall of the youth that come through, cover it with their photographs and memories, and to have a nice camera to photography our events. Thanks and I think what your doing is awesome. Sincerly, Brent wale Fuel Youth Ministries,

Vanessa: I would like to nominate myself. I have great potential to be an amazing photographer. I love your work and have the greatest wish to do some amazing work like you!

Tina G: What a cherished item to pass down to the next generation! I would like to nominate my daughter Taylor. She has a passion for photography, and animals! She volunteers many hours to various organizations, she is just a wonderful kid! She is one of six children, graduates in May.She doesn't have a story that will pull on heart strings but I can promise you this , your camera will be a treasure that will continue to provide a visual memory in the hearts of many people that Taylors life touches, not only will she be blessed, but the generosity in her nature will continue to "pass it on" to others, I understand it is not about the camera but the care and love it generates through the power of a photo! She is the one that will carry on with your passion and art! Thank You for giving a mother the opportunity to support her child's passion!

Aaron Pottichen: My wife Tara would love this camera for multiple reasons. This camera would symbolize a new beginning, a career path and many more happy surprises. First off, we’ve been together for over 9 years and been married 4 years this July and she is just amazing. She really wants to start a career in photography and is very passionate about it. In a way, it’s been a weird journey for her to get her. Not too long ago Tara’s father fell on some pretty tough times and to help him get by Tara has really taken the reins for his business and run it herself. Recently she used some of the assets from his business to invest a substantial amount of money in a neighbor’s business. Unfortunately, the neighbor and his business lacked the passion and intellect of my wife and it went under. It’s devastating when a business has to shut down, but it was compounded by the fact that Tara had lost money for her father who is in a bad spot and unable to work right now. Needless to say, it has been a hard time for her and one in which she has really had to do some soul searching. Part of that soul searching has been to find a career path where she can combine her business experience with her passion. As of late, her passion has been our beautiful one year old daughter, Haylee, and taking photographs of her. Even before Haylee was born Tara had been researching baby photography and learning ways to take better photographs. And ever since Haylee was born the photographs haven’t stopped. It’s hard to remember a day since Haylee was born when I didn’t get an amazing photograph Tara took of our girl during the day. And there’s nothing like working at the office and getting a text message with an awesome photo Tara took of our one year old. It makes a hard day just melt away. Receiving this camera as a gift would be a huge confidence builder for Tara in becoming a professional photographer. The current camera she has now is no different than the one a regular house wife might have bought at Best Buy. Getting this camera would be like a minor leaguer getting called up to the Yankees. Now matter if you’re a Yankee fan or not, there’s a sudden rush of confidence and belief that you can do it once you have those pin strips on. After what my wife has gone through and the passion she has for photography, I want her to have that feeling and belief that she can succeed and build a career as a professional photographer. I have absolute confidence that she can do and I want you to believe in her. Please let my amazing wife wear the pin stripes and give her the camera. Thank you very much, Aaron Pottichen P.S. Here is some of her work so far, http://hayleegrace.shutterfly.com/

Clara Ortiz: I am sorry for the late entry, but I hope that this letter will make an impact on your decision to consider Suzanna Duran in your camera giveaway. I nominate her because I feel that she has an enormous potential for a professional career as a photographer. This gift is such a great tool to help her start off gathering some of the equipment that she will need in the future. She has shown great interest in photography as well as dedication and hard work. She makes great use of natural light and can make even a mundane situation seem beautiful and timeless. This is a very talented young lady. She also has the ability to digitally enhance some images by enhancing focal points, using selective color replacement, enhancing shadows and also goes to the trouble of then tagging images with her copyright and adding them to an amazingly beautiful blog. This is a lot of hard work for a 15 year old young lady and shows she is very focused with her energy. She has a great eye for beautiful images. I see this young lady as a very driven and ambitious career woman in the near future. She definitely has a great customer service attitude along with a fantastic fun loving friendly demeanor, and is a dedicated Saint of God. Aside from her photography interests she puts forth her musical abilities in the Manteca School District Honor Band and has a 3.7 grade point average in high school. This girl has amazing potential for a flourishing business with as many contacts as she has. I can see her marketing her business as a professional photographer with someone who can give her a little business and marketing guidance. Thank you for your consideration.

Olivia Duran: I am sorry for this late entry.I hope it will help you concider Suzanna Duran for your camera giveaway. Suzanna is a very talented young lady.At the age of 15 she is getting her name out there and alot of people are enjoying her work.She has done a photoshoot for me and my husband. People that see her pictures are amazed by her work and want her to do shoots for them as well. She has a special touch to make any picture look flawless. She has the drive to move forward in photography and has a goal to make it not only pictures but art. This young lady is going places with both her music talent and her ability to capture the beauty that life has to offer her through a lens. And thank you again for reading this and for your consideration.

Alexis C.: Hello, my name is Alexis i heard about your camera giveaway from my cousin, Erica Flores, very generous and thoughtful of you to people who cannot afford to do what they love, and a great oppurtunity for those out there trying to make a career out of photography. That is why i'am nominating my cousin Erika Flores, because i know how much photography means to her, and how much she wants this camera, because it could help change her life and do what she loves or at least get her started. I read all these blogs and alot of people mention all the places they've been and all the beautiful things they seen and want to photograph. I just want my cuz to have that oppurtunity to do those things. Good luck Erika!

juanita: hello, My name is Juanita. I think this is an outstanding idea that you are doing. I would love to have this camera. It would be a total upgrade for me from a 35mm camera. I love to capture memories but only limited to what I have right now.