Surprise Photography: January 2009

Finally, some more photos of Hawaii. I think I gook around 20Gs of photos. After leaving Kauai, we flew to Hilo, on the big island. We stayed at a very sweet B&B, where we had an incredible view of the ocean. We were treated to beautiful sunsets, when it wasn't raining :)

The moon reflecting off the ocean

Most of our time on the here was spent exploring the volcano as well as waiting for the night show. Due to the fact that the lava was pouring into the ocean via a lava tube, we were not able to get too close to the lava itself. In fact, we had to view the Volcano fumes from several miles away. Parking for the volcano viewing was actually on top of what use to be town. It was covered by lava many years ago.

What you are actually seeing here is the VOG caused by the lava pouring into the ocean.

Prior to viewing the volcano fumes, we toured the National Park. It wasn't in our original plans, but we ended up doing an amazing hike right through the middle of a crater. Below are a couple pictures of the steam coming through the grounds. With the combination of steam and VOG from the Volcano Fumes, it made the visibility very limited.

The start of our hike to the crater.

A view from the top

Inside the crater

Lava rocks

Everyone has their "Bucket List" in the back of their head. I was able to check one thing off my list while in Kona. Hubby and I rented a Kayak from some locals and headed out to Kealakekua Bay. Along the way, we ran into a school of about 30 spinner dolphins. I threw on my snorkeling gear and jumped in. I could hear them all talking to one another and saw the babies swimming with their mommas. They so close to our kayak, we could almost touch them. The dolphins were jumping out the water right in front of us. Truly an amazing experience.

Captian Cook's Monument

Driving from Hilo to Kona, you drive through the desert

And then you pass a snow covered mountain..Yes, there is snow in Hawaii

Up next.....MAUI!

(a couple days late) Meet Nicole Giladi, author of self published book, "Little Redheads Across America." I first heard of Nicole and her fabulous idea for a book about a year ago, through the photography grapevine. I sent her an email with a link to my little redheaded clients photos and asked her what she thought. A year later, 2 of my photos were published in her book :)

"Little Redheads Across America" explores the fascination and beauty of redheads, and lets them know how special they are. Hey, I think we all have to admit, we turn our head when we see a cute little redheaded child. This book is a combination of 400 professional photos from all over America, and contains fun redheaded facts, including finding your shade of red, i.e. Strawberry Blonde, Copper, Orange, Auburn and Fiery Red.

Nicole's journey with this book started right at home. A mother of twins, a boy and a girl, her daughter was born brunette, like herself and her husband, yet her son was born with copper red hair. "Where did it come from?" After becoming curious with the "redhead phenomenon," Nicole discovered that red hair is a recessive trait, that comes from both the mother and a father. Her fascination with the redheaded facts and her desire to share them with others, is what helped her decide to write this children's book.

"Little Redheads Across America" was officially published in December of 2008 and books are only available for purchase on her site. There you will also find printable games, redhead facts, photos and more.

Nichole is a great example of having a dream and running with it. She is a great role model to moms across America. The following is a little question and answer I did with Nicole:

Please tell us a little bit about the book as well as the concept behind it:

ABOUT THE BOOK: “Little Redheads Across America” is an 88-page Hardcover Book filled with gorgeous photographs of Little Redheads and facts about redheads; A kid’s coffee table book.

In addition to the over 400 professional photographs of little redheads in the book from EVERY STATE IN THE COUNTRY, I explain in a fun and whimsy way, how they became a redhead.. Why they have freckles and what they are.. Why they sunburn.. And tons of other important stuff I wanted them to know about themselves. I also included fun and amusing facts about each of our 50 states...

I wanted to create something that would show redheads how exceptionally unique and special they are.. With only 2%-4% of the US population having red hair, I wanted them to see hundreds of little redheads from across the country, that looked just like them, so they wouldn’t feel alone.

MY INSPIRATION: My husband and I are both brunette, and in 2004 we welcomed boy/girl twins into the world. Of which, my son Sammy had bright red hair. Quite a shock!

We would get so much attention from people when we were out in public about his radiant hair. I was researching red hair on the Internet when Sammy was about 1 year old. That’s when I found out that it’s recessive; My husband and I both gave our son his red hair. It has to come from both parents. Once I learned that among other interesting important traits and characteristics about redheads, I began sharing that information with other redhead Mommies I would see in public with a little redhead. Not one of them, knew the facts I shared with the. I knew then, that I wanted to put something together, that showed these children just how unique and special they really are.

Tell us what is so unique about this book and why we can't live without:

There is absolutely nothing like this to be found on the planet. I did intnsive research on books about redheads, and I found almost nothing. The few things I found were for adults only; I knew that redheaded children needed their own exclusive book.

If you have a redhead in your family or if you have a redheaded friend, co-worker or neighbor, this one-of-a-kind book is a MUST!! This will help answer many questions about their distinct characteristics.

I also have a Little Redhead GROUP on FACEBOOK!!! J

ust type in Nicole Giladi or Little Redheads. YOu can post photos of your little redhead or meet fellow redheads.

Please tell us where we can buy it:

Visit the Lil'Online Shop on my website at www.littleredheadsacrossamerica.com to purchase a copy. You can also get a sneak peek as to what the book looks like inside.

What are some of your short and long term

goals with your business:

As a stay-at-home Mom, this book has been a gift for me. Albeit, an expensive one, but a journey that I would have never known at my old 9-6 job. I have a long way to go before I break even on my investment. I would love the op

portunity to continue selling my bo

ok as long as there are redheads in the world.

Is there anything exciting we can look forward too:

I’ve received many e-mail from people already requesting a Part 2 of the book.. We’ll see, I’m still recovering from my

2-½ years of this journey.

What is the hardest part or some of th

e struggles you have had, getting your book going:

I’ve enjoyed every minute of reaching out across the U.S. in finding Little Redhead participants.. However, the hardest part so far, has been to get the “word out” about my book.. The 400 redheads in the bo

ok, make up a small percentage of the 6-18 million redheads out there.. and I’m struggling with my PR efforts.. Hiring a PR firm, can cost at the bare minimum $5,000 for 1-2 months work.. and that’s on the very low end.

About Nichole, Extra Tidbits:

Tell us about your family:

We live in Los Angeles, CA in a suburb, named Granada Hills. It’s just the 4 of us… Me, my hubbie, and 4-year old twins, Sammy & Hannah.

What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family:

GO to a outdoor mall, where the kids can run around, we can eat lunch together, and have an ice cream treat afterwards.

What are some of your favs:

Reality Show: The Bachelor & Bachelorette.

Favorite online shopping: eBay & Zappos.Free Shipping for Shoes, why go to a Shoe store ?

Can’t live without item: Target.. It’s turned into my dream store.. From Tyleno

l to ballet shoes, to Stickers to Laundry Detergent.. they have it all !!

How do you balance your family and your business:

My kids hate when I’m on my computer.. so I try to do a lot of my work after the kids have gone to bed.. I guess that explains the dark circles under my eyes.. They are in pre-school only 9 hours a week, so I try and get at least a few things done during that time.. When they’re off to Kindergarten next year, I think I’ll have more time to get more work done during the day..

Is there anything additional you would like to share?

I loved every minute of working on my book.. and I feel it shows.. The Testimonials coming in from around the country have been amazing.. as well as greatly rewarding !!

Here area few:

SOUTH CAROLINA
WOW, I received the book yesterday, you really did a fantastic job! Brooke was so excited. The book is so interesting I could hardly put it down last night. The kids are all so beautiful and so many interesting facts. I am going to see if our local newspaper (Summerville) would be interested in putting an article in the paper about Brooke being in it from Summerville. The pictures came out so good, so clear. You should pat yourself on the back!!! Thanks, Corrie

GEORGIA
Nicole - We just received our box of books! The book is just precious! It looks great and we are so proud that Mikaela is part of such a special book! Mikaela has not put it down since we opened the box! Thanks for including my "little redhead"!
Mikaela’s Mom, Stefanie from Georgia

TEXAS
We just got ours today!!! I took pictures of Shepherd opening the box. We were all so excited. The book is BEAUTIFUL. I knew it would be. I love your special touches on each and every page. You did a great job combining education and beauty. I will be posting all about it on my blog. I hope some friends place some orders. Love, Marla

CALIFORNIA
Nicole, We got our books today and sat on the couch in our jammies reading through the first half. My son got a total KICK out of seeing himself in the book and reading what he loved and what the other children loved. He adored reading their names and being able to relate to loving the things they loved, etc. The book just blew me away!!! WOW, I couldn't have pictur

ed a better book in my wildest dreams, your artistic touch speaks to me!
What a surreal moment to sit there after two years of emails back and forth and hold in my hand such art. Thank you for picking us out in Griffith Park that one day and inviting us on this journey. I hope you and your hubby are toasting your success right now!!!! xoxo, Allie Hi Nicole, We received the books and we all love it! The kids, David and Debra, are thrilled to see themselves in the book and love looking at it everyday! It was beautifully done with lovely pictures, great layout and cute anecdotes and facts. We really enjoy your beautiful book and will be sure to pass on the word to everyone we know. Thank you so much, David and Debra’s Mom

NEW YORK
hey Nicole- We got the book yesterday!! wow....it is SO beautifully done, my hat goes off to you! Charlotte is absolutely thrilled..she keeps opening the book to her page and saying, "how did she get my picture??" W

e HAD to bring it to school today and show all her teachers and kindergarten classmates, who were all very impressed and she in turn was so proud...so thank you for doing this, we love

this keepsake and will always treasure it!!Love, Barbara

Pennsylvania
Hi Nicole, We just got our books this afternoon… absolutely stunning! You’ve done an amazing job on this. It turned out even better than we could have ever thought. Thank you so much for including Colin in it – he is thrilled!
Thanks!! Michelle

This book will make a great gift for the redhead in your life. Be sure to check out Nicole's Site: Little Redheads Across America and join her Facebook group, check out mine while you are at it :)

For more information on how to be featured as "Momtrepreneur of the Month," please email me at melissa@surprisephotography.com