Back in March I had the pleasure of sitting down with THE Grace Ormonde of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine to talk for a few moments. So how did it happen? Simply she was looking at portfolios at WPPI in the ToFurious booth from the photographers there. (and yes there was a line) Well, I didn’t have my portfolio, unless you call a portfolio on an iphone sufficient? In fact, I really wasn’t interested in showing my work because the quality of work that shows up on the pages of Wedding Style makes mine look like chump change. What I was interested in was taking a few moments to tell her how much I appreciated her work in promoting thirst relief in her magazine and to have her sign one of the recent issues. I sat down, gave her the magazine and asked her to sign. I did give her my card and pulled out a copy of the book “To Have & To Hold” that I help create from last year’s breast cancer photo project and laid in on the table. I stated that it was something I worked on and would like to do it again. What happened next caught me by surprise. It was almost like she didn’t hear me ask for her autograph. She just kept commenting on the breast cancer project, she kept commenting on my business card. I, again, asked her to autograph the magazine because I was a little embarrassed. As stated, the work she sees on a regular basis that makes mine look….again….like chump change. But she kept asking more questions about the project and how she liked the project.  She was genuinely interested in the what I had to say and what the project was about.

She signed my mag with not only her name but also the encouraging note,

“Thank you so much for what you are doing for women.”

My first thought was, “Are you sure you want to write that? I mean. Yes, I did photograph 12 ladies who were affected by breast cancer but the fact of the matter is that they were the ones in front of the camera for 13 hours. They were the ones who decided to tell their story for the world to read.  All I did was give them a way to share their story not something that qualified for ‘what you are doing for women?’” And maybe this is the secret of her success. She helps others become successful. She stays true to herself and what is important to her. Think about it.  Her magazine’s demographic are affluent brides. It may be okay to put a layout or two of men, women and children who need clean water but not 6 PAGES OF IT! And even though there were those who said it would be a bad idea she did it anyway and for that she is shown to be authentic.

She will always bring in a crowd of wedding photographers because having your work shown in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine gives you more than just a few notches of cred in the wedding industry and with your clientele. She could honestly just ride her fame and just show up. But she doesn’t. She took time out and for a few moments she encouraged me on a project that I thought every morning was going to be a failure and at the time a big let down for everyone involved.

Even though she gave a little encouragement to me after the project was competed I was already thinking about this year’s project. It is considerably larger and I need all the encouragement that I can get. So if there is anyone that has given you a little encouragement don’t forget to give them a little “thank you” but also don’t forget to give others a little encouragement too.

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When I speak to people about this year’s To Have And To Hold breast cancer photo shoot I always bring up the fact that there are going to be at least two male breast cancer survivors in the project. Most are a little confused by this because most never hear about males suffering from this disease. Although it is a very small percentage it does happen and just because men do not think about it or even think they can get it, they can. The most important thing we can have to make us better in all aspects of our life is information. So with that in mind here is some information about men and breast cancer. For more information visit Healthline.com.

Statistics regarding men and breast cancer:

Breast cancer in men is rare – less than 1 percent of all breast carcinomas occur in men. Consider the latest statistics available from the American Cancer Society:

• The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007 about 2,030 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the US.
• Breast cancer is about 100 times more common among women.
• Estimates for 2007 also indicate that there will be more than 40,910 deaths from breast cancer in the US (40,460 women, 450 men).
• The average age at diagnosis is 67, although men of all ages can be affected with the disease.

What are risk factors for breast cancer in men?

Risk factors may include the following:

• radiation exposure
• estrogen administration
• diseases associated with hyperestrogenism, such as cirrhosis or Klinefelter’s syndrome
• heavy alcohol intake

Also, there are definite familial tendencies for developing breast cancer:

• An increased incidence is seen in men who have a number of female relatives with breast cancer.
• An increased risk of male breast cancer has been reported in families in which a BRCA2 mutation has been identified.

What is the most common type of breast cancer in men?

Infiltrating ductal cancer is the most common tumor type, but intraductal cancer, inflammatory carcinoma, and Paget’s disease of the nipple have been described as well.

Lobular carcinoma in situ is rare in men.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer in men?

The following are the most common symptoms of breast cancer in men. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• breast lumps
• nipple inversion
• nipple discharge (sometimes bloody)
• a pain or pulling sensation in the breast

The symptoms of breast cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What are the similarities to breast cancer in women?

Lymph node involvement and the hematogenous pattern of spread are similar to those found in female breast cancer. The staging system for male breast cancer is identical to the staging system for female breast cancer.

Prognostic factors that have been evaluated include the size of lesion and the presence or absence of lymph node involvement, both of which correlate well with prognosis.

Overall survival for men with breast cancer is similar to that of women with breast cancer. The impression that male breast cancer has a worse prognosis may stem from the tendency toward diagnosis at a later stage.

Treatment options for men with breast cancer:

Specific treatment for male breast cancer will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

The primary standard treatment is a modified radical mastectomy, just as it is with female breast cancer. Adjuvant therapy may be considered on the same basis as it is for a woman with breast cancer – since there is no evidence that prognosis is different for men or women.

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Here are all the photographs from the To Have & To Hold Breast Cancer Photo Shoot. Enjoy!!!

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• To Have & To Hold 2010 Breast Cancer Photo Shoot
• Sony a900 Cameras and Carl Zeiss Lenses For Breast Cancer

Project Storyboard is honored to have Shades of Pink partner up with To Have & To Hold 2010 Breast Cancer photo project. Shades of Pink is a “non-profit organization whose overall mission is to uplift those surviving the disease, remember those lost to the disease and to promote a positive image of survivorship by changing the “face of breast cancer” to one that is positive through the art of music and song. Please visit their site for more information on such a unique vehicle to help bring greater awareness and legacy for survivors.  What makes this partnership so special is that Vivian, a breast cancer survivor, was on of our models for the To Have & To Hold 2009 photo project.

A quote from M. Nichole Hancock, M.Ed., Founder and President/CEO of Shades of Pink

Through photography and positive imagery Shades of Pink believes that our partnership with Peter Doyle and Project Storyboard is one of the ways that we can achieve our mission to use positive imagery to change the face of breast cancer. Peter’s ability to capture the images of these women and ultimately their story helps us teach other women how to “Celebrate their Survival.” Shades of Pink looks forward to working with Project Storyboard on many initiatives that seek to raise awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer survivorship. Thank you Peter, for your passion and commitment to the cause.

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Getmarried.com wrote an awesome article about the “To Have And To Hold” breast cancer photo shoot. Click here and enjoy the read…in fact come back and let me know what you thought about it.

Excerpt:

Everyone has a story to tell said Peter, You can take these pictures, but then what? Let’s have something that is going to last a little longer. And that’s exactly what he did by publishing the a book “To Have & To Hold: a life for generations” documenting the days photo shoot. Peter captured the stories of these women through his lens. He captured their natural beauty, scars and strength and put them together in a beautifully produced book.

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• Ralph Bell: Male Breast Cancer Survivor

Here they finally are!!! All the photographs. Enjoy!

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• Model: Eric Dunlap: A Man With Undeniable Passion

I am excited to let everyone know that State of Man with front man John Stringer will be providing some awesome music at the To Have and To Hold Unveiling Soiree on Nov 18. State of Man not only  supports meaningful causes but engenders action through positive MUSIC and positive ACTION.  This was highlighted during their recent Service2Humanity Tour.  If you would like an invite please let me know

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If you would like an invitation
please email me: peterdoyle@storyboardlife.com
See you there

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Breast Cancer Awareness
Charity Soiree & Bridal Photo Shoot Unveiling at
the Hotel Palomar

Atlanta, Georgia – November 18, 2009
Atlanta wedding photographer,
Peter Doyle, of StoryboardLife Photography,
supports Breast Cancer Awareness with the
unveiling of his newly published book,
“To Have & To Hold: a life for generations,”
at a soiree and silent auction at the Hotel Palomar
on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. This never before seen work is a collection
of photographs taken during an elaborate not-for-profit photo shoot
at the Hotel Palomar Atlanta-Midtown, The Fabulous Fox Theatre and
McCollum Airport on October 21, 2009 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The soiree will recognize more than forty vendors and models that contributed
goods and talent to the charity photo shoot and the businesses that donated
the use of millions of dollars in high-end props and equipment (including Sony a900 cameras
and lenses, a Hummer limo, helicopters, Sony Cameras,a Gulfstream jet, Dodge Chargers,
and Anne Barge gowns). Several prints from the collection will be on public display
for the first time and will be included in a silent auction along with other high-end
goods and services.

“I am so thankful to those individuals and businesses that
have given their time, talent and effort to help bring greater awareness to such
a terrible disease,” said Peter Doyle,
the project creator and photographer. The soiree will bring everyone together,
along with friends and family, to see what we accomplished together.”

The book, “To Have & To Hold: a life for generations” includes photographs of twelve women
(wearing Anne Barge bridal gowns) who have been touched by breast cancer, behind-the-scenes
photographs and accompanying stories written by Atlanta-based writer, Rachel Brooker.
The book will be available for purchase and all proceeds from the book and silent auction
benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Guest speakers for the evening include
Tonya R. Echols-Cole, M.D. (of GA Radiation in Decatur, Georgia), who will be addressing
breast cancer prevention and M. Nichole Hancock, M.Ed. (founder & President of Shades of Pink,
a breast cancer survivors choir) speaking on the importance of breast cancer support groups.
John Stringer, lead singer for the Atlanta-based band State of Man (www.stateofmanmusic.com) will be performing.

This exclusive limited-attendance social event will be held on Wednesday,
November 18, 2009 at 7p.m. at the Hotel Palomar Atlanta-Midtown located at
866 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Doors open at 7:00 pm. and admission
is free but reservations are encouraged. This evening will offer hors d’oeuvres,
a cash bar, live music, silent auction, guest speakers and a unique opportunity
to help promote breast cancer awareness in the Atlanta community. For more information
please visit: www.projectstoryboard.com. Contact: Peter Doyle, Storyboard Life, Principle
Photographer/Curator peterdoyle@storyboardlife.com Marietta, GA Ph: 770-846-9274

Media is invited to attend and live coverage is also encouraged. Models from the photo shoot
will be in attendance and available for interview. Rebecca Neifeld, Hotel Palomar Catering Coordinator,
can assist with site needs. Please contact her at 678-412-2360.

Project Storyboard is an Atlanta-based wedding photography company that photographs nationally
and internationally to help preserve visual stories for weddings and other life events. www.storyboardlife.com

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Here are a few sneak peek pics from the “To Have And To Hold” photo shoot

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The invitations to the “To Have And To Hold” Unveiling Soiree are coming out so if you haven’t signed up for one please do so. The soiree will be held at the Hotel Palomar on Nov. 18 from 7-10pm. There will be key speakers and the main presentation of the photographs and video will be at 9pm. If you have any questions please let me know. Talk to you soon.

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