The Short Version
Gina won a free photography session bundle from Melisa at Melisa Ann Photography, with a 1 hour session in Carroll County, 75+ edited images, a print release and a signature Melisa Ann candle and tee. We announced her as the winner on October 7, 2026, and she was so happy and grateful when we handed over her gift certificate.
The Whole Story
Who Won the Free Photo Session from Melisa Ann Photography?
The winner was Gina from Manchester, and we announced her win on October 7, 2026. She won a 1 hour session with Melisa in Carroll County, 75+ edited images and a print release so she can print them as often as she wants. She also gets a signature Melisa Ann candle and tee.
Back in September 2009 Gina was in a very bad car accident while 12 weeks pregnant. She told us she probably should not have survived. She did, and so did her baby! In the 17 years since, she and her daughter have never had a photo session together.
Here is why that matters so much to her.
“A photo doesn’t just capture a moment. It captures a time frame in life.”
Who Is Melisa Ann Photography?
Melisa Ann Photography is Melisa’s photography business, based in Eldersburg. She specializes in families, couples, micro weddings and elopements, plus lifestyle shots across Maryland. When her giveaway went up in September she was already booking sessions into 2027!
Family photos are what she does best. If you have an upcoming event or milestone you want captured, follow her on Instagram at @melisaann_photography and see her work for yourself.
How Did Melisa Ann Photography Get Involved?
Melisa reached out to us herself after seeing what The OWL Movement was doing on social media. She loved what the movement stands for and wanted to be part of it. When we sat down to talk about the different ways to get involved, she offered up a photography session for one of our giveaways that same day! We welcomed her to the movement on August 24 and her giveaway went up on September 18.
How Did Gina Win the Giveaway?
Gina entered the free giveaway the same way anyone could, in four steps.
- Follow The OWL Movement
- Tag 3 friends in the comments
- Send us a message saying why you entered
- Repost the giveaway on your story, for a bonus entry
Another giveaway she won a few months back fell through. When she saw this one, this is what went through her head.
“Maybe this is the time that I could win this for real!”
This time it is real! Her story now sits with every giveaway winner so far on our Stories page.
What Happens Next for Gina’s Photo Session?
Gina gets a spot on Melisa’s calendar within 60 days of her win. She was so happy and grateful when we handed over her gift certificate! Her session is still coming up, and we cannot wait for her to finally have those photos!
A huge thank you to Melisa for making this happen! Gina, this one was meant to be!
The OWL Movement is a free networking group in Carroll County that connects local businesses and nonprofits with neighbors who could use a hand. Own a local business or run a nonprofit and want to put up a prize like Melisa’s? Become a partner and we will make sure everyone knows who stepped up.
Questions About This Story
How Do OWL Movement Giveaways Work?
A local business puts up a prize and we post it on Facebook and Instagram for about a week. Anyone can enter for free. For this one you followed us, tagged 3 friends and sent us a message about why you entered. Then a winner gets picked and the business is thanked by name, the same way Melisa was.
Is the Melisa Ann Photography Giveaway Still Open?
No. Entries closed on September 25 and we announced Gina as the winner on October 7, 2026. New giveaways go up on our Facebook and Instagram pages, so follow The OWL Movement there to catch the next one the day it opens.
How Can a Local Business Offer a Giveaway?
Melisa found us on social media and reached out herself. You can start the same way by becoming a partner through this site. Joining The OWL Movement is free for local businesses and nonprofits in Carroll County, and we thank every business by name when its winner is announced.
