smile search 2011

Chu Orthodontics in Racine, WI is in the business of making beautiful smiles. Dr. Gary W. Chu and the whole "Chu Crew" hosted a special event called, "Smile Search 2011". It's purpose was to promote the importance and intrinsic value of showing a great smile. They asked their patients and friends to submit photos to their contest website that presented their best smiles. The entries were then voted on by the public. The top eleven entrants were featured in the 2012 Chu Crew Calendar.

I was honored to shoot the personal photo sessions for each of the winners as well as design the calendar that featured them. Here are some of the behind-the-scenes details and photos, as well as the final 2012 calendar portraits.

Dr. Chu had his office decorated nicely and they set the mood with fun music and delectable fancy treats. They invited hair and makeup stylists to help the winners look and feel like models for a day! I really enjoyed getting to know each of the Smile Search winners during the shoot—and I always love an opportunity to work with the Chu Crew!

January

Samantha Houk: UW-Whitewater, Freshman, Age 18

"A great smile is important because it is very healthy, but also because your smile can tell someone everything about you." 

February

Hailey Berens: McKinley Middle School, 8th Grade, Age 13

"A great smile increases your confidence." 

March

Kristina Boscha: Carthage College, Junior, Age 20

"A great smile is important because it brings you the confidence to show it off and smile at the people around you. Smiling is contagious and can make anyone's day brighter!" 

April

Kayleen Gygax: St. John's Lutheran, 7th Grade, Age 12

"I think a great smile is important because it makes a good first impression on everyone you meet and it makes you feel confident, knowing you have a bright white smile to greet them! 

May

Peralta Family: Jerrica (left) - High School Junior, Age 16, Noel (right) - College Junior, Age 20, Peter (sitting) - BA in Marketing and Geography, Age 24"We think a great smile is important because a great smile is contagious which makes the atmosphere around you that much better!" 

June

Yecenia Espinoza: Age 15

July

Paige Weslaski: Pepperdine University, Sophomore, Age 19"A smile is the most important form of nonverbal communication to represent love and happiness." 

August

Cordell Lonergan: Age 9

September

Sarah Pesch: Case High School, 9th Grade, Age 15

"Smiles are contagious. When I see a great smile, I can't help but smile back." 

October

Samantha Noll: Case High School, 10th Grade, Age 16

"A great smile is important because it is often the first feature someone notices about you. Why not make a good impression?" 

November

Olivia Kremer: Trever-Wilmot School, Age 9

December

The Chu Crew

Gary W. Chu, D.D.S., M.S.

Specialist in Orthodontics

1130 Sunnyslope Dr., Racine, WI 53406

262.884.0255 | www.garywchu.com