About This Project

The Thank You Calendar was an idea with multiple sources of inspiration and is the combined creative efforts of many people. Jackie had already started her “Thank You” photos around the same time Rissa heard via the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce that soldiers at Walter Reed needed assistance getting simple items for themselves as they recovered, such as deodorant, gum or magazines.
Jackie and Rissa met via Ashley. Jackie’s project, as well as the news from the Chamber, inspired Rissa to find a way to make a large sum of money to donate to the soldiers at Walter Reed. From there the idea for the calendar was born. Nathaniel immediately came on board, and Ashley was eager to step in with her talents and make all the models look gorgeous. Each model was booked for her wholesome All-American look and donated her time for the shoot. Some were professional models, others were at their first photo shoot but each did fabulously and worked hard to make great pictures. The girls were then combined with Jackie’s “Thank You” project to make the calendar. The overall goal of the calendar project is to raise at least $10,000 by the end of 2007 for the veterans & soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center. Funds raised will be donated to Maryland For Our Military, a 501c based in Mt. Airy. This organization directly works with wounded soldiers and veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center. Some of the services they provide include flying families in for visits and providing comfort items to recovering soldiers.

Mission Statement
America was founded on the courage of men and women who stood up for what they believed in. Today, brave Servicemen and Servicewomen continue this tradition all around the world. The Thank You calendar was created to support America’s wounded soldiers and their families. We are a politically neutral organization and 100% of proceeds from calendar sales will go directly to soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center and their families to help cover costs of visits, personal items and other needs they face as they heal from injuries received serving our great nation. It is our small way to say thank you for all the sacrifces made by these heroic men and women.

Nathaniel Corn ~ Photographer, Calendar & Web Designer ~

Nathaniel is a 3rd generation photographer and got his first camera at age 6. He is driven by the artistry of photography and finding beauty in all his subjects, be it at a wedding, a fashion shoot or a fiery sunset. When he’s not behind the lens, Nathaniel loves gardening, camping, soccer and painting and is an Eagle Scout. He grew up on his family’s farm outside Nashville, Tennessee and still maintains strong ties to nature and the outdoors. Nathaniel hopes his work on this project will honor his family and friend and their service, Jack Corn, Roy Babb, Bill Corn, Harry Lester, Frank Lester, Tony Scobo, Doug Corn, and Pat Allen, as well as the other many men and women who sacrifice so much to serve America.

To learn more about Nathaniel & Rissa, visit their websites at
Balance Headshots
Balance Weddings
Balance Pet Photography

Photos coming soon

Jack Corn, grandfather, Army Air Corps, WWII

Roy Babb, grandfather, 8th Army Air Corps, WWII

Harry Lester, cousin, Navy WWII

Frank Lester, cousin, Army, WWII

Tony Scobo, cousin, Marines, WWII

Bill Corn, uncle, Army, Vietnam

Doug Corn, cousin, Air Force, Operation Desert Storm

Patrick Allen, friend, Navy

Rissa Miller ~ Photographer, Photo Editor, Art Director, Fashion Stylist ~

Rissa is the other 1/2 of Balance Photography and Nathaniel’s wife. She is a former Baltimore Sun Photo Editor and has been a photographer since she can remember. As a little girl, Rissa used to dress up her dolls and pose them in the backyard for photo sessions. She often jokes that the dolls and cameras just got a bit bigger over time. Rissa has a degree in photojournalism from Western Kentucky University and also studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Outside of photography, Rissa is passionate about her retired racing greyhound Lochrima, preserving the environment and great vegetarian food. Rissa wishes to dedicate her work on this project to her grandfather, Jack Einsig, who is a veteran of World War II, was on Okinawa, and served in both the Army and Navy.

To learn more about Nathaniel & Rissa, visit their websites at
Balance Headshots
Balance Weddings
Balance Pet Photography

Jack Einsig (Pap)

Army, Navy WWII

Ashley Riddle ~ Make-Up Artist, Hairstylist, Media Spokesperson, Art Director & Props~

Ashley began her career in the beauty industry as a shampoo technician. From there she attended Cosmetology School and quickly got her license. With additional education from Anne Arundel Community College, she started to fulfill her business aspirations. Her passion and love to make others gorgeous led her to start Up-Do’s For I Do’s, LLC, an on-site bridal hair and make-up service. With the support of her husband and two puppies, she joined forces with Balance Photography and Jackie Geyer to create the Thank You Calendar 2008. Her grade school friend, Chris Watford (Air Force) is now serving in Iraq and she dedicates her time and work on this project to him.

To learn more about Ashley, visit her websites
Ashley Riddle
Up Do's For I Do's

Chris Watford

(Air Force stationed in Iraq)

Lt. Jen

(Navy)