Earlier this year, I was inspired to start creating themed photo shoots that benefited worthy causes. Since April, Inspo Shoots have raised $600 for charities and created some sweet memories for the families who participated. This is one of my favorites from a recent shoot benefitting Relay for Life of Greater Cranberry.
I don’t know many people who enjoy laundry, so I’m not sure about the kind of response this upcoming themed photo shoot will generate. But I do know a lot of people who have been touched by cancer. And I really love the work of Relay for Life and am so excited to partner with their local chapter here in Cranberry!
Last week, I shared about Inspo Shoots, monthly fundraiser photo shoots. For this first shoot, we’re raising money for Ukraine relief through Samaritan’s Purse. This organization is operating multiple medical facilities in various parts of Ukraine and providing food and non-food relief through church partners in both Ukraine and Moldova.
Introducing Inspo Shoots, a series of inspired photo shoots to support good causes. Participants can make a donation directly to the designated organization in lieu of a session fee.
In 2011, my husband and I went on a short-term mission trip with our church to help out at Esperanza Viva, an orphanage in Puebla, Mexico—not one of us returned the same. I think it’s safe to say that I left a piece of my heart in Mexico. The children have so little and yet they are full of love and joy. We felt overwhelmed by the wonderful work God is doing there. There were countless stories of redemption for children who were born into abuse and neglect and rescued by the orphanage. In the week that we were there, we learned about many transformations that have taken place from the staff who dedicate their lives by serving these precious children.
Depending on a child’s background when they arrive at the orphanage, there is a natural adjustment period for them to learn what it is like to live in a supportive environment, where they are loved and can learn to trust others. The experience of witnessing the joy in these children and learning about how they have overcome heart-breaking circumstances, caused us to question what is really important in life. For me, I felt so selfish at living in such comfort with so much of my effort focused on improving my business—I love being a wedding photographer here in Pittsburgh, but could I do more?
The orphanage is at maximum capacity with 88 kids (the last time I checked) and there are so many more children in Mexico who need to be rescued. Esperanza Viva has great plans for expanding the Puebla campus as well as a few other locations throughout Mexico, so I have been praying about how I could help, and I’m hopeful in introducing a new project: Prints for Prosperity. This project is a small way for my business to support Esperanza Viva in its efforts to accommodate more at-risk children by providing them with a loving home and a good education. Twenty percent of each sale through Captivating Imagery client proofing galleries will be donated to Esperanza Viva. At the close of each year, I will post a fundraising report and share highlights from the orphanage. I’m thrilled to see how this project develops and I pray it will be a blessing for all involved.
Captivating Imagery
Captivating Imagery
Captivating Imagery
Captivating Imagery