PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A PURPOSE
*
PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A PURPOSE *
I have found a way to combine two of my greatest passions: serving others and capturing moments. Nothing brings me more joy and fulfillment than giving, and photography allows me to preserve the beauty of life in its purest form. With this in mind, I created Pictures for Joy—a project that turns photography into an opportunity to give back. When you book a session, you’ll receive an Amazon link to purchase a gift pack that will be personally delivered to someone in need. You’re welcome to join me in sharing the joy your session brings, and I will document the moment these gifts are received, capturing the happiness we’ve helped create. I’m incredibly excited about this journey and invite you to be part of it in any way you can!
MY STORY OF HOW I COMBINED MY PASSION WITH MY TALENT
How it All Started
As a little girl, my father’s camera always seemed attracted to my dad’s camera. I remember watching him carefully as he snapped pictures, freezing a moment in time.
Creating my own Business…
As I grew older, my love of photography only deepened and I knew that I wanted to make it more than just a hobby. I began to practice and experiment with different techniques and styles, eventually deciding to start my own photography business. At first, it was a slow and steady process, but as word of my talent spread, I found myself booked almost every week, editing and shooting daily. Taking pictures became my favorite way of expressing myself and I was thrilled to be able to do what I loved for a living.
Bad News…
Everything changed when I received news that my visa status would not allow me to work. I was devastated, feeling like all of the hard work I had put into my business was for nothing. It was then that I was struck by a beautiful idea: I could combine two of my greatest passions - service and photography - and use my talent to bring joy to others.
Pictures for Joy
And so, "Pictures for Joy" was born. This project involves trading photoshoots for gift packs to be personally delivered to homeless individuals. Not only do these encounters bring joy to those in need, but they also provide a chance for me to document the happiness that my work brings. I invite my clients to join me on these deliveries and share in the experience, knowing that the gift of their pictures has made a difference in someone's life.
What I’ve Learned
Through this journey, I’ve realized something powerful: it’s not money that fulfills me—it’s the ability to use my art to make a difference. Losing the business I worked so hard to build felt like a dead end at first. But it became the beginning of a new, more meaningful path. I’ve seen the best of humanity through this project, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity and support from my community. What once seemed like a loss became the greatest gift—one that let me redefine what success means to me.