Giving Back Through Photography | IHF and Non-Profit Photography

This week over at i ♥ faces is Angie & Amy's week off. There is no judging, but there is a ton of sharing about some things near and dear to my heart. Charity work.

Ever since beginning my journey in Photography, I knew that I wanted to give back. Actually, I have always been interested in serving a charity in some capacity. It was until I found photography, that it all clicked for me and fell into place.

I currently provide digital retouch skills for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Due to the sensitive nature of the photographs and my wish to respect the parent's privacy at such a sensitive time, I do not have any images to share. But, here is what they have to say about their cause:

We have been given a gift by the parents who invite us to photograph their children. With this project, we are creating some or our most powerful images, and that is because parents allow us to share in their love of their precious gifts. We all come away from this experience profoundly changed . . . Here are parents who know their children have died or are going to die, they have opened their hearts to complete strangers, and they have taken the time to share their child with us, and you, the world. They share with us the joy of being parents, even knowing that joy was so fleeting. We believe this is the purpose of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, Remembrance Photography -to touch people's lives and to be touched by them in return. So, to all parents, we thank you with all our hearts for sharing the gift of your precious children and allowing us into your lives and the life of your child.

I also have the pleasure of working with Littlest Heroes Project - which is now inspiration through art. This organization is "a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to give back, and make a difference through the beauty of art. We are artists with a passion for giving and inspiring others. Thorugh our own artistic talents we are able to come together as one, to let children around the world know that they are loved,despite the challenges they face everyday."


Here is a photo of the beautiful Jordyn and her family that I shared awhile back. She is an adorable (now 2 year old) little girl who lives with Marfan Syndrome. I have said it before, but I'll say it again, her parents are truly and example of the great love parents feel for their children and such a great inspiration to others on how to advocate for your child each and every day. My life was blessed and changed after meeting this sweet family.

Here is one of the Urry family - who adopted five children, all with special needs. The children are all now in adulthood, but due to various disabilities still live in their home. Check out how you can help them rebuild a home that is handicap friendly after their current home was destroyed by the harsh winter ice storms by clicking here.

My most recent and most involved non-profit work comes with Project Tiny. A non-profit organization by Jessie Vernon based out of Louisville, Kentucky. I have become involved with Project Tiny after Jessie Vernon approached me about doing some graphic design work for the non-profit. After offering to help out with my logo work and some other design elements, I got more involved as a photographer.

Project Tiny's mission is to provide infant photos of NICU children to their parents. A lot of times, the tiny little NICU children spend those precious first few "infant photo" days in little isoletes or on various IVs and tubes. Many times, families do not get those infant sessions and professional photos are not on their mind as they help their little ones fight for their chance in this world. It is an honor to work so closely with the NICU nurses and faculty to provide these family with lasting, powerful images of their little one's will to live and amazing little spirits! It is so nice to provide those families images of professional quality to look back on as their little one grows.

Again, due to the sensitive nature, I can not share images from the sessions, but I will leave you with one of the amazing President, Jessie Vernon:

Having come home from a session late last night, I know that I was personally touched hearing each little sound from the week old little baby A.L. From her sneezes to her little cries, it was such a reminder of the beauty of life and reminded me why I decided to donate my time, talent and skills in this capacity for all of my charities I work with. I love providing lasting images to families in their time of need - from not being able to afford custom (or any professional) photography due to medical bills or just not having it first and foremost in your mind when dealing with an ill child.

Having mentioned all of my work with non-profits, I encourage you to treat every session with the upmost respect and care. You never know if it may be a person's last. After recently hearing a story about a young child passing away and the mother contacting a friend's wedding photographer because those were his last photos taken of him, I realized just how special the talent I have been given by our Heavenly Father is. I capture moments in life in a tangible way and that is why I give back when I can.