Giving Back through Photography

There is no place like home!  Four trips in three weeks can leave you wondering which day it is and what time zone you are on, but at the end of the day it is all worth it.  

I arrived home Wednesday morning after spending a few days in Miami Beach working with the wonderful group at Circle of One Marketing on the The Children's Trust Miami Heart Gallery Project.    This organization produces a traveling, museum-quality exhibit featuring portraits of children.  I photographed four foster children for the project which will helps children in the Miami-Dade foster care system who are available for adoption.  

I had three sessions consisting of one shoot with two brothers, and two single sessions.  From the first moment I loved working with all the children.  I very rarely photograph children but it felt the same as working with any of my other subjects.  Right away I bonded with the kids and I believe they had as much fun as I did.  I can not think of anything that feels as good as using your talents to help others.  I never thought my photography could be used to help in this manner but I am so thankful for having the opportunity to help in this manner.  

The shoot took place on location so I brought one Profoto strobe pack, one light head and a stand.  I had to keep the equipment compact since I was working alone, but I  also needed a small Honda generator to power the strobe pack.  Once I was set up for the first shot the shoot went very well.  I bonded with the kids right away before going to location while they were looking at the snapping turtles in the lake.  I started talking to them as they gawked in amazement at the huge turtles and used this moment to bond.  One of the children had an ipod and was listening to his music so I asked him what he was listening to.  He offered me one of the ear phones so I listened to the music and started dancing.  The kids all lit up when they saw me enjoying their music and from that moment on we were connected.  Once we started shooting it was child's play and the connection became stronger.   The kids were all great and I had a wonderful time working with them.  They were full of fun energy and I loved seeing their eyes light up as I took their photographs.  I hope it was a moment they will never forget.  I know I won't!

Always Dream Big and when you can, give back as much as possible!