Apr

Operation: Love Reunited Photography

OpLove / 2 Comments / April 27, 2010

This is an announcement that I have been waiting to make for a while now… I’m pleased to finally be able to tell you! I am happy to announce that I am now a photographer for Operation: Love Reunited!

OpLove is a nonprofit organization that provides photography for military families who are facing deployment. It’s such an important, emotional time for these families and I am just thrilled that I am able to provide a service, however small, for those who do so much.

OpLove is still a growing organization and relies very much on word of mouth. If you know military families who would be interested in this service, please spread the word. If you are a photographer who would like to give back a little of your time and find out how you can become involved, go here. And if you or your family member are facing deployment and are interested in an OpLove session, please read below for more information and contact me today to schedule. :)

OpLove FAQs

What is Operation: Love Reunited?

Operation: Love Reunited is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing photography services to military families that are experiencing deployment. OpLove seek to support families and help to boost service member’s morale during deploment by documenting memories during this emotional time. Photographers volunteer their services, as available, to military personnel and their families who have been recently deployed or are facing deployment.

How do I qualify for a session?

If you are:

-a current member of the United States Military who has received recent deployment orders, or

-a spouse, significant other, or family to a member of the United States Military who is currently deployed,

you qualify for a free Operation: Love Reunited session.

What are the portrait sessions like? What does an OpLove client receive?

Portrait sessions can be taken with a service member before they deploy, or taken of the family of the military member who is already deployed. Each portrait session is typically around two hours in length at a location of your choice. Sessions can involve spouses, significant others, parents, children, or close family as requested. The majority of the session must be patriotic in nature, whether in uniform, with flags, or other military gear- although there will be time to get casual shots as well.

Clients receive:

Portrait session free of charge
a free 4×6 printed album sent to the service member while deployed
20% any product orders, such as additional albums, prints, or purchase of high resolution images.

OpLove photographers may provide different products and services depending on their availability and business. For questions on other photographer’s offers, please see the website for details on what each photographer is required to provide.

Do you cover depatures and homecomings?

At this time, my schedule sadly does not allow the flexibility to cover these events. We understand that this an emotional time and capturing these moments is priceless, so I recommend locating another photographer for these services.

Do you travel for OpLove sessions? Where can I find a photographer near me?

I am able to travel for OpLove sessions, however, know that availability is limited and travel fees will apply. It is probably more convenient to find a photographer in your location by searching here.

How can I become an OpLove photographer?

See here for details.

*The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense. *

Oct

Nature / 0 Comments / October 13, 2009

My personal photography comes and goes in waves. I honestly did more client work than personal photography this summer- sometimes, between schedule, or lack of inspiration, it just happens, and the next thing you know, it’s been weeks since you took photos of anything for yourself. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut trying taking pictures around home, especially whenever you’re working with fun people and getting new material all the time. And just as suddenly as it went away, I have no explanations why inspiration has returned. But it’s here, come in with the fall, and with new ambitions and plans for the seasons ahead.

It’s still too early to talk about anything in particular, but ideally, I’m looking for one or two nonprofit organizations to begin working with. It really means a lot to me to be active in the community. Not just part of it by being a business; but as a direct contributer, in whatever little way I can, to an organization that makes a difference in people’s lives. (If you know of, or are part of, an organization in the Pittsburgh area that could use a dedicated photographer, let me know; I would love to consider it.) More on that as things develop, but it’s something that has been on my mind a lot recently. Hopefully in the upcoming year, you will be seeing a larger focus on nonprofit work and complete photo essays besides my regular work.

In the meantime, I’m taking lots of pictures of autumn leaves and mushrooms and all of the green things turning gold.

See more here.