Donating Photography Services to Charity {Inspiration}

‘Tis the Season to Give

In this season of love, happiness, and bliss, there is much talk of giving and sacrifice. The gift of service is priceless and can forever touch the hearts and lives of not only the receiver(s), but the giver as well.

So, what does this have to with photography?

If you are reading this, you most likely own a camera. If you are reading this, you most likely love photography, love learning about photography, and most importantly, know how to use that camera. You may know that camera inside and out and can shoot in any kind of situation. Or, you may just have come into photography and are learning the basics. It doesn’t matter if you are not a professional. It doesn’t matter if you are still learning your craft. You have a gift that is priceless to give.

Photography is an art. A gift to give to others. We are lucky to have such a powerful tool that can benefit ANYONE AND EVERYONE in some way. I have found that through the thousands and thousands of times I have pushed that shutter button, none has given me more joy than when I am doing it for free. For a good cause. For those who might not have the opportunity to have the love and beauty of their lives captured otherwise.

I have been lucky to be involved in some amazing shoots for the Down Syndrome organization in Michigan, Help Portrait, and some personal shoots, and I can honestly say that I feel so blessed to have the knowledge, skill, and equipment to give something away that is so fun, special, and appreciated.

If you are interested in giving, there are so many photography organizations you can be a part of. Some that I know of (and get ready to shed a tear) are…

Help Portrait

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

The American Child Photographers Charity Guild

Dog Meets World

Images For a Cure

Inspiration Through Art

Celebrating Adoption

Shoots For a Cure (Think Pink Photography)

Operation: Love ReUnited

Pictures of Hope Foundation

Flashes of Hope

And be sure to check out the I Heart Faces “Giving Back” page which is updated quite often.

If you want to give, but feel overwhelmed, it doesn’t have to be a huge organization. It can be for your siblings. Or maybe for your neighbor who is a single mom with two kids. It can be for the amazing couple across the street who have been married for 45 years and probably haven’t had a photo together in many years. It can be for a friend starting a business and has no money for product photography. There is a need for our services everywhere and on every level. It’s up to you to find out whose day, month, or life you want to touch

Happy Holidays and Happy Giving, my photography friends!

“You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.”  ~Harvey S. Firestone

Jean Smith is a portrait, wedding, and commercial photographer in New Hudson, Michigan. She has a wonderful husband (also a photographer) and four awesome little boys who keep life fun and VERY busy! To see more of her inspiring photography, visit her website, blog or follow her on Facebook.

Tagged as: charity, donating service, giving, inspiration, Jean Smith