Giving Back to Serve Others

A few Saturdays ago I had the blessing of giving back using my photography skills and experience to a group of women. The project began with Rhee Bevere, a beloved wedding photographer buddy of mine, who was chatting with a woman about how they could help raise self-esteem of battered women.

From that conversation a project was formed! A few skilled women photographers were selected and invited to take part in this FIRST charity event for a non-profit who helps women and their children get back on their feet after running from violent relationships. Due to the sensitivity of this non-profit, I will not disclose the name as to protect the women who have found safe refuge and a new start there!

In fact, we were instructed to not show any images as well from the event so as to protect the whereabouts of the women and children. But let me tell you about the experience....

My colleague and good friend, Kim Sayre, and I arrived at the safe house early in the morning. There were wonderful makeup artists and hairstylists from Professional Makeup Artistry working their talents and artistry on the women. The women and children were completely pampered with hairstyles and full make-up for their photo shoots! I personally met Maria Chang from the company and was enthralled with her professionalism and talent.

From there the 4 photographers all teamed up in pairs to give these women and children a full-fledged photo session! It was so much fun and quite rewarding to watch shy women blossom in front of the camera and to see little girls and boys giggle and play together while being photographed. I personally had the best day of photography in a while - mainly because I was photographing from the heart and giving back to those in need.

Below is a photograph of the photographer chicks who gave from their hearts.

above photo left to right: Chyna Darner, Kim Sayre, Shannon Montez, and myself, AGB

Above is a photograph I snatched while waiting for my next family. I am a sucker for blossoms!