Balancing Passion, Business, and Community Giving

As I reflect on 2024, one thing that stands out to me is the power of community. This year, I volunteered 513 hours of photography services to causes and organizations close to my heart. These hours included work with HELP, Taylor’s House, Liberty High School, Sunrise Mountain High School, Peoria High School, Centennial High School, and several charities that make an impact in our community.

Each of these moments—capturing athletes in action, documenting special events, and supporting charitable organizations—fills me with gratitude. Photography has always been my way of contributing, and being able to share my skills with the community is something I truly cherish.

But here’s the thing: not everyone realizes that my community work is entirely volunteer-based. A recent conversation at a football game brought this to light. A mom came up to me and shared how much she loved my sports photos. She mentioned that she had seen a social media post where I responded to someone looking for a family photographer and asked, “Where do you find the time!?” I smiled and explained, “That is actually how I pay the bills.”

She looked shocked and said, “Wait, you volunteer? I thought you worked for the school!” I shared with her that all my action sports photos are 100% volunteer work. I pay for my own travel, lodging, and expenses because I believe in giving back to the athletes, families, and schools that mean so much to me.

That conversation stuck with me because it highlighted a delicate balance I face as a small business owner. Every event I say “yes” to is time away from my business, and while I wish I could say yes to every request, it is simply not feasible to donate my services for every opportunity that comes my way. I love supporting my community, but I also need to prioritize the work that keeps my business running so I can continue giving back in a sustainable way.

For those who enjoy my volunteer work, there’s a simple way to help: leave a Google review.

Picture Lady Google Review

It is a small gesture that makes a big impact by helping me reach more people and continue doing what I love.

I know my photography style may not be for everyone, and that is okay. But if you’ve appreciated my work—whether as part of my volunteer efforts or a professional session—a kind word or review would mean the world to me. It allows me to keep capturing today’s moments so they become tomorrow’s memories.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Here’s to another year of making a difference, one photo at a time.