Minneapolis
chapter

I have been shooting commercially for over 17 years. I specialize in product and large room set photography. I first started shooting for Flashes Of Hope about four years ago in an effort to use some of my God given talents in a way that would benefit others in need. After about a year or more... { more }

I have been shooting commercially for over 17 years. I specialize in product and large room set photography. I first started shooting for Flashes Of Hope about four years ago in an effort to use some of my God given talents in a way that would benefit others in need.

After about a year or more of not hearing from Flashes Of Hope, I called them and asked them if they needed a photographer for any upcoming shoots. They informed me that they had an opening for a Minneapolis Chapter Director and as a result had not been doing any shoots here in Minneapolis. They asked me if I would like to become the local Chapter Director. After producing and coordinating my own shoots for quite some time, I figured becoming the Chapter Director would be a good fit.

I soon discovered just how important Flashes Of Hope is in these family's lives. Unfortunately most of these families do not have time in the midst of all that is going on in their child's life to go out and have a family portrait taken. It is so rewarding to see the joy that these photos bring and how deeply the families are moved by them. There are numerous examples of times I witnessed Moms and Dads brought to tears by the images they viewed on the monitor during the shoot. Families get very emotional at times when they are touched by the grace out of which Flashes Of Hope operates. One Grandfather in particular will always be in my memory as he shook our hands and got all choked-up telling us how they had doubts about their grandson pulling through an operation that he had to have. Doctors had only given him a slim chance to survive. That was five years ago. He stated that "this (the photo session) was such a joyous moment."

I have a couple of small children of my own. I can't imagine the hardships that parents and children have to go threw together in getting treatment. This is my way to try and give them a break and capture a moment in time that they can treasure for years to come. I will continue to volunteer as the Minneapolis Chapter Director because it feels like a calling from the Lord.