Give Light: A community project celebrating every family

Give Light is a simple, no-cost family photography project based in the Bay Area. It exists to make meaningful family photos more accessible, especially for families who may not be able to book a paid session right now. Sessions are relaxed, outdoors, and focused on honest connection.

After becoming a parent and photographing many families, I realized how meaningful these moments can be — and how often family photos feel like a luxury. Give Light is my way of creating space for families who want photos but may not have access to them right now. It’s a small project rooted in care, community, and the joy of documenting real family moments.

Give Light is for families who are going through a challenging season and wouldn’t otherwise be able to book professional photos right now. There’s no single definition of hardship — life looks different for everyone. Some seasons leave less room for things like photography, even when the love and connection are there.

This project exists to honor those moments with care, dignity, and beautiful images.

Families apply or are nominated through this form.

Applications include a few basic details and a couple recent snapshots. I review each one personally and prioritize families who are going through a challenging season and wouldn’t be able to book professional photos right now.

Selections are made thoughtfully and on an ongoing basis. Applicants are contacted by email if a spot becomes available, and anyone not selected is welcome to reapply at any time.

Apply or nominate here.

Sessions are outdoors, simple, and focused on genuine moments. I’ll guide lightly, but there’s no pressure to pose perfectly — kids can simply be themselves. After the session, you’ll receive a gallery of edited digital images.

• Each family receives a set of edited photos from the session, delivered digitally. A small selection of images will be shared publicly as part of the Give Light project. Names and stories are optional.

• If you’d like to see the style of work you can expect, here’s a sample: my family photography.

Give Light is a small, personal project, and any support helps it grow sustainably:

• Share the project — Spreading the word helps reach families who might be interested. You can also visit my Instagram profile for updates and future announcements.

• Book a regular session Choosing a paid session helps me set aside time and resources for Give Light.

• Optional Donation — Contributions help cover the practical costs of offering no-cost sessions.

All support is optional, and deeply appreciated.

Who is this for?

Give Light is for families who are going through a challenging season and wouldn’t otherwise be able to book professional photos right now.

Will our photos be shared?

Yes. A small selection of images becomes part of the Give Light project. They may appear in my portfolio, website, social media, or editorial stories. Never used for commercial advertising.

Can we stay anonymous?

Yes. Names and personal stories are optional. If you prefer to stay unnamed or partially anonymous, that is completely fine.

How many sessions do you offer?

A limited number throughout the year based on availability.

How do you choose families?

I look for families who are navigating a challenging season and wouldn’t be able to access a paid session at this time.

Where are sessions held?

Outdoor locations around the Bay Area.

How long are sessions?

30–60 minutes.

What do we receive?

A small gallery of edited, high-resolution images. See examples here.

Can I nominate someone?

Yes — anyone can apply or nominate a family.

Can we reapply?

Yes, absolutely.

How is the project funded?

Through my paid sessions and community support.

If you’d like to be considered for a Give Light session — or nominate someone you know — you can submit a short form here. It only takes a few minutes, and simple answers are perfect.