I stood at my back door and listened as all my neighbors howled into the night.

I felt connected to people I have probably never met, all feeling similar feelings of isolation. They were howling for unity, but more importantly, to show support to all who work while we get the privilege of staying home.

It occurred to me yesterday that, only 3 years ago, I would have been one of those essential employees. I was a Trader Joe’s crew member for 6 years as I built my photography career. I feel very fortunate that I now get to stay home, even though that means a bit of financial difficulty for me. I am grateful to feel safe every day and control how often I put myself at risk to go buy my own groceries at these stores.

This gratitude felt so big that I wanted to find some way to express it some way to give back to those who are risking themselves for our safety now.

Then I saw the Gratitude Session movement that Anastasia Chomlack inspired.

I’m asking you to help me to repay the debt we owe to the grocery store workers, nurses, doctors, truck drivers, farmworkers, police, first responders, emergency childcare providers, pharmacists, insurance agents, firemen, drugstore operators, mail carriers, and other essential workers…for sure I missed someone!…who are the only reason we can take care of our families at home right now.⠀⠀⠀

In this spirit, and hoping to encourage others to do what they reasonably can too, I’m offering one-for-one local family sessions. If you’ve been appreciating all this togetherness and family time and feel able to invest in a family photo session at this time, please do!

All local family sessions booked between now and the end of S.I.P. will include an additional photo session for an essential front line worker of your choice and their family.

And if you’re not in a position to invest at the moment, but would love to be a part of giving back, please email and nominate an essential worker that you’d like to see receive a complimentary family photo session.

**All photo sessions will take place (of course!) when physical social distancing guidelines have been lifted and it is safe to gather again.**

Learn more about how to book a session and give a session by filling out the contact form on my site here.