In 2006 I picked up a digital camera and began to document the summer camps our non-profit was leading. Kids were having an amazing, life-giving experience – and photographs helped capture that impact.
Less than two years later, we moved to Nashville where I focused 100% on photography at my day job, along with other creative opportunities outside of work.
And that was my world for almost 10 years.
But now, when I reflect back on first picking up the camera to document at the non-profit, the photographs were the means – not the end.
The photos:
- Provided imagery for our future summer camp marketing and content needs
- Eased parent’s worries because we posted the photos daily on a public photo account (on Flickr) so they could see all the fun things their kids were doing
- Created visual mementos for counselors, staff and especially the kids
- Connected us more deeply to our donors when we packaged up the photos from kids and counselors into a coffee table book as a way to demonstrate our collective impact and to say “thank you” for their gifts of time, talents, and money
The photos were important, of course.
But it was really the creativity to figure out WHERE and HOW to use them in unique, memorable ways to help us better engage and connect with our key audiences…
THAT was the x-factor – and my superpower.
Sometimes a lightbulb moment smacks you in the face.
I’m just thankful for continued and unfolding awareness of how my skills, strengths, and experiences have come together to make a deep impact.