When I started my photography business, part of my goals was to use it as a vehicle to give back. I’m proud to be a member of Portraits For Patriots® for Patriots, a nationwide network of headshot photographers who provide complimentary headshots for transitioning military service members and their families. I’ve also done work for the Jimmy Fund here in MA to support cancer research, and routinely donate sessions to silent auctions for many non-profits. The rewards I get from both the appreciation and knowing that I helped and made even a small difference in someone’s life is something money cannot buy. Oh, and it’s actually good marketing – a win-win!

When I read about all government employee layoffs that have occurred since January, and how these people have been unfairly characterized, I felt like I had to do something so I’m offering complementary headshots for those workers who have been laid off. This article in PetaPixel (When I started my photography business, part of my goals was to use it as a vehicle to give back. I’m proud to be a member of Portraits For Patriots® for Patriots, a nationwide network of headshot photographers who provide complimentary headshots for transitioning military service members and their families. I’ve also done work for the Jimmy Fund here in MA to support cancer research, and routinely donate sessions to silent auctions for many non-profits. The rewards I get from both the appreciation and knowing that I helped and made even a small difference in someone’s life is something money cannot buy. Oh, and it’s actually good marketing – a win-win!

When I read about all government employee layoffs that have occurred since January, and how these people have been unfairly characterized, I felt like I had to do something so I’m offering complementary headshots for those workers who have been laid off. This article in PetaPixel (https://petapixel.com/2025/05/20/photographer-offers-laid-off-federal-workers-free-portraits-to-help-them-find-jobs/) talks more about the program, my motivation, and my journey.

Since this story was published, in addition to praise, I’ve actually been criticized by some other photographers for “taking food out of other photographer’s mouths”. At first, I thought the comment was a joke, but then saw several others supporting that notion. I guess no good deed goes unpunished. But here’s the thing – from a pure business perspective, it’s actually a good strategic move from many perspectives. In addition to being “the right thing to do”, it becomes part of my overall brand. I’m not a philanthropist, but I’m also a helper and so this just fits. It also provides more visibility for my business – think of it as free advertising.

This is a highly competitive industry, and so differentiating yourself is key. I know if I were looking for some type of service and knew that one provider did more to help the community I would be more likely to choose them.
But at the end of the day, it just feels right – when people are down, I want to help pick them up. I’ve not only provided complementary headshots for these people, I’ve also put them in touch people in my network who might be able to help them find jobs. I’d be over the moon knowing that something I did helped them get back on their feet.

So to my photographer colleagues who say I’m taking food out of their mouth I say I understand that this is a difficult business and you may be struggling, but sometimes you gotta do the right thing – and have the faith that it will come back (paying it forward).

And to other business owners I’d also encourage you to determine how you can give back. Particularly during these turbulent times, we all need to pull together and help. ) talks more about the program, my motivation, and my journey.