Fotolanthropy

Hey there!

I just wanted to write a post to express our gratitude to everyone that has supported us through this journey thus far for fotolanthropy and for those who have been sharing our story with others. We are so grateful to each of you! Each facebook post, tweet, share, email and comment has meant so much.

About a month ago, I received advice from a dear friend and she said, “If you say yes to the call in your life, doors will be opened and you will go on an adventure in your life you have never dreamed.” Those words really resonated in my heart and I was challenged to see that I was being called to make fotolanthropy something more than what we are doing in Dallas, Texas and to send it out across the country. So, I felt the tug to go for it and a few weeks ago, it was a pretty nerve wracking experience to throw myself on a video to invite photographers and filmcrews across the country to become a part of fotolanthropy. I am a lot more comfortable behind the camera but I knew if our fotolanthropy families can get in front of a camera to share their story, I needed to take one for the team. I am so thankful my team gave me the courage to do so, because in just a few weeks of making the decision to take fotolanthropy national by involving crews across the country to do stories, we have been so humbled by the response from people stepping up to the plate and saying YES to the invitation to use their cameras for good. Further more, we are seeing people without cameras step in to help make a difference by offering sponsorships, the tools we need, and sharing our story with others. I am just amazed! In just a few weeks we have learned the great lesson of letting go of your fears and saying YES to something bigger than yourself. We are humbled to have this “call” and are thankful for how the journey has already been faithfully provided for and thankful for the opportunity to connect and help others across the country.

Each day we are continually humbled by the affirmation we receive that fotolanthropy can grow into something bigger than we dreamed. I had the chance to go to a photography conference called WPPI and met some incredible people. The best part of the trip was talking with some photographers about fotolanthropy and seeing their own passion for fotolanthropy arise as they would get watery eyed just hearing our story. I feel the reason for this is that everyone can relate or connect with a true story of someone who has faced or is facing a trial. I am so thankful for all the new friends I made as many of them are joining the crew!

I am so excited for the new Crew Members who will be working on the upcoming stories, because every step is just such a joyful whirlwind of emotions. A project begins with a nomination from a loved one or stranger that has been impacted by an inspiring true story. Then a photographer and filmmaker unite together to make a crew and give their best to the story. A family or individual is blessed by this gift of a portrait session and short film of their story, and they also receive a platform to share their story with the world. Each step makes you fall in love with the project more! For me, I feel such a joy as with each step I am continuing to give to someone else. The type of giving that will last the family/individual a lifetime.

The Crew applications we have received have brought tears to our eyes. We read them and see photographers and filmmakers are really passionate about using their gifts for good and genuinely desire and want to give back. It’s encouraging to see so many people wanting to make the world a better place. These applicants are passionate, fired up, and want to connect with these families. So many people have shared with us these exact words, “I have been looking for an opportunity like this.” Photographers and filmmakers are storytellers and they are excited to dive into a project and creatively capture a true story. We are so thankful for those who have applied and for the ones that will come in the future!

The stories that are being nominated have blown us away. All of the stories are of every day hero’s, true stories of everyday people inspiring others through what they are going through by their attitude, passion, or how they are responding to a situation. We have received such a tremendous range of stories and we can’t wait to begin working on new stories and give these families/individuals a platform to share their story with others. Our goal is for the fotolanthropy site to be a hub of inspiration and we are excited to get the stories in production for you to enjoy.

We are working hard behind the scenes interviewing crew members, reviewing nominated stories and preparing for the growth of taking fotolanthropy National. We are also creating and designing something pretty cool that we will be able to sell to help fund our stories. We cannot wait to share this product with you! I have never had so much fun in my life, working on something I believe in so much.

Please continue to nominate stories if you have them. We are growing and hoping to take on more and more stories each month! Also, we are always going to be looking for more photographers and filmmakers to apply and become a part of the fotolanthropy Crew. If you might know of someone you think would love to be a part of this movement, please share our name and mission with them! Again, thank you for the support and for sharing our story so that we can grow and give more. We are so humbled and thankful!

click.inspire.remember.

Katie Norris

Founder & Chief Storyteller