I was honored to capture this family as a part of Operation: Love Reunited. Stacy contacted me a few weeks back to set up our session before Keith would be deployed for a year in Afghanistan. This family has been stationed in Oklahoma but is originally from Toledo and visiting with family this week. As part of Operation: Love Reunited I offer free sessions to military families that have a member deploying. The session is TOTALLY free along with an album that is sent overseas to make the time apart a little easier.
This is my favorite family shot from our session. Such a cute family!
Stacy is pregnant with their second child – a little girl! She is due in August. Keith will already be deployed by that time. Stacy plans to move back to Toledo while Keith is gone for the support of her family. Here are a few more of my favorites…
The last photo is an art print. I typically stick to sharp and color accurate processing but on ocassion I have a little Photoshop fun! I can do this with any client favorite photo that they may want a more artsy look to make into a canvas print or enlarge to be framed.
Thank you Keith, Stacy, and Jake for a fun afternoon at the Botanical Gardens.
For those that are interested in learning more about the program visit Operation: Love Reunited. I have also posted a few common Q&A.
FAQ
Q: What’s the catch?
A: This is our most often asked question. Reality is, most people don’t believe that they are getting something for nothing. This is a free service as long as you qualify.
Q: How do I qualify for an OpLove session?
A: Your service member MUST BE deploying (within a reasonable time frame and should have received their orders), already deployed (a copy of a command letter of deployment or orders may be requested) or coming home from a deployment.
Q: I’m not married, but I am deploying, (or are deployed, or coming home) can my immediate family or myself still participate?
A: ABSOLUTELY! We encourage all military members to experiece OpLove and what we offer. You know your mama wants a dashing portrait of you!
We also do sessions with dating couples.
Q: How do I find a photographer?
A: http://www.oplove.org/oplovefinder/ and enter your zip code.
Q: What is the suggested uniform?
A: The service member is welcome to wear whatever uniform that they feel comfortable in.
Q: What does the session entail?
A: If the session is a pre-deployment, the session will focus on the family and your service member. If an already gone session, it will focus on the family of the service member with patriotic props. If a homecoming session, it will focus on the moments leading up to, and the actual reunion of the family when the service member returns.
Q: Where can I view the client/photographer policy?
A: This is also the form you will need to fill out prior to your session. http://www.oplove.org/forms/forms/PDF_OpLove_Client_Policies.pdf
Q: Do I have the option to buy prints/CD if I want them?
A: Yes of course! Operation Love clients do get a discounted rate on prints or DVD’s please contact me for more information.
Q: Can you give me the album and I send it to my service member?
A: No. The purpose of the program does not work if the service member never receives his/her album. The only way to assure that the program works, is for the photographer to send the album directly. This is part of your Operation Love service agreement policy.
The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.
