Photolanthropy

Photolanthropy
(noun. the desire to promote the welfare of others through photography)

Photographer: Anne Kelley Looney/Anne Kelley Studio (www.annekelleystudio.com)

Charity: Operation Love Reunited (www.oplove.org)

How did you get involved?  
My husband and I were each working on different ways to help the veterans in a time when there was a deficit of government action. I had been developing a plan to organize photographers to donate their skills to armed forces and their families. When I heard about OpLove through another photographer's website, I found that it was everything I had in mind, so I signed on as a photographer.

How can other photographers get involved?
If you like the philosophy and process, submit your application for review at Oplove.org.

What has this project given back to you? 
I love being able to give something to the families who are willing to give of themselves to protect others; I feel that photography in particular can provide a warmth and closeness when people are apart. Meeting the families has been wonderful.

Photographer: Mark Swink (www.markswinkphotography.com)

Charity: Operation Love Reunited (www.oplove.org)

How did you get involved?
I am a member of the Las Vegas Photographic Society and a message was posted on our message boards about the organization Operation Love Reunited. I checked out their website and thought that their mission was a worthy one so I applied to become a volunteer photographer for them. Shortly after getting involved with the organization I was appointed Regional Coordinator for the state of Nevada.

How can other photographers get involved?
Just go to http://www.oplove.org/ and click on the link for Photographers, fill out the application and wait to be approved.

What has this project given back to you?
This project has given me the opportunity to show our military members my appreciation for their service by giving them memories to last a lifetime. As a veteran myself I am always willing to do my part to make sure that our military knows that those of us who have already served and those who haven’t served appreciate what they do for us.

Photo Disclaimer: The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.