We are so happy to be shining the photography spotlight on Maria Manco of Maria Manco Photography. Maria is a natural light documentary/lifestyle photographer based out of Cleveland, Ohio. She believes in capturing the everyday moments, the wonder of childhood and the love of family. She is also a mom of two little ones and loves documenting their childhood in an honest and authentic way. Maria has been a wonderful supporter of The Gold Hope Project. In the fall of last year, she generously donated sales from a mini session event to the project. We are super excited to be sharing Maria’s photography and heart with you today!
What made you want to donate a portion of your mini session event to The Gold Hope Project? Until recently, I naively thought childhood cancer was rare and for the most part treatable. I didn’t know anyone who had gone through childhood cancer, either themselves or their child. It is not something I heard about that often. And then I met Cynthia (Ava’s mother and President for the project) and learned of her story and of Ava, inspiration behind the project. I learned how very little funding childhood cancer receives and that some types have a 0% survival rate. Zero! I then had the pleasure of photographing Cynthia and her family and I saw the beautiful photos of Ava hanging up and how the photos helped to keep her a present part of their lives. I love that The Gold Hope Project connects families with photographers to give them these beautiful photos of their families that show their love and their strength.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? It has really helped me to not sweat the small stuff so much with my own children. To smother them in kisses and love. To try and remember that when I am sending my kids to the first day of school, wrapping their birthday presents, packing their lunch, tackling the never ending pile of laundry, that there are so many parents who had those moments taken away and I send a little thought of love out to them.
What is one thing you hope families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience?
I recently had the pleasure of photographing this awesome little man, Liam – he had my heart from the second I met him at a wedding I was photographing. He’s spirited, smart as heck, and full of love. It pours out of him. He kicked cancer’s butt and we keep hoping to see clear scans. I was so happy and honored to photograph him and his mom in the Prayers for Maria Field of Hope this past fall. My hope is that they see the love and strength that they possess.
Today the photographer spotlight is on Tim and Madie Photography LLC. Tim is a fulltime photographer and Madie is his wife and business partner. They are wedding and portrait photographers located in St. Paul MN who shoot on location around the Twin Cities. Tim and Madie specialize in creating natural, unposed images that truly engage the subject and viewer alike. Madie and Tim were married in 2001 and they have two lovely daughters. They are adorable and the best things that have ever happened to them. For Tim, every day is a pleasure with his camera.
What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer? When I was 16 years old, I lost my mother to cancer after a four year fight. The only way my wife and daughters have “met” my amazing mother is through pictures and the stories they prompt. I have a personal attachment to the power of photographs. I immediately volunteered to be a TGHP photographer the second I heard about the project so that I’d have the chance to share that power with other families.
What is your favorite thing about being a volunteer photographer for the project?
My favorite thing about being a TGHP photographer is meeting sweet little kids who have more courage and strength then myself and the parents whose love is greater than their fear. It humbles me.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life?
It reminds me to make it impossible for my girls to be able to count the number of times I kiss them, hug them and tell them I love them each day.
What is one thing you hope to families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience?
That they are not alone and other people care.
How would you describe your photography?
I shoot from the heart and I hope my images relate that.
Today the photographer spotlight is on Terri Bryant. If Terri’s name sounds familiar it is because she has been working behind the scenes for The Gold Hope Project since we formed five years ago. Terri is the “matchmaker” between fighter families and photographers and selflessly gives so much of her time to this project. When she isn’t busy working her full time job or playing matchmaker for us, she is running her photography business, Terri Bryant Photography. Terri believes details get lost over time and she considers it her job to help families preserve those fleeting moments as children grow.
What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer?
Up until I *met* Cynthia Dawson (co-founder for The Gold Hope Project), I didn’t know that much about pediatric cancer and the minimal funding that is devoted to research to find a cure. Sweet Ava, and her Mom really touched me and inspired me to give back in any way I can to these fighters and their families. Raising awareness of pediatric cancer is crucial to get more funding to find a cure. These kids deserve to grow up, and it crushes me each time I see a family newly diagnosed, and I cry each and every time we lose one.
What is your favorite thing about being photographer for The Gold Hope Project?
The fighters, and their families. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many and hearing their stories and seeing their photographs is always so rewarding.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life?
It’s changed everything. How I view life in general, and how I appreciate every single day, every moment. I hug my daughter a little tighter, and tell her how much I love her. We talk about Ava, and cancer, and how it is so unfair what these kids have to go through. And of course, I spend as much time as I can devoted to The Gold Hope Project, working with families to help them get these photographs that are so cherished.
What is one thing you hope families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience?
The photographs, of course, and the knowledge that they aren’t alone. We care about them, the fighters and their fight.
How would you describe your photography?
Simple and clean, with the focus (no pun intended) on the subject. While I specialize in newborn photography these days, I still love photographing children and families – capturing real moments for them.
Today the Photographer Spotlight is on Kara Chappell Photography. Kara is a family photographer based on Whidbey Island, WA. Using the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest as a backdrop, Kara focuses on the connection and love that is unique to each family. As a proud military spouse, Kara also loves documenting homecoming ceremonies as military families are reunited after months apart. Kara has worked with The Gold Hope Project for one year and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to families dealing with childhood cancer.
What made you want to join tghp as a volunteer? When a close friend’s son was diagnosed with leukemia, I wept for their family and wanted more than anything to help. We sent toys and brought meals but I wanted to do more. I wanted to do anything to bring a moment of joy to my sweet friend and her amazing son. When he was well enough to come home from the hospital and see a few visitors, I brought over my camera and took a few pictures. Then I took a few more. I wanted to document how this beautiful boy was so normal and so vibrant, even while he was still so sick. When he was well enough to be in public (briefly) we found a location to take indoor pictures of the whole family. I loved donating my time and giving what I could so I was thrilled when I learned that The Gold Hope Project did just that.
What is your favorite thing about being a photographer for The Gold Hope Project? I absolutely love being able to bring joy to a family who has been through so much. To just sit back and document the fierce love and connection between parents and the children whom they have prayed for, worked tirelessly to treat and make whole again. So much is out of their hands and there can be so much stress and worry but I want these families to see how beautiful they are together – no matter what they are going through.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? Working with children with cancer makes all the worries in my life seem extremely insignificant. It has made me appreciate the health my own children have and want to do more for families going through this awful disease.
What is one thing you hope families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience? I want them to see what their love looks like. I want them to have so much fun together – to smile and laugh and play – to have a good time. I want them to leave with beautiful images showing the joy they experience being together.
How would you describe your photography? My photography focuses on the connection and joy each family shares. I love working with families and with children of all ages, but especially younger children as my my own girls are 2 and 4. Using gorgeous Pacific Northwest elements, I strive to show the unique love that exists between parents and their children.
Kara Chappell Photography facebook | instagram
Thank you so much Kara for volunteering with The Gold Hope Project! Want to share your photography too? You can apply to be a volunteer photographer, here.
Today the Photographer Spotlight is on Melissa van Ruiten Photography. Melissa is a native New Englander, recently transplanted to the SF Bay Area. She has been pursuing photography since film was cool the first time around, and has reached her 5th year in business. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, and dreams of someday owning a farm. Melissa is almost always equipped with a cup of coffee and a smile.
Where are you located? I’m located in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I’m always up for a good road trip!
How would you describe your photography? I photograph families and kiddos. Currently, I’m a fair mix of traditional posed portraits and documentary storytelling sessions, with some weddings mixed in for fun!
What made you want to join tghp as a volunteer? When I was in middle school, I had a good friend who was diagnosed with cancer. He beat it but relapsed after we graduated high school. He wasn’t able to beat it a second time. I always wished that I could’ve done more for him, so volunteering with The Gold Hope Project is something that I’m able to do in his memory.
What is your favorite thing about being a Gold Hope Project photographer? I love being able to provide the child I’m photographing with a super special day, focused on them and their family. I like knowing that it gives them a chance to focus on just being a kid, instead of worrying about their illness.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? It reminds me to slow down and not take any day for granted. Each child that I’ve photographed has been an inspiration.
What is one thing you hope the families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience? They are not alone in their journey. There are people out there who are willing to fight for them, and eventually find a cure.
Today the Photographer Spotlight is on Kristen Vacca with The Flash Lady Photography. Kristen is a storyteller of memories. She is celebrating her 5th year in business and is self-taught. She strives to show the world how even a simple moment can last a lifetime. Her studio focuses on delivering a full service, high quality experience; from a couple’s walk down the aisle, to the birth of their first child, to their annual family sessions together as their life story grows. She wants to be there when life is allowed to stop for a moment and be cherished. She is a wife to her wonderful husband, mother of a beautiful daughter, and sibling with 3 brothers who taught her how fragile life can be (1st surviving Quadruplets born in Connecticut). She also enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling to wherever the beauty of nature takes her.
Where are you located? Newington, Connecticut
How would you describe your photography? Classic, custom, real.
What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer? I am a member of a few volunteer photography organizations, but I wanted to make sure that since photographing children is so dear to me that I volunteered for something specific that affects them and needs attention. Cancer has touched my life in many ways and I can’t imagine being a parent of a child going through that. With such a large mountain to climb, I want parents to know that as a mom, the least I can do is offer something that is dear to me to give back to them. They will have something special that will last a lifetime and they won’t have to worry about affording it themselves.
What is your favorite thing about being a Gold Hope photographer? One of my favorite things to plan for when photographing children is creating something special and unique just for them. I love that I can take this aspiration for gold hope kids as well (like I did with Nate’s session). I knew that the Army and snowy owl were really important to him and I made sure to do whatever I could to create an experience that not only I would remember but he would remember as well. When photographing for The Gold Hope Project, the family doesn’t have to think about what might come next, only what is right in front of them and how wonderful it is.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? Seeing these kids…it really makes you think about how lucky you are. Lucky to have a healthy child yourself, as I do. Lucky that we have organizations such as The Gold Hope Project that raise money to fight these horrible diseases. Lucky to meet these kids and families and see their strength, resilience and hope. It really is amazing.
What is one thing you hope to families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience? I hope that families see how important capturing every moment is and how far it can take them on their journey. Photography is truly a wonderful thing and no matter what medium it is in. I hope they look at these images over and over; print them out; share them with loved ones; smile, laugh, cry, and live each frame for all that it can be. I hope these sessions give them the medicine they need to get better.
A huge thank you to Kristen for sharing her gift with The Gold Hope Project and giving back in such a big way! Apply to be a volunteer photographer here.
