Today the photographer spotlight is on Michele Anderson of Pinkle Toes Photography. Michele is self-taught photographer and has had the honor of photographing hundreds of families all across Austin, Texas and all over the world. She is beyond thrilled to be celebrating the TENTH anniversary of Pinkle Toes Photography this year. She is a mom to three, wife to one, and newly formed wannabe runner, barre and yoga addict.
What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer? I was approached by The Gold Hope Project because there was a session need in my area and I was so impressed with the level of organization of TGHP and the rewarding nature of the work that I just couldn’t say no.
What is your favorite thing about being a TGHP photographer?
Knowing you are doing something special and momentous. Capturing family memories where the focus isn’t on illness, but instead on love and childhood.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? Of course…how could it not? You are humbled by what families and children endure to get better. You feel immense gratitude for any little problem you might have in your own life. You are inspired by the resilience and courage of people much younger than you.
What is one thing you hope to families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience?
Pride. Pride in their families and in what they have and will overcome.
Today the photographer spotlight is on Jessica Mielke (Photo Art by Jessica). Jessica is a maternity, birth and documentary family photographer located in Aurora Colorado. She has two crazy kids and amazing husband who serves in the United States Air Force. As a family they enjoy hiking, baking and traveling. She has been a photographer for five years now and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Jessica really loves volunteering for The Gold Hope Project and hopes to help spread the word about how this organization can benefit childhood cancer patients and their families.
What made you want to join tghp as a volunteer?
I wanted to become a gold hope project volunteer for a while and a friend of mine has a son with re-diagnosed Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) While I provided photography services for them, I felt compelled to volunteer my services further. Knowing how much those images will be cherished by that family forever pushed me into becoming a volunteer.
What is your favorite thing about being a Gold Hope Project photographer?
I have only done a few sessions with The Gold Hope Project but seeing how strong those families and children are is really, truly inspiring.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life?
It has really made us slow down and put the meaningless stuff behind us. We don’t bicker as much and we are trying to build more long lasting memories with our children. I also make it a point to photograph my kids every single day.
What is one thing you hope to families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience?
That no matter what your life situation might look like right now, life is beautiful and it is a gift. I really hope that the families and children I have photographed feel beautiful.
How would you describe your photography?
I am a documentary and lifestyle photographer. My goal is to provide my clients with beautiful real life images.
Where are you located?
I recently relocated to the Aurora Colorado and I am photographing in the Greater Denver Metro area.
