Hey there!
I'm Josie.
And I'm the voice behind Give Photography. I started taking photos seriously to document the scenery and faces of loved ones on a camping road trip across the Pacific Northwest.
I realized then that my camera is a tool for joy. I can notice the joy in my life through the eye of my camera as well as spread joy to others by capturing their happiest moments and relationships. And so I was hooked.
My first passion came in the form of serving others when I discovered that the only thing that truly filled my bucket was throwing myself into volunteer work. I put on my first charitable race as an ambitious high school girl ultimately trying to boost my college resume to someday make it rich. But once college came, my big money-making aspirations fizzled as I realized that the only thing I really wanted out of life had something to do with that race.
7 years + an education + a husband and baby later, I found myself deeply involved in volunteer work for vulnerable youth. I once again got into the work of race planning, but this time it was while also balancing a new passion: beautiful storytelling in the realm of photography. I swore it was just a hobby and that I would never charge for my services as I didn't think I could ever learn to be good enough, but when the refugee crisis hit, I knew I had to do something. As I was trying to determine how I could best help, I received this wise advice from a leader in the nonprofit space: we all have something unique to contribute, and only we know what that thing is.
However, as many times as I told myself my camera was simply a fundraising tool to me, somewhere along the way I began to be allured by the art of it - of beautifully photographing connection and documenting moments both simple and grand. I developed a deep gratitude for this art form that put me in rooms that I would have never been in otherwise, falling in love with people that I never would have met if it weren’t for this medium that I stumbled upon trying to get somewhere else.
I often find myself at the end of a long wedding day shaking my head in disbelief at my luck and saying to myself “what a gift”. I never could have predicted that life would lead me here, granting me such rich experiences in such beautiful places with such inspiring people. So if you choose to work with me - thank you. It's a gift.
I realized then the power and potential that I had with my photography hobby. And so, by beginning to charge for my services and donating a portion of my proceeds to refugees, I started a fundraiser. And the rest is history.
wonder over worry, protecting the vulnerable, spirituality & intuition, and filling my cup in order to fill others’
basing my worth on my work, judging other people’s styles of serving, should-ing myself, and most of all, turning off a song mid-jam
editing while listening to an audiobook, snuggling my girls, eating apples and peanut butter, and planning my next (possibly imaginary) vacation
women’s empowerment, education, climate change, and
refugee aid
my story
type 3 wing 4 - “The Achiever”... aka Leslie Knope is my hero and I cry every time Eliza Hamilton asks if she’s done enough
watching:
donating to:
READING:
CRAVING:
Stand Up Comedy
International Rescue Committee
Library Photography Books
Chips & Salsa
Currently
listening:
The Bad Broadcast
Hi, I’m Courtney! I’m a wedding and family photographer and videographer trained to shoot the Give Photography way. Now you can the same bright, sun-kissed, and colorful photography at a more affordable rate by booking with me. My couples and families will still be featured on the blog and social media, and will get the full "Giving," kind, and service-oriented experience.
I love capturing the little sweet and sacred moments shared by couples and families, and make sure that joy and emotion shows in the pictures and videos I take! I’m great at making clients feel comfortable and like themselves, which makes for the BEST candid captures.
When I'm not shooting and editing, you can find me watering my 7,293 plants at home, spending time with Josie at a hipster coffee shop (we're suckers for aesthetics), or cuddled up on the couch watching Frozen with my daughters (like we do daily #toddlermomlife).
Take a look at some of my recent work and reach out any time!
Meet Courtney
Courtney's Favorite Things
Capturing the emotions of brides, mamas, babies, and events is the ultimate fulfilling blessing for my enneagram type 4 heart
my happy place!
I love to exercise because it trains my mind and my body. It’s my favorite way to practice overcoming hard things!
I am passionate about learning! I love reading about health, personal development, gentle parenting, and classic fiction books. I also LOVE writing. There's nothing like the mental clarity I feel after writing my feelings and thoughts, and recording my children's lives for them.
My Favorite Things
Sunshine. Wayfarers kickstarter semiotics, quinoa godard dreamcatcher hexagon pop-up hoodie.
my guilty pleasure
Ice cream. Microdosing gochujang keffiyeh salvia. Hoodie knausgaard art party.
Photos! Hashtag fashion axe palo santo fanny pack, ramps cornhole messenger bag asymmetrical direct trade slow-carb everyday carry chartreuse tofu godard.
Hi, I’m Tara! I’m a wedding and family photographer trained to shoot the Give Photography way. Now you can the same bright, sun-kissed, and colorful photography at a more affordable rate by booking with me. My couples and families will still be featured on the blog and social media, and will get the full "Giving," kind, and service-oriented experience.
I truly see the beauty in every person, and I want to capture yours! I personally view photos of my loved ones as treasures, so I understand how sacred capturing family weddings, milestones and memories can be. I think of it as an honor to be a part of every single photo shoot I do.
Aside from photography you can find me hanging with my husband and four crazy kids. I also enjoy Pilates and running. I feel most fulfilled when I am being creative. I also love giving back, and so working with the Give team feels like a win, win.
Take a look at some of my recent work and reach out any time!
Meet Tara
Tara's Favorite Things
If you come over to my home chances are you will be welcomed with a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie. They are my love language and I love sharing them with anyone who walks through my door.
my love language
I love being outside! The solace and beauty that nature provides always makes me feel more whole and grateful. I often seem to find inspiration and answers to problems when I am out for a walk or run.
I've always loved photography. It was kismet when I started talking to Josie about taking it more seriously. I've been with the Give team ever since and it has been so fulfilling.
My Favorite Things
Sunshine. Wayfarers kickstarter semiotics, quinoa godard dreamcatcher hexagon pop-up hoodie.
my guilty pleasure
Ice cream. Microdosing gochujang keffiyeh salvia. Hoodie knausgaard art party.
Photos! Hashtag fashion axe palo santo fanny pack, ramps cornhole messenger bag asymmetrical direct trade slow-carb everyday carry chartreuse tofu godard.
This That
early bird
social activism
book
homebody
animal rights
plan it
dance
or
night owl
conservation
movie
adventure
women's empowerment
wing it
sports
Where does stand on the super important stuff?
This That
early bird
social activism
book
homebody
animal rights
plan it
dance
or
night owl
conservation
movie
adventure
women's empowerment
wing it
sports
Where does stand on the super important stuff?
Josie
Courtney
This That
early bird
social activism
book
homebody
animal rights
plan it
dance
or
night owl
conservation
movie
adventure
women's empowerment
wing it
sports
Where does stand on the super important stuff?
Tara
Our 15% donated may not be enough to create real change, but we believe in the potential of creating a culture of giving and generating excitement and education towards the act of giving back. Our vision is to help to create a world where every individual is using the means they have to help others in need.
Our hope is to use the gift of photography to fund, serve, and promote charities around the world.
Why Give?
contact us