Add to the Beauty: Heart Gallery of Philadelphia

There's been a lot going on here as of late at Red Dirt Girl Photography! For starters, we've been busy adding partners to the list of charitable organizations that we support. Check out some of the fantastic groups we're working with, in an effort to merge photography and philanthropy. And if you have suggestions on groups you'd like to see added to the list, don't hesitate to drop us a line and let us know! If you're not familiar with the studio's charitable contribution program, you can check it out through the link above, or by visiting the blog.

In addition to our monetary giving program, Red Dirt Girl has recently joined forces with the Heart Gallery of Philadelphia. Heart Gallery is a nationwide program in which professional photographers donate their time and services for the purpose of raising adoption awareness. Through the creation of custom portraits for children currently in the foster care system, the organization hopes to help these children find a voice, and most importantly, find a "forever family."

And it works! In an interesting twist of fate, one of my dear friends and roomies from college is also building a portrait photography business. Sarah runs Brighthouse Photography out of sunny South Florida, and also works with Heart Gallery. Through her work with the Heart Gallery of Broward County Sarah recently experienced the utter joy and sweet satisfaction of seeing one of the children she'd photographed find her forever family.

(That's Sarah, on the far right! Hi Sar!)

Not only has Ashley been adopted, but her family found her through a portrait that Sarah contributed to the Heart Gallery's traveling exhibit.

See more pictures, and read more about Sarah's work and Ashley's adoption here.

Want to get involved?? You don't have to be a professional photographer to be part of a child's journey to find an adoptive family! Whether helping to locate a venue to host a Heart Gallery exhibit, or catering an event, developing and updating web content or making a financial contribution, there are ways for anyone and everyone to get involved in supporting this inspiring organization! Check out the website, see if there is a local Heart Gallery in your area, and drop us a line if you decide to get involved...we'd love to hear your story!

**All images in this post provided courtesy of Brighthouse Photography.**