An artist’s creative passion with a journalist’s flair for storytelling lays the foundation for Vanessa Maureen Photography. From life events like engagements and babies to event and commercial photography, Vanessa Maureen Photography strives to capture the beauty in a client’s story with a photojournalistic approach.
Following Beautiful Dream Society on social media led Vanessa to realize that she wanted to get involved in the fight for freedom. She started by supporting the cause with what she had in her hand – her photography skills.
Empowering Images to Effect Change
Vanessa became aware of the problem of human trafficking, but didn’t realize how it hit so close to home. When she found and began following Beautiful Dream Society on Instagram, she gained awareness of the issue.
“Beautiful Dream Society made me aware that human trafficking was a pressing issue here in my local community. I had heard about it on the news before but hadn’t previously realized that it was a problem in the Tulsa area, where someone I know and love could become a victim,” says Vanessa.
Vanessa also came to appreciate BDS’ photographs in our Instagram feed. “I love their beautiful and empowering images there,” says Vanessa. Drawn to both the issue and the art, Vanessa felt compelled to get involved. Last fall, through a comment on a photo, she offered to contribute her photography skills to BDS. “I reached out to BDS for the photo collaboration because I didn’t have much money, but wanted to offer something I could do,” says Vanessa.
Photographing Filled With Care
Her offer led to a wonderful collaboration for the “Filled with Care” campaign, Beautiful Dream Society’s holiday season campaign. Getting into the spirit of all things merry and bright in September, Vanessa photographed a group of friends preparing stockings and gifts in honor of giving to the women and children in our care.
Not only was the photo shoot meaningful because of what it stood for, but also it was a great evening that everyone enjoyed. “I was thrilled that they took me up on my offer!” says Vanessa. “Getting together that night was so much fun and I laughed so much my cheeks hurt.”
Vanessa’s photography set a beautiful tone for Beautiful Dream Society’s “Filled with Care” Campaign. Filled With Care raised over $1500 for the Christmas season, a time that brings joy to the women and children in our programs.
To learn more about Vanessa Maureen Photography, you can visit her website at http://www.vanessamaureenphotography.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram – @vanessamaureenphotography.
–Edited by Rachel Forrest, volunteer for BDS