Helping others in need isn’t just for the holidays. We can use our talents and skills as photographers to help others all year long.

I’d like to introduce you to Mia Coelho of Compassion Photography, a non-profit company based in Fort Worth, Texas, whose values are reflected in its action, providing professional photo sessions at no cost to families who are faced with difficult circumstances, be it the illness of a child, the loss of a parent/spouse, the victim of bullying, special needs, or any other reason for encouragement.

I asked Mia to tell us a little about Compassion Photography and herself as a photographer:

Let’s face it, life can be hard BUT if we look for it (even in the bleakest of circumstances) we can find glimpses of joy. My job is to help you find it, to see what is still beautiful in life, and to regain your JOY. A session with me is a time to remember what it is to be LOVED.

For me, a photography session isn’t just a time for taking pictures. The minutes we spend together are an intimate time for me to get to know who you are. I put all of me, into capturing all of you, in a way that tells the story of who you are.

Compassion Photography was inspired by Mia’s own family’s story.

When My oldest daughter became very sick in 2006, it was so scary. As a mom I felt like it was my job to protect her, but medically I knew nothing. All I could do was depend on my faith, family, and the encouragement of friends. In 2007, she had her first surgery and the following year she had another major surgery. I am thankful to report that she is healthy now. However, for many families there is not a happy ending. I look back on the years she was sick and I’m sad to say there are VERY few pictures, let alone family portraits. When the physical, or mental, health of a loved one hangs in the balance, taking pictures is often the last thing you think of. Sad, but true.

When I realized I had almost zero pictures of those three years when my daughter was sick, it broke my heart. In those three years we had two sweet babies and I hardly remember what that was like. It was then (almost 3 years ago) I bought my first DSLR camera and began creating a ‘faithbook’ for my family. As I journaled the LOVE of our heavenly Father in our lives, I fell in love with story-telling. At the end of the day, money and collecting stuff does not matter. But rather, the memories and the legacy we leave behind. I was not a portrait photographer before I began Compassion Photography. I would refer to myself as a mom-tographer. Always with a camera in my hand, not asking my kids to pose this way or look ‘here,’ but capturing our life to later re-tell in our book of memories.

Think you need to be a professional photographer to start helping others in this way? Think again. Mia is a self-taught photographer, who began as a self-proclaimed “mom-tographer.” She saw a need, and wanted to help.

There was a time I compared myself to those who had been formally trained and felt I was sub-par…word to the wise? Don’t fall into that trap! Regardless of how you learned, be proud of your work . I spent hours upon hours reading books. I was fortunate enough to attend several workshops and I made sure to pay it forward when others began asking me questions. I have been a photographer for just over a year…but it feels a bit longer than that. At this point, being a photographer is not just what I ‘do,’ it’s become a part of who I am. An extension of my heart.

I asked Mia to share an experience with us of one of her Compassion Photography sessions that touched her heart. When I read the story of this beautiful little family, it brought tears to my eyes. I’d like to introduce you to the Frugé Family, a family Mia met through a referral from her local community.

From Kentucky and Texas, D.L. and Katie met during college in Tennessee. Of all places–in their Greek class.

‘We both wanted to spend our lives serving Christ, and we knew what God had told us to look for in a spouse. After Katie finally said ‘yes’ to a date with me, D.L., we were constantly together talking about things that mattered to us and to God.

‘We have no doubts that God put us together, and we’re very thankful for that.’

They moved closer to Katie’s home to receive their M.Div.’s in Fort Worth. Then they prepared to both begin the Ph.D. program in theology. But what they most anticipated was the birth of their daughter, Eve, this fall 2011.

‘In June we received what many would call devastating news about baby Eve. However, we just feel like we had to find out about God’s plan for Eve for this life, which we know will have a big impact on our eternal lives. Baby Eve won’t have a left arm or right leg, but God has been gracious to us in preserving her life, her mind, healing her heart, and preparing her Christian family for her arrival. The mixture of grief and joy we have for Eve really reminds us of what matters in life.’

Helping so many amazing families, like the Frugé family, has been life changing. Whether it’s meeting a child who was not expected to make it through the ‘delivery process,’ the confidence gained during a photo session for a victim of bullying, seeing those belly laughs come from a child who has been too sick to smile, and of course the BIG ‘thank yous’ and tears that accompany each gallery viewing. These families remind me what is important, who is important. I want my life’s work to MEAN something. For my children to have a heart that loves to give and use their talent to help others. We are so fortunate to have a home full of life and laughter, being able to share that with families who are hurting helps us all heal a little.

On average, Mia shoots about one or two Compassion Photography sessions per month. But if you ask her, she wishes that number were higher. Many people have the misconception that it’s too good to be true. It’s not. She truly wants to help those in need, contributing her time and talents into making others smile.

I have had people ask me if I would work with their family ‘even though their child was not terminally ill.’ Although I do serve families whose children are battling a terminal illness, that is not all I serve.

Did your home burn down and you just rebuilt? Contact me and book a Compassion session. I’m sure it would be encouraging for you to have your new family portrait hanging in your NEW home!

Did you survive a traumatic experience and are ready to LIVE life again? Book your session.

Did you beat cancer, lose a parent, suffer from an illness? I could go on and on…don’t wait! You are worth it. Your family is worth it. And your story is just waiting to be told.

My dream is to have Compassion Photography grow into a nationwide Non-Profit Organization, serving families from every walk of life. A story-telling photography company offering hope both to the families we serve and to those who read their stories. I am currently working with 8 photographers to launch Compassion Photography affiliates across the country.

I have been approached by photographers across the country asking how they can get involved. I LOVE that others want to get in on serving OTHERS. Our world is often so ME focused. It’s refreshing to know so many photographers who want to use their talent to provide encouragement to families.

If you or someone you know may find encouragement through a Compassion Photography session with Mia, she would love to talk with you! If you know of someone in need who happens to lives outside of the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, and could cover travel expenses, Mia is available to travel.

As her work with Compassion Photography has grown this past year, she’s had many requests for family portrait sessions. This led her to the recent launch of Mia Coelho Photography, where she works with children, families, newborns, and seniors. She also shoots the occasional wedding. This venture allows her to keep Compassion Photography going.

Mia has found that talking with others in the photography field keeps her focused and encouraged, and she often goes out to lunch with her fellow photogs. She also finds inspiration in mentoring photographers who are new to the field.

I find this has been the best way to inspire growth. Not only does it keep me humble and reminds me of how much I have grown as a photographer, but it also feels great to invest in others!

Thank you, Mia, for sharing your story and your passion with us. You truly are an inspiration to many!

We were so happy to have been able to feature Mia and Compassion Photography. If you or someone you know is doing something extraordinary with their talents as a photographer, let us know! We want to keep this going and feature outstanding photographers just like Mia!