Portraits for a Purpose: Using Photography to Support Mental Health Awareness

What a beautiful day! I recently had the privilege of hosting Portraits for a Purpose, a special fundraising event created to support Make Mental Health Matter during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. What started as a day of photography became something so much more—a day filled with connection, encouragement, laughter, and women showing up for one another and for a cause that deeply matters to me.

I feel incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful network of supportive and encouraging women in my life. There is something powerful about gathering together with people who are willing to cheer one another on, celebrate each other's work, and use their time and resources to support something bigger than themselves. Photography has always been about more than creating beautiful images for me. It is about seeing people, honoring their stories, and creating space for them to feel celebrated. Portraits for a Purpose gave me the opportunity to combine that passion with something equally important: giving back to a local organization working to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Of course, the women who came to support the event made the day especially meaningful.

Reverend Katrina Dorow, you are truly a beacon of hope. It was such an honor to create portraits that help tell the story of the transformational work you do with people navigating grief, loss, and major life transitions. Having personally experienced your work, I know how deeply you show up for the people you serve, and I am grateful that my photography can help bring greater visibility to that work.

Reverend and Master Gestaltist Katrina Dorow (left).

Nickie Cole, it was such an honor to photograph another photographer! I especially loved the opportunity to capture you with your camera and celebrate the creative work that you do. You are truly a master of perfectly posed newborns! Thank you for trusting me to step behind the camera for you.

Nickie Cole, owner of Nicola Jane Photography.

Sue Hyatt, it was wonderful to spend some time with you. Thank you for walking the talk and participating in an event to raise funds for a local organization that gives back to the community in a meaningful way. I am so excited to read your book when it is finally in print! There is something special about photographing someone who is bringing their own story and wisdom into the world, and I can't wait to see where your next chapter takes you.

Sue Hyatt, author of “The Good Difference”.

Kimberly Young, thank you for showing up to support Katrina and her portraits, too. The work with you do inspire and support youth to create the life of your dreams is truly meaningful and it is always such a joy to see your beautiful smile!

Days like this remind me why I love what I do. A portrait session can create beautiful photographs, but it can also create connection, encouragement, confidence, and community. When we can use those photographs—and the business behind them—to support an organization doing meaningful work in our community, it becomes even more special. Thank you to everyone who participated in Portraits for a Purpose, supported the fundraiser, shared the event, encouraged me, or simply showed up. Your presence mattered.

To all the women who continue to cheer one another on: thank you for reminding me that we don't have to do meaningful work alone.