We want to show honor to God by valuing people, our resources, and the natural resources in the earth.  Here is how we are doing that practically at PLP.

Using our equipment fully and until they die or show excess wear, rather than adding new gadgets and cameras and creating excess electronic waste and then passing the cost on to you

Reusing our packaging materials when we need to ship our orders

Recycled paper products and minimal new paper or plastics in our packaging choices

Recycled paper in many of our marketing materials

Paperless proofing

Paperless correspondence and billing

Keeping our staff level low so we can pay well

Consideration of our ethics in our purchases

Posting images of our clients and children online only with permission, and keeping children’s names private

Meeting online with our out of town clients, rather than driving

Using real plates, napkins, and cups rather than disposable

Providing handmade, local treats and snacks when possible 

Inscribed in my wedding band is the phrase “none live for themselves.” This is a reminder to me of the vows we proclaimed on our wedding day. In addition to our traditional vows, we included extras that essentially say that we will be true to Christ, kind to people, and spread the gospel to the nations. When Purple Lemon Photography was created in 2008, its intent was to spur us on to fulfilling the promises we made for our marriage. This is particularly key to me as a photographer, since most of my work revolves around relationships and family.
 
Our goal is to use the gift of photography and the profits of our small business to help share kindness and spread the gospel while being true to Christ.
 
Locally, I have photographed for a variety of not-for-profit agencies on a volunteer basis, including those that work with the homeless, refugees new to St. Louis, and also inner-city youth, and newborns. 
 
I am a photographer with Red Thread Sessions which donates sessions to families who have newly adopted children at their homecoming, court date, or for a new family session. 

Additionally, I photograph babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) free of charge for their parents*. After having high-risk pregnancies, lengthy times on bedrest, and almost a month in the hospital, followed by a week of my oldest son in the NICU, my heart was softened for what I am calling “bedrest babies.”

Internationally, we aim to use the profits from our business to help support international missionaries and our personal international adoption costs. We have adopted from Ghana, and hope to continue to grow our family through adoption. To date, we have supported long and short-term missionaries in India, England, China, Nicaragua, Jordan, and Russia, emergency relief funds around the globe, and those serving the local church. We hope to continue to increase our ability to live generously and support those sharing the gospel.

Also, we know that missionaries frequently send out updates to their donors, meet with churches, and try to stay connected with families and friends stateside. In our current culture, photographs are crucial to newsletters and updates. Purple Lemon Photography will also do complimentary mini portrait sessions to these individuals and families who are on furlough and only have a short time in the states.

*This is specifically for families who are using PLP for their maternity or newborn photography.