Statements

Mission

To provide Metro Nashville Public Schools under-resourced seniors with opportunities for professional senior portraits at minimal cost to students and families. Shine Photography cares about the mission of narrowing the gap that exists between different socioeconomic groups in the public school system.

Background

The story of Shine Photography is actually not so much about photography as it is about the story of each student in the Metro Nashville Public Schools system who comes from a home where necessities are a struggle and extras are not even a consideration.

Through two decades of working with under-resourced youth and having a passion for both teens and photography, I realized that purchasing expensive senior picture packages was not a possibility for most of the families with whom I came in contact.

I began providing a photo session and prints as my senior gift for teens at a local nonprofit. This continued for several years and provided much joy for students, parents and grandparents as one of the "Rites of Passage" which marks the important milestone of high school graduation. One grandmother, raising her granddaughter and thinking she would not be able to provide an opportunity for senior pictures, cried when she saw the photographs of her lovely granddaughter.

After a very busy spring of taking and editing photos for MNPS students myself, I began to realize the need was great and I should connect with others who would be willing to assist. Through personal extensive experience in the Nashville nonprofit sector, research, interviews to gain expertise in starting a nonprofit and also having contacts as an employee in Metro Nashville Public Schools, Shine Photography went from being a vision to reality.

- Donna Moffitt, Founder and Director

Impact

Senior portraits are one of the "rites of passage" that are a part of the high school experience. Unfortunately for many Metro Nashville students and families, professional photography is not financially viable.

Shine Photography works alongside school, nonprofit and community partners to provide Nashville seniors with professional senior portraits, bringing joy to both students and families during a time of great achievement and celebration. Our amazing and caring photography partners provide photo sessions where each student has the opportunity to look and feel their absolute best. By providing beautiful portraits that will last a lifetime, Shine strives to ensure that each student feels recognized and celebrated for this significant milestone in the lives of both students and their families.

Although we live in a time where cameras are at most people's fingertips, the significance of a professional senior portrait remains unchanged. Shine Photography offers a means for all families to experience the pride and joy that comes from marking this special occasion. We care deeply about closing the gap that exists between different socioeconomic groups in the Nashville public school system and believe that senior portraits should be an expression of each student's achievement and not their economic status.

Renowned photographer Dorothea Lange said, "Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still." We want to help students hold this precious time "still".

Needs

NEEDS:
1) Financial and volunteer support to continue expanding service and outreach to all Metro Nashville Public School seniors.
2) Volunteers to support fundraising and Development efforts.
3) Community partners: photographers, nonprofits, area businesses and venue owners where we can shoot photos

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Youth Development  - Support NEC
Secondary Category:	-
Tertiary Category:	-

Areas Served

TN - Davidson