I am now a proud member of PPA, Editorial Photographers, and still a contributing member of WPJA.

               

I am also incorporating giving back into more of my business–specifically through Kiva, a great organization I’ve been working with since February. Kiva advances the principle of micro-lending in a very personal and trackable way. The idea is to loan to people in the developing world small amounts of money to create or further their businesses–in turn, they become independent, healthier, more productive, happier citizens. Before this concept, the world’s poor had little hope of improving their situation. Muhammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for his revolutionary work with micro-lending. I love working with Kiva because:

• it’s not charity, it’s a loan–which I believe is more empowering and more of a long-term solution to poverty
• I can choose who I loan to, see their profile, get updates on their business
• Since Kiva relies on donations and volunteers for management and works with microfinance institutions around the world, I know 100% of my loan goes directly to the individual

Throughout my world travels, I’ve met a variety of poverty-stricken people. The imbalance in this world is striking. Despite the great advancements of recent civilization, we have still left a billion of our neighbors in extreme poverty–not because they have nothing to offer, but because our global society has failed them. I’m now committing 40% of the proceeds from my fine art series as well as a portion of my wedding work to Kiva. Take a look at who I’ve loaned to already. Or check out this video on Kiva from the NY Times.