This Life is a Gift.
What's Yours?
It started with a Gift | The FLC Story
It was eighth grade graduation, 2009, when Cody received a gift from his parents to mark the milestone transitioning him to high school. A camera. Nothing fancy. A basic Canon point-and-shoot (from a time before the days of smartphones). That gift marked not just the beginning of a new chapter in school, but the beginning of a great love that would carry on and only continue to grow for the years that would follow. That Canon point-and-shoot would become the companion that would travel beside Cody on adventure after adventure. It was the first in a line of a number of progressively more advanced cameras with which he developed his craft through mere trial and error. It was by these cameras that Cody recognized his own gift of his eye.
Today, Cody is an avid photographer, long-since having graduated from the gift that got him started, though always grateful for the simple beginning. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter, taking this passion and love to the world. Now, the gift is for you to join too. Learn how supporting FLC also gives back.
Giving Value | The FLC Spirit
"It is far better to give than to receive."
Primavera, E. (1999). Auntie Claus. Harcourt Brace & Co
."
... A business, or a project?
Why build a business when you can build better?
In a world addicted to profit and progress, Fresh Light Creative aims to take the road less traveled, seeking to not only take photos but to give photos. The giving of value, or the value of giving, however you look at it, lies at the heart of FLC. A portion of every dollar spent in photography services with FLC, goes back into the community in pro bono photo work.
Giving Back | Projects
Cody has donated photography services to multiple community-based organizations, such as...
TrailSeekers of Central Washington, which empowers youth through one-on-one supportive relationships and experiences in the outdoors;
the Children of Incarcerated Parents Program of Clackamas County, OR, which pairs children affected by parental incarceration with an individual caring adult mentor, delivers practical supports and resources for the whole family, and hosts group outings to facilitate exposure to other youth of the same background;
and to Northwest Family Services, an innovative provider of a wide array of culturally-specific services to support family stability, children, and victims of crime by addressing the social determinants of health, which services the Portland- and Salem- areas.
Pro Bono Photography Sessions
Application is open!
Share about your story and cause here for a chance to receive a complimentary, no-corners-cut photoshoot that captures the essence of your cause or your journey. Let us help you shine a light on you.
Individuals and organizations can apply or be nominated for a pro bono (totally free) photoshoot by virtue of either need (incapable of otherwise affording shoot),
or merit (the good and worthy cause that would be supported by the shoot). Details below.
Who should apply?
Need-Based Grant
Apply if the candidate...
would not be able to otherwise reasonably afford a photoshoot,
has undergone substantial life changes that have been difficult to recover from,
or has limiting life factors that make financial achievement unrealistic.
Please do NOT apply if the candidate...
is primarily seeking free photos for convenience,
or already has access to professional photography but wants the premium experience without having to pay a premium cost.
Merit-Based Scholarship
Apply if the candidate...
is (and has been) giving back to others in a meaningful way that is aligned with their (and FLC's) values,
has an uplifting story to tell of transformation, process, revelation, or healing.
or has an aspiration or value for spreading the things FLC stands for.
Please do NOT apply if the candidate...
has not put in the work to build relational equity with the people/community they are seeking to benefit and also photograph,
merely wants to gain the appearance of philanthropic volunteer for the sake of positive PR,
or is not prepared to show up vulnerably and authentically.