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Our Photographers

The Children's Board Heart Gallery concept can only be successful if there's a dedicated pool of photographers who are willing to take on these special assignments. The portraits must tell a story, show a little window of a child's character in order for viewers to connect and plant the seed of adoption in their hearts and minds.


The Heart of Photographers

In Tampa Bay, we have an exceptional group of talented professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to the program. Year after year they return to be part of this experience so that they might help a deserving child find a loving home.

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Over 150 photographers have committed their time and talent to the foster children in Hillsborough County. And, thanks to their dedication, hundreds of children have found their forever family! From award-winning photojournalists to sought-after portrait fine art photographers, each Children's Board Heart Gallery photographer brings a unique perspective, as can be seen in the diverse array of images in the gallery.

Each photo shoot is custom designed with the child in mind. Whether it's a good day or a bad day for a child in care, our photographers treat each child like a celebrity assignment, hoping to capture that special something each child possesses. Each year, the Children's Board Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay has more photographers volunteer than we have children to photograph. This speaks to the devotion of our professional artist's community to make a difference in the lives of foster children and is an example of how we all use our talents and resources to help these deserving children.

 

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Participating Photographers
Lara Cerri Lisa Presnail
Maria A. Chirico Roni Puckett
Ina Chittenden Scott Purks
Carol Cleere Beth Reynolds
Christine DeLessio Martha Rial
Leena Dennison Lorraine Roscoe
Kathleen Flynn Amy Saenz
Beth Gibson Robert Sargent
Denise M. Godfrey Lori Schaneville
Jennifer Griffin Elise Schreiner
David Gutcher Dirk Shadd
Therese Hounsell Tanya Sharkey
Al Hurley cj Shelker
Amanda Hurley Roger Slater
Becky Johnson Pepito Valdez
Ryan Joseph Jose Velez
Sheri Kendrick Carol Walker
Jessica Leigh Daniel Wallace
Diana Lucas Leavengood Colleen Walsh
Melissa Lyttle Kim & Peggy Warmolts
Christy Marrone Dan Weisberg
Mike Matthews Kevin Whitcomb
Lisa Mauriello Amber Wilkes
Ted McLaren Stacey Woods
James Miller Michele Newsome Wooten
Jesse Miller Rebecca Zoumberos
Amy Pezzicara  

"If a photo helps these children find a family, that's reason enough to volunteer my talent."

-Lara Cerri, St. Pete Times photographer and Children's Board Heart Gallery photographer, 3 yrs


2009 Photographer of the Year

Maria A. Chirico

Maria Chirico has been photographing for the Children's Board Heart Gallery since inception. She's flown somewhat under the radar because Maria usually orchestrates all her own shoots with medical facilities directly, as she has a special heart for children with special needs. Her evocative images reveal the beautiful spirits of these children, to help potential parents see beyond their medical challenges and giving them an equal chance to find a loving home.

 

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2008 Photographer of the Year

Diana Lucas Leavengood

Diana Lucas Leavengood is a celebrated photographer with a big heart for kids. The children she photographs leave her with a permanent impression and she's been known to collect gifts and bags of new clothing for children she meets so they can look their very best. Diana is truly committed to the welfare of children. She's a local gem and a fine example of compassion and talent.

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2007 Photographer of the Year

Dan Weisberg

Dan Weisberg has been an active volunteer for the Children's Board Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay for over 5 years and has photographed more than 20 children. His childlike spirit and much beloved sense of humor absolutely disarms every child he meets. Each year, Dan offers to photograph those children outside county lines and has gone the extra mile for children in foster care. The children he spends time with tend to walk away feeling a little better about life than they did before.

 

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For Photographers Helpful Hints
Photographers Technical Guidelines
Photographer Agreement Form
Photographers Participation Form
Photographers Survey