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Our Photographers

The 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. They come back year after year to be part of this experience so that they might help a deserving child find a loving home.

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Over the past seven years, 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 Heart Gallery photographer brings a unique perspective, as can be seen in the diverse array of images in the gallery.

In addition to their aptitude for photography regarding technical skill, Heart Gallery photographers have a higher calling. 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, Heart Gallery photographers treat each child like a celebrity assignment, hoping to capture that special something each child possesses. Locations have ranged from the basketball court, to the planetarium, to hospital beds for those children with special medical needs. Each year, the 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
Leena Dennison Martha Rial
Kathleen Flynn Lorraine Roscoe
Beth Gibson Amy Saenz
Denise M. Godfrey Robert Sargent
Jennifer Griffin Lori Schaneville
David Gutcher Elise Schreiner
Therese Hounsell Dirk Shadd
Al Hurley Tanya Sharkey
Amanda Hurley cj Shelker
Becky Johnson Roger Slater
Ryan Joseph Pepito Valdez
Sheri Kendrick Jose Velez
Jessica Leigh Carol Walker
Diana Lucas Leavengood Daniel Wallace
Melissa Lyttle Colleen Walsh
Christy Marrone Kim & Peggy Warmolts
Mike Matthews Dan Weisberg
Lisa Mauriello Kevin Whitcomb
Ted McLaren Amber Wilkes
James Miller Stacey Woods
Jesse Miller Michele Newsome Wooten
Amy Pezzicara Rebecca Zoumberos

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

-Lara Cerri, St. Pete Times photographer and Heart Gallery photographer, 3 yrs


2009 Photographer of the Year

Maria A. Chirico

Maria Chirico has been photographing for the 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

Daniel Weisberg

Daniel Weisberg has been an active volunteer for the Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay for 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, Daniel 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
Photographer Technical Guidelines
Photographer Agreement Form
Photographers Participation Form
Photographers Survey