A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: KLEM Gives Back

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." -Winston Churchill

For a long time, I've felt like my mission in life was to do more, be even bigger than myself. I'm not searching for fame or wealth, rather I'm searching for a global connection, a greater impact, a full sense of belonging. I think that as humans, it is our responsibility to care for one another and to care for this amazing planet we live on. We are supposed to see each other through, preserve beautiful places and creatures, and make the world a little better just by being in it. These ideals are part of why I became a photographer.

This career isn't completely altruistic because it makes me feel so freaking good, which is why I keep doing it. I'm surrounded by some crazy spectacular clients, and they MAKE ME FEEL GOOD. They boost my confidence, they make me laugh, they actually want to work with me. How incredible is that? I know that I deliver a pretty great experience to my clients, but I had this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that there had to be more. I was at my local Rising Tide Society meeting last week, and our chapter leader was speaking about how her brand under promises and over delivers. Part of what sets her apart is her dedication to local charities. She donates a portion of her profit to causes she cares about. WOW, an "ah-hah" moment, this was what I had been missing! I knew right away what I was going to do...

As many of you know, I'm an advocate for our beautiful planet Earth and the National Parks we've protected. I also strongly feel a responsibility to help build our local community and support the people in it. These passions will now be supported by myself and my clients with the newest facet of KLEM Studios, #klemcares. Five percent of all KLEM Studios profit will be donated evenly to National Parks and local charities and causes. Below is the donation schedule for the next year. Let's make a difference together.

July 2016: Arches National Park and the Golden House

August 2016: Bryce Canyon National Park and Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary

September 2016: Zion National Park and the Freedom House

October 2016: Glacier National Park and the Einstein Project

November 2016: Capital Reef National Park and Paul's Pantry

December 2016: Grand Teton National Park and Rawhide

January 2017: Canyonlands National Park and Exceptional Equestrians

February 2017: Denali National Park and the Wildlife Sanctuary

March 2017: Grand Canyon National Park and Bay Area Humane Society

April 2017: Mount Rainier National Park and the UWGB Arts Department

May 2017: Yosemite National Park and Cats Anonymous

June 2017: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Guitars for Vets (June is PTSD awareness month!)