Reflections of Hope is a photography project that helps to document and preserve the stories of families who have experienced loss, illness, and heartbreak. It is a way to help preserve through these times with strength and hope. The families/individuals that are a part of this project are gifted a professional photoshoot by India Tungate and lasting tangible memories.
The Mission
Is to make people feel seen, heard, valued, and loved and to preserve their stories.
The Why
Back in 2014 I was asked to photograph a family who was very close to my heart. A family who was walking through a cancer journey. They wanted to preserve the happiness and love that they all shared, not knowing what the outcome would be if the cancer won the battle of such an amazing man. Being able to preserve those memories for them truly meant the world to me. Fast forward to 2019, I was asked by a friend to photograph something extremely heart wrenching for such a wonderful family. I’m going to be honest and admit that I wasn't sure if this is something I would have the strength to do but after weeks of long prayers, God spoke to me. He pushed me towards this project and gave me all the strength and guidance that I needed. Because of his love and generosity, I want to share the same. This project is my way to turn this photography dream of mine into so much more. It has become a Ministry!
I fell in love with photography many many years ago because of its power to capture a single moment in time. Often times moments that are so significant in someone’s life. Being able to encapsulate a rare moment, one that may never be repeated again, and to have this as a tangible memory for a child and their family, was a pretty incredible thing. I love to give back to my community and with this project, I hope to do just that and more.
To give with a big heart
All photo sessions provided will be of a high professional standard and gifted to the amazing families involved. Generosity is something that God taught me to be one of the best acts of love.
To uncover real stories
Telling the story behind the image is just as important as the image itself. Interviews give the opportunity for each family to find a platform to share their story (If they choose to share, this is totally optional).
We offer two types of sessions for families: Preserve and Celebrate sessions.
Celebrate sessions
Our Celebrate Sessions are all about celebrating the strength, perseverance, and courage of a family who have travelled a difficult road together. This may be someone in remission from a terminal illness, a family rebuilding their life after a loss of someone special, or any similar situation. The aim of these sessions is to celebrate these amazing stories through beautiful images that capture the joy and newfound hope.
Preserve Sessions
Our Preserve sessions are for families facing urgent and life threatening situations. This may be a loved one who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, stillbirth, a child with Anencephaly, a family member on life support, someone that has experienced an accident, or a similar situation. The aim for these sessions is to preserve the connection and love between a family through documentary style photography.
Please understand that since this is such a new project and there is only one photographer offering of services, Story Book Photography has limited amount of sessions available per month. I hope to be able to offer more in the near future. Thank you for your understanding. If you would like to offer your own personal services to this project, please feel free to send me an email at storybookphotographybyindia@gmail.com and I would love to work out some details with you.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
