Two local photographers are using their talents to honor law enforcement officers and their families by offering free photo shoots.
Five police officers were killed in Dallas, Texas, Thursday, July 7, during an attack by a gunman who left seven more officers injured and two civilians wounded.
Ten days later, three law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana were killed by another gunman.
Around the nation, citizens have gone out of their way to show support for law enforcement officers. In the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, the Plant City Police Department has taken to social media to show its gratitude for the baked goods, food, flowers and handmade cards brought in by appreciative residents.
Two local photographers are taking their appreciation one step further. In August and December, photographers Dee Dee Davidson Wheeler and Deanna Hurley will offer free portraits for law enforcement officers and their families.
Though Deanna Hurley, the owner of Deanna Hurley Photography, and Dee Dee Wheeler, the owner of Berry Sweet Memories by Dee Dee, got the idea to do free portraits for police officers and their families around the same time, it was another photographer who originally came up with the concept.
Sarah Ledford, of Idaho-based ShutterHappy Photography, created and promoted the idea on her Facebook page Sunday, July 17, with #FreePhotosForPoliceFamilies. She challenged other photographers around the United States to do the same.
Wheeler and Hurley, both fans of Ledford’s work, jumped on board.
“(Officers) are there to protect us and help us,” Wheeler said. “They don’t know each day what they’re going to be faced with. I think this is a passion for them, or they wouldn’t do it. I know there’s bad apples in every occupation, but the majority of them are there to do good. We need to support them.”
Hurley agreed. For her, doing the portraits was a way for the spouses and children of law enforcement officers to have a token of comfort, especially during difficult times.
“I’m constantly thinking about spouses and kids having to send (officers) to work every day,” Hurley said. “I feel like the photos are more for the families than the officers.”
With the recent nationwide shootings targeted at police officers, Wheeler and Hurley saw the opportunity as a way to put their talents to a greater use.
“It was a tangible way to express what we’ve been feeling for weeks,” Hurley said. “We can use our talents to help them.”
Hurley's Sessions
In August, Hurley will host 15-minute photo sessions for officers and their families — including their K9 units — at Fox Squirrel Ranch. For the event, the venue has waived the rental fee.
“The Futch family is working hard to prepare for the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze opening in October, but they graciously allowed us to use their ranch for these photos,” Hurley said. “The Futch family supports law enforcement and are happy to participate in this event.”
An additional photo session will be held in the front yard of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, also in August. Both photo sessions will have trees as a backdrop.
Hurley’s sessions are open to all law enforcement officers, not just those located in Plant City.
“If you’re law enforcement, this is for you,” Hurley said.
For safety reasons, she’s keeping the date confidential. The date will be provided to families who register for the
event. A badge or form of officer identification is required for the event.
Hurley will provide officers and their families with one free digital portrait, which can be downloaded and printed by the family. Additional photos will be offered at a discounted print price. In the future, Hurley will offer a discount for officers and their families who sign up for a full one-hour session.
“It’s rewarding the helpers,” Hurley said. “It’s looking for the helpers and thanking them.”
Wheeler's Sessions
While Hurley’s sessions will take place during the summer, Wheeler will host her session closer to Christmas. Her police family photo event will be Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Hillsborough County fairgrounds, located in Dover. The sessions are first come, first serve, but Southside Farm Supply will provide officers and their families with a hot lunch while they wait.
“I’m doing it all day,” Wheeler said. “It’s also open to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers and retired officers.”
Like Hurley, Wheeler is requiring a badge or form of law enforcement identification for the shoot. She, too, will offer one digital download free to officers and their families, with extra photos being offered at a discounted price.
To help things run as smoothly as possible, Wheeler’s daughter, Melissa Sampson, and daughter-in-law, Ashley
Wheeler, will be helping her during the all-day shoot.
“My kids went to school with (Hillsborough County Sheriff) David Gee’s children,” Wheeler said. “(His kids) have both sent me messages thanking me.”
Both women have received positive feedback on social media.
“Moms of officers have also reached out thanking me,” Wheeler said. “It might die down before then, so I’ll have to pump it back up. There’s been lots of great feedback.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
