The Heart Behind the Lens: Clane Gessel Studio’s Decades Long Legacy of Charity, Philanthropy, Compassionate Projects, and Being an Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence

 

Clane was on TV for his charity work – providing no-cost shoots to families affected by Cystic Fibrosis throughout the Pacific Northwest.  This came after a personal loss from CF – Clane wanted families to have memories of their loved ones that he didn’t himself have.

Charity work has always been at the heart at the Clane Gessel Studio, with a decades long history of giving back and helping others.  We pride ourselves on more than just our unparalleled photography—our commitment to making a positive impact in the world is at the very core of who we are. For nearly two decades, our work has captured the beauty of life’s most precious moments, but beyond the camera lens, we have a deep-rooted mission to give back to our communities. Charity work has been woven into the fabric of our studio since its inception, and we are proud of the difference we have made in the lives of families, connecting with them and giving them something they could never give themselves through photography. We aim to inspire, uplift, and help as many people as possible through our art, using the unique position we hold as storytellers to create a legacy of compassion and care.  We’ve worked with numerous charities, here are a few of our favorites with ways you can donate too.

A Personal Mission Inspired by Loss

The charitable efforts of Clane Gessel Studio are personal for us. Our studio’s involvement with cystic fibrosis charities began after the heartbreaking loss of two of Clane’s close friends to the disease. It was this loss that drove him to honor their memory by offering free photoshoots to families affected by cystic fibrosis, capturing their joy, struggles, and resilience.

For many families facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis, the financial strain of medical treatments often leaves little room for capturing those fleeting, precious moments.  Plus it’s not really something you’d even think about when you’re fighting for your life. Knowing that his Studio could use their talents to give something irreplaceable—beautiful family portraits that would last a lifetime—gave our work deeper meaning. Whether it was a young child smiling in the arms of their parents or siblings playing together in carefree moments of joy, these photoshoots became a celebration of life in the face of adversity.  The Clane Gessel Studio would love if you would also support your local cystic fibrosis chapter – even if you’re not a photographer, please consider donating here.

From Cystic Fibrosis to Empowering Women: A Diverse Range of Charity Projects

While our connection to cystic fibrosis started our journey into charitable photography, it was by no means the only cause we have championed. Over the years, Clane Gessel Studio has expanded its reach to support a variety of causes, always staying true to the idea that photography can be a powerful tool for good. One such project that holds a special place in our hearts is our partnership with Dress for Success, an organization dedicated to empowering women affected by domestic violence.

As part of this partnership, we offered free headshots to women who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing abuse. For many of these women, having a professional headshot is more than just a photo; it’s a symbol of a fresh start. It gives them confidence as they step back into the workforce, apply for jobs, and present themselves as empowered individuals ready to reclaim their independence. Seeing the transformation in their spirits—watching as their self-worth is reflected in their eyes and smiles—is nothing short of magical. These headshots are more than just photos; they’re tangible markers of hope, resilience, and new beginnings.

Think about it – when’s the last time these women that have been affected by domestic violence felt beautiful in a photo?  Having a great headshot can make all the difference, especially when applying for a job or trying to increase your online presence.  We have also donated to causes such as this to help women affected by abuse and domestic voilence get back on their feet and reclaim their lives.

Clane Gessel Studio partnered with God’s Love We Deliver to help improve the lives of vulnerable individuals in the New York community, driven by our belief in the power of giving back through our craft. God’s Love We Deliver provides meals and support to those living with severe illnesses, and we wanted to contribute to their mission by using our photography to shine a light on their incredible work. Working with this organization was important to us because, like them, we believe in the importance of compassion, community, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

The Role of Charity Work in Our Studio’s DNA

Charity isn’t just something we do on the side—it’s embedded in the DNA of Clane Gessel Studio. The passion we have for giving back goes beyond photography. Our team members share a unified vision that our work should leave a lasting, positive impact on the world. We believe in using our talents not just to document life’s glamorous moments but also to touch the lives of those who need support the most.

From day one, our studio has been built on the belief that with success comes the responsibility to give back. Over the years, we’ve partnered with numerous charities and causes, always striving to align our charitable efforts with the values of empathy, compassion, and making a difference. Whether it’s providing photography services to document fundraising events or giving away portrait sessions to families in need, our commitment to service is unwavering.

Cystic Fibrosis: The Legacy Lives On

Our work with families affected by cystic fibrosis continues to be a cornerstone of our charitable efforts. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with countless families, some of whom we’ve photographed multiple times as they navigate the ups and downs of this disease. These relationships are special, and we’ve grown close to many of the people we’ve had the honor of photographing. For families, knowing that they have these moments immortalized in beautiful, professional photos means the world, especially as they face the challenges of an illness that can take away so much.

One of the most moving aspects of this work is hearing from families who have lost a loved one but find solace in the images we captured. For them, these photos are more than just a reminder of a loved one—they’re a celebration of life, a legacy that can be passed down for generations.

Empowering Women Affected by Domestic Violence Through Photography

Our partnership with Dress for Success is another testament to how photography can change lives. Women who come to our studio for their headshots are often at a critical juncture in their lives. Many have faced abuse and hardship, but they come to us ready to start fresh. Offering them a free professional headshot may seem like a small gesture, but it’s one that can have a profound impact on their confidence and self-esteem. We’ve heard from women who, after receiving their photos, have landed jobs, started new careers, and felt empowered to take control of their futures. Knowing that we’ve played a small role in helping them on their journey is incredibly rewarding.  Clane Gessel has been an advocate for women affected by domestic violence.  He organized a shoot in partnership with Dress for Success and provided headshots to women affected by domestic violence for free.

Soulumination + Clane Gessel – Free End of Life Shoots for Families in Need

At Clane Gessel Studio, we’ve had the honor of working with Soulumination, an incredible organization that provides free end-of-life photography for families facing terminal illness. Through this partnership, we’ve offered families in local hospitals a way to preserve precious memories during difficult times, capturing the love and strength in their final moments together. The mission of Soulumination aligns deeply with our studio’s values: both are committed to using the power of photography to create meaningful, lasting connections that transcend life’s challenges.  Clane was honored to have worked with them and offer families treasured memories of loved ones.

We encourage others to get involved with Soulumination, either by volunteering their skills or supporting the cause, so more families can experience the healing power of these invaluable memories. You can learn more and join this effort by visiting their website and discovering the many ways to contribute.

Giving Back on a Global Scale – Preserving the Beauty of the World

Clane Gessel Studio’s charitable work isn’t limited to local projects; we’ve extended our reach to communities around the world. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to all seven continents, and with that comes a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the places that have given me so much. Over the years, I’ve been involved in various international charity projects, from providing photography services to environmental nonprofits to donating proceeds from photo sales to support wildlife conservation efforts.

One project that stands out took place in Antarctica, where I had the opportunity to work with organizations dedicated to preserving the pristine beauty of this incredible continent. As a photographer with a deep appreciation for the natural world, I felt compelled to use my platform to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. By donating my time and skills to these organizations, I hope to play a small part in protecting the planet for future generations.  The images shot in Antarctica and beyond have been featured in conservation magazines and websites to help people understand the importance of treating our world with care.  The beauty of the world shared through a camera only exists because of conservation efforts, and we’re happy to be a part of that.

 

Turning a Lawsuit into a Benefit for Charity

At Clane Gessel Studio, we make it a point to give back each year by supporting charities that open our eyes to the struggles of others. For 2024, I’m proud to announce our support for Shanti Bhavan, a boarding school for children born into India’s lowest socioeconomic class, as featured in the Netflix docuseries ‘Daughters of Destiny’.

Shanti Bhavan follows students through graduation, breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education. Their mission deeply resonates with me, and I’m honored to support their incredible work.

How we chose this year’s charity:
In 2022, we faced a lawsuit from a former client, Dr. Patel, regarding a wedding we were contracted to photograph in Turkey. A week before the wedding, the client decided to cancel and requested a full refund, which we were unable to provide due to the terms of our contract. However, I offered to donate the full amount—$76,000—to this charity that I thought aligned with both of our values.

Patel declined the charity offer, he wanted the money for himself. The lawsuit was later dismissed, but I felt compelled to reconnect with the cause we identified. Supporting Shanti Bhavan is a way to turn a challenging experience into something meaningful and impactful.

In past years, we’ve proudly supported organizations such as Kids Beating Cancer, Dress for Success, Soulumination, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and many more. Giving back is at the heart of what we do, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

It’s cool to care.
Join us in making a difference—give to Shanti Bhavan.

 

Clane Gessel Studio + Moonlight Gala – Victims of October 7

At Clane Gessel Studio, we were humbled to donate our services to capture the Moonlight Gala in New York, an event dedicated to raising both money and awareness for those affected in the Jewish community by the tragic events of October 7. By providing photography for this meaningful night, we aimed to support the Jewish community’s efforts to heal and rebuild, ensuring that the spirit of unity and resilience is documented and shared. Our commitment to giving back through our art is deeply rooted in the belief that photography can amplify important causes, and we’re proud to have played a role in this impactful event.  Read more about this wonderful event here.

Charity Work in the Wedding World

In the world of luxury weddings, it’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour. But at Clane Gessel Studio, we never lose sight of the fact that every wedding is, at its core, about love and human connection. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to give back within the wedding industry as well. We’ve partnered with wedding planners, venues, and other vendors to provide complimentary photography services for charitable wedding events, such as weddings for couples facing terminal illness or financial hardship. These weddings are some of the most meaningful we’ve had the honor to capture, as they remind us of the profound power of love in the face of adversity.

Kids Beating Cancer Gala – Orlando

The Clane Gessel Studio had the privilege of donating our photography and video services to the Kids Beating Cancer Gala in Orlando, an event that holds a special place in our hearts. As a studio, we believe in the power of our work to not only capture moments but to also contribute to causes that bring hope and healing. Supporting Kids Beating Cancer was important to us because it directly impacts children and families facing some of the toughest battles of their lives. Documenting this gala was our way of helping raise awareness and funds for life-saving treatments, and we’re honored to have been part of such a vital cause.  Many thanks to Kids Beating Cancer for having us.

Little Things – Giving Back to the Frontline Workers During Covid

There’s always a way to help through charity work – even when the world shuts down!  During the COVID pandemic, Clane Gessel Studio donated dozens of pizzas to frontline workers—nurses, doctors, and hospital staff—who were tirelessly caring for our community during an unprecedented crisis. We recognized the immense sacrifice and dedication these heroes made, putting their lives at risk to keep others safe. Supporting them with something as simple as a meal was our way of expressing gratitude and offering a small gesture of comfort. At Clane Gessel Studio, we believe in giving back to those who selflessly serve others, and honoring the frontline workers was a reflection of our deep respect for their courage and commitment.

The Future of Charity Work at Clane Gessel Studio

In a world where photography often focuses on the glamorous and the famous, we are proud to stand out by focusing on the moments that truly matter—the moments of love, resilience, and hope. Charity work is not just a part of what we do; it’s who we are. And as Clane Gessel Studio continues to grow, we will never lose sight of the fact that our work can—and should—make the world a better place.