March 23, 2015 at 5:37 p.m.
Rhinelander woman uses her passion to volunteer
Rhinelander woman uses her passion to volunteer
By Kayla Thomason-
Amanda Parish, the owner of AP Photo-graphy has lent her shutter to several organizations since she opened her business in 2009. It's the impact of a photograph, she said, that is so profound.
"I have always thought photography was an amazing type of art, and so essential for every family," Parish said. "Photographs - whether they are old and yellowed, or new and digital - bring people together. Families have always gathered around and smiled and laughed at old photos ... and they always will."
Parish has been passing her in-depth knowledge of photography down to 4-H children for the past two years. She is also the vice president of the 4-H Leader's Association.
"(In the 4-H class) we started with the basics: camera care, focus, rules of composition (and) lighting," Parish said. "We did a few fun activities working with shadows, a photography mad lib (and) subject separation. Most of the kids are already very good at taking photos and this year I'll focus more on fair projects."
The 10 children who take her class vary in age and skill level, but Parish will happily spend time with an individual so their abilities can progress.
"My favorite part (of teaching 4-H), by far, is seeing their fair photos," Parish said. "It amazes me how awesome these kids are and the eye some of them have for photography. I also like seeing the growth that some have made."
She said the children enjoy photography and she tries to keep it interesting for them.
Not only does Parish enjoy working with children, she also has a fondness for animals.
"I started volunteering (at the Oneida County Humane Society in 2011) two days a week when my youngest daughter went to 4K on those days," she said. "I refuse to sit home and not be a productive member of society, so I volunteered cleaning cat cages at the shelter."
While cleaning the cages Parish noticed that the photograph of the cats didn't do them justice.
"(The cats in the photos) looked scared and some (of the photos) were blurry and crooked," she said. "I just thought if they had nice looking photos, they would have a better chance of being adopted."
Since then she has taken photographs of the pets-in-waiting for the humane society's Facebook page, website and newspaper ads.
Parish said she loves the challenge of trying to capture the animals in adorable poses.
"I love the kittens," she said. "Who doesn't love kittens? I like the challenge of trying to get them all in one basket and taking a photo ... it's quite entertaining."
She also enjoys photographing guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and other animals.
Parish has introduced her two daughters to volunteering and the joys it can bring.
"They have both been there with me a few times to play with and brush the kitties, and they would love to go there regularly," she said.
Parish said she is designing a calendar for this year's Bark for Life event, hosted by the American Cancer Society, using photos she has taken at the event in the past. She has also offered her services at 4-H events and for events put on by local businesses.
Of those ventures, Parish said one in particular stands out.
Parish said Bark for Life event is one of her favorites to cover.
"I think my favorite event so far is Bark for Life, not only because it raises money for cancer research, but because it is unique and each year it grows more and more, and being a part of that success feels like a great achievement," she said.
When the Rhinelander Police Department has events like Shop with a Cop, fundraisers and dedications Parish volunteers her time and expertise to capture the moment.
She has also taken photos of the department's canine officer, Drago.
"I love (volunteering at all these places)," she said. "I see great things going on in this community and I love being a part of a few of them. I feel like I'm making a difference."
Parish said she hopes she is making a positive impact on the community she loves so much.
"I see a lot of people just like me - giving their time and resources for a cause they believe in or care about - and that is wonderful," Parish said. "It makes me proud to live here and to see children being influenced in such a way, and influencing my own children in this way, gives me hope for the future."
Parish strives to be a good role model for her children and family.
"My No. 1 job is being a mother," she said. "Family always comes first. That's why I try to get involved in things that I can get my kids involved in as well."
Her daughters have volunteered as members of 4-H. Parish's oldest daughter, Grace, enjoys working with children and the CHAMPS after-school program.
"I do all of this (volunteering) because not only is it a good example to my two daughters to put others before themselves, but I was brought up to believe that if God blesses you with a talent you should use it to somehow to help those around you, and not just to help yourself," Parish said. "I am still trying to find that balance, but these causes are all important to me and if a simple photo can change one person, or one animal's life, then it makes it worthwhile."
Parish has some advice for parents who wish to volunteer but are wondering how to juggle that, their children and their job.
"Never put too much on your plate," she advised. "I have done this and you have to start saying no sometimes. As I said, time goes fast. Take a day here and there to unplug, do nothing, enjoy the few good weather days we have in the summer with your kids. It doesn't make you lazy, it keeps you healthy and balanced."
Parents of children interested in joining Parish's photography class should call Lynn Feldman at (715) 365-2750 or email at [email protected].
For more details on AP Photography, visit www.apphotographywi.com.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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