Not a day goes by, that I don’t think about doing something for someone else. My mother passed away two years ago and every time I do something for someone, I think of her. When I was young she always reminded me to hold the door, give up my seat on the bus, hold the elevator. Small things, but things that I’m certain made a difference to people on the receiving end. I also remembered how it made me feel. My heart felt good when I helped someone.

My name is Lisa MacIntosh and I’m a Toronto based portrait photographer. I have the great fortune of meeting incredible people on a regular basis. I love what I do, so much so that I volunteer my time, talent and heart, often. I visit the Ronald McDonald House every month and take pictures of families and their children who are ill, sometimes, critically ill. The most touching story that I can recall was when I photographed the sweetest boy and his family. This young boy was waiting for a new heart. We took pictures one afternoon and laughed and told stories. Three weeks later that boy received his new heart, but he became ill and passed away. His mother sent me the most heartfelt note that reminded me of why I give and the impact it can have on others. “You will never know the joy we get from looking at the images you took of Jordan. Thank you for giving from your heart, Lisa”. I wept.

I give. I do for others. Whether it’s through photography, driving someone to a doctors appointment or cutting my elderly neighbours lawn, I spend a great deal of time doing for others. There is nothing like the feeling of an act of kindness, the joy it may bring someone, the joy it may bring you.

Giving back is where it’s at!

 

---

 

Lisa MacIntosh is a Toronto-based portrait photographer…loving where she’s landed.

Published: PhotoLife Magazine, Digital Photography Magazine, Toronto Star, National Post, Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun

Follow Lisa on Twitter @PhotoLMP.