96 PPMAG.COM
to create a community of people who can go
through the journey together in a supportive
environment that’s less about turning profits
and more about helping young people nav-
igate the transition to the next stage of life.
In practical terms, this means the Hayne-
ses open their lives to the teenagers in their
senior portrait programs and offer their time
and support whenever possible. They show
up unannounced at senior events, take pic-
tures, and give them away for free. They at-
tend graduation parties, football games, and
community parties. They open their studio to
serve as a safe house for kids in the com-
munity. They’ve spent Thanksgiving in the
hospital with a sick teen and taken transpa-
cific calls from another senior who was diag-
nosed with cancer.
It’s a business that exists at the intersec-tion of advocacy and commerce, and the
Hayneses see that as a mission. “What a
blessing to have a small business and use it
to do good in the community,” says Haynes.
“We are unique to our city and our commu-
nity, and we want to make sure we continue
to provide a valuable resource for the people
who need us.”The ministry of photography
Artistically, the philosophy carries over to the
photography itself. Haynes is a believer in
“the ministry of photography,” which she de-
scribes as her calling to help young people see
themselves in a new, positive, self-esteem-
boosting way. “I know the difference that good
photography can make in terms of confi-
dence,” she says. “It makes me want to really
show up and give my best every time, to tune