During October, photographers from across the country are joining together with the Professional Photographers of America Charities in promoting “Family Portrait Month.” This national fund-raising effort will benefit Operation Smile, which treats children who suffer with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Pure Expressions Photography is a participating studio, and we’ve pledged to contribute $25 of each October family portrait session to PPA Charities, which has chosen Operation Smile as its charitable partner. According to Pasadena, California photographer Michael Taylor, Chairman of the Board of Professional Photographers of America, “October is an ideal time for families to have their portraits created, because the holiday season is just around the corner. Few gifts are appreciated as much a portraits of family members. And when families participate in Family Portrait Month, they are making it possible to truly change the lives of children who would otherwise face a lifetime of pain and rejection.”

Founded in 1982, Operation Smile is a worldwide children’s medical charity dedicated to helping children and young adults born with facial deformities. In as little as 45 minutes and for a cost of approximately $240, one cleft lip surgery can change a child’s life forever. Each year, more than 100,000 children are born with a facial deformity in Operation Smile’s 25 partner countries. Tens of thousands remain untreated.

For more information, please visit www.pureexpressionsphotography.com or contact Pure Expressions Photography at (919) 362-9039.