'Say Cheese' for a Cause: Family Photos in Indianapolis That Give Back

At The Rejoicing Vine Winery in Indianapolis, Indiana, our mission has always been to Cultivate Life — not just in the vineyard, but in the lives around us. Our commitment to sustainability, regenerative farming, and community care extends naturally to supporting families facing food insecurity.

For the past two years, we’ve hosted "Photos for Food", a special event where family photo sessions become a way to make a real difference in people’s lives.

The Story Behind Photos for Food

It was the fall of 2023, and I was having coffee with my great friend, Dave. Dave is an enthusiastic idea dreamer—filled with amazing ideas and always willing to help. The winery had recently opened its doors, and I was itching to make an impact but needed to find a way to do so with little financial wiggle room (because of the costs of starting the business, you know?). As the coffee began to flow, we started with a simple question:

"How can we use the resources God has given us to make an impact?"

Specifically, how could we strengthen the community and create memories while helping fight food insecurity? Now, aside from being a dreamer and avid supporter, Dave is an accomplished, extremely talented photographer (don't take my word for it —here's a link to Dave's work). The floodgates opened, and the coffee had little chance of keeping up with the ideas—holiday traditions, community, Volkswagen Beetles with little flower holders, family photos, mashed potatoes...and then it clicked. 💡

Why not combine all of it —ok, most of it (sorry, Volkswagen) —and run family photo sessions benefiting a food pantry? That’s how the idea for Photos for Food was born — a simple yet powerful way to use the gifts and resources we’ve been given to make a real impact in our community.

Each fall, we invite a professional photographer to The Rejoicing Vine and offer photo sessions for family portraits, engagement photos, personal headshots, or whatever moments guests want to capture. Guests get to enjoy stunning photos in a relaxed setting, and 100% of the session fee benefits to Crooked Creek Food Pantry.

Over the past two years, this event has turned smiles into sustenance, helping provide meals for local families while capturing memories that last a lifetime.

Why Family Photos in Indianapolis Mean More This Fall

This year, support for our food banks maybe more important than ever because of the government shutdown and it's impact on food assistance programs.

According to Indianapolis' WishTV, nearly 600,000 Hoosiers who rely on SNAP benefits face a possible lapse in assistance as the federal government shutdown continues with no end in sight. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) confirmed that federal SNAP benefits will not be authorized for distribution in November unless funding is restored. Indiana distributes approximately $100 million per month in SNAP benefits, leaving local food banks at risk of a significant shortfall if the shutdown persists. (SOURCE: IndyStar)

Programs like SNAP and WIC provide crucial nutrition to families, children, and individuals. With federal benefits on hold, community resources like Crooked Creek Food Pantry need our support more than ever. By participating in Photos for Food, you are helping fill that gap — turning your family photo session into a meaningful act of generosity.

Family Photos: How to Book & What to Expect

Ready to book your family photo session Indianapolis? The photo sessions will be held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving when you have all your loved ones in one place - November 26th, 2025 from 12p to 8p. To book, all you need is to purchase your ticket on our website. Once your ticket is secured, we’ll reach out via email to select your 15-minute time slot between 12-8p. Time slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis so don't delay.

Now the hard part...picking out your outfits! Should outfits be themed? Color coordinated? Or a free for all? Eeeeekkkk! So many decisions - unfortunately we can't offer much help there.

Fast forward to the day of the event - outfits ✅, make-up ✅, hair ✅, nails ✅ - time to head out the door. Make sure to leave with enough time to arrive a few minutes early. To maximize our benefit to Crooked Creek we pack the sessions one after the other so there's no time to waste. The photo shoot will begin promptly at your scheduled time. The location — either inside our tasting room or outdoors in the vineyard — will be chosen by the photographer based on their expertise.

During your 15 minute session - which doesn't sound like much but you'll be amazed by how many shots you'll get in - the photographer can suggest poses and will also capture any ideas you’d like to try. After the shoot, your photos will be available on Google Drive, and you will receive a link via email within a week.

Ready to book? Here's your chance:

Tickets

What If You Can't Attend Photos for Food?

Life is hectic, and schedules don’t always align — we get it! Even if you can’t be in front of the camera, you can still support the cause and cultivate life for a family in your community. Here's some ways to cultivate life without attending a photo session:

• 💛 Donate Directly: Every contribution, big or small, helps. Consider donating directly to Crooked Creek Food Pantry or your local food pantry to help families in our community access the food they need.

• 🙋Volunteer: Lend a hand at the pantry itself and see first hand the good they're doing - as a staff we have volunteered and I can tell you, you won't regret it. Your time and energy can make just as much of a difference as a donation.

• 📢 Spread the word: Lastly, consider sharing this event or blog post with friends and neighbors to help build awareness of the need and opportunties.

About Crooked Creek Food Pantry

Located on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Crooked Creek Food Pantry serves thousands of Indianapolis families each month. Their volunteers provide food, care, and compassion, ensuring dignity and support for families facing challenging times. Learn more at https://www.ccfpindy.org/