"Photography is a way of shouting, of freeing oneself, not of proving or asserting one's own originality. It's a way of life." - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Fotelica in Action. Who We Are...

Committed to more than meets the eye.

At Fotelica, we are passionate about photography. Now in our 6th year, Fotelica provides an outstanding resource for your diverse photography needs. Our photographers and technicians are experts in their respective fields of photo imagery, and together as an organization, we offer only premium-quality products and services. However, the Fotelica story doesn't stop there, we are not singularly focused on "doing business." Fotelica was founded with a larger community vision in mind. This vision has created a culture of concern for the well-being of others. We are engaged in an ongoing effort to feed, clothe, educate and provide access to basic healthcare for children living in one of the most disadvantaged corners of our Hemisphere. Through our working partnership with Compassion in Action ("C in A"), a 501(c)(3)non-profit operating in Latin America, we are focused on providing the opportunity of an elementary education for children in the town of Dario, Nicaragua. With children soon expected to graduate from 6th grade at the existing "C in A" elementary school, the organization has broken ground for a high school which is expected to open later this year. The town of Dario has proven a living example of the "C in A" model and mission to bring educational opportunity to children who did not have that opportunity before.

At Fotelica, we view our business as a means-to-an-end, an opportunity to enhance a life for a lifetime. We are committed not only to creating new opportunities for those we serve, but also to making those opportunities sustainable at the local level through education. We are grateful for the ongoing commitment and sacrificial efforts of our team members as they embrace a vision that stretches beyond providing a superior photo product, to leave a positive imprint on our world.

How involved are we?

Every member of our Fotelica core team is personally engaged in the support of this vital partnership with "C in A" and shares in the committent that children who did not previously have the opportunity of a basic education will now have one. Through volunteering their time to work on "C in A" communications, technology, and media projects our team has created, maintains and supports the communications infrastructure used in the daily operations of this dynamic and rapidly growing grass-roots organization. Fotelica team members handle language translations, lead volunteer teams into Nicaragua and coordinate dental and medical assistance for the school children. Team members personally sponsor school children and teachers and are regularly engaged in fund-raising and awareness building projects. Most members of our team have traveled to Dario on their vacation time to volunteer in support of the children, their families and the teachers and staff of the "C in A" school. Vocational mentoring has also become an exciting area of expansion in this growing partnership.

Our desire for you

It is our desire that as a Fotelica customer you will be pleased to learn that you are adding your voice to a chorus of encouragement for children previously without the posibility of an education. It's a cause that is bigger than ourselves and bigger than our business, one that challenges and motivates us to make your experience as a customer one that you will want to share. If you would like to consider sponsoring a child's education (the cost is less than $1.00 per day), please see the invitation in the right-hand column on this page.

We are excited about being in the "smile business" and thrilled to report that some of the most joy-filled smiles we have been privileged to see, were not provoked by the camera in our hands.

Special Acknowledgements

TO OUR CUSTOMERS - We would like to express our gratitude to you for making our efforts possible by trusting us with your most valuable memories. With your purchase, you have already had an impact in the lives of children you have not even met! It is our desire that you would enjoy and take to heart any satisfaction that comes from this awareness. It is through your trust in our brand, that Fotelica is enabled to take a stand for others less fortunate. Thank you for standing with us.
TO OUR TEAM - Special thanks for sharing in our vision and for your tireless work, often at great personal sacrifice, to honor a commitment to excellence.
TO OUR ADVISORS - Our endless appreciation for your inspired guidance and for holding us accountable to the myriad details of our mission.

Collectively we stand to provide the possibility of an education for children in whose lives no such possibility existed before.

• Wes Paz (WA)
• Steve Shelton (WA)
• Dale Garvey (WA)
• Darren Darsey (WA)
• Don Long (WA)
• Mary Dalrymple (WA)
• Richard Rector (WA)
• Jim Clark (OR)
• Odell Mitchell (IL)
• Jerry Naunheim (MO)
• Ron Tarver (PA)