IDAHO, USA — Christy Cooper is the owner of ShutterHappy Photography. She loves taking photos of families in the Treasure Valley, that is her specialty.
"My clients are not just clients, they become friends," Cooper said. "I'm very appreciative to all the families that are willing to open their families up to me."
Every year, ShutterHappy offers free photos for law enforcement, firefighter, paramedic and dispatcher families. Cooper said it's all about giving back to those who give so much to us, the first responders.
"It's a way to say thank you for their service and their sacrifice," Cooper said. "Hopefully, the pictures that we take will mean something to them for a long time. It almost brings tears to your eyes because they are so special."
The best part is, she does it for free. There is no charge for the photos.
"To qualify you must wear your uniforms, that's the whole purpose of the free photos, so families have photos of their loved one in uniform. That is something they can always look back on, and they can remember and be so proud of their service," she said.
Cooper said her dad was in the military, and she wishes she had more photos of him and their family growing up. That is a big part of her motivation.
The day KTVB spent with Cooper; she was shooting photos of the Benjamin family at Kathryn Albertson Park in Boise. Adam Benjamin is an Idaho State Police (ISP) Trooper. He has been with ISP for twelve years.
"I knew from a young age that being a police officer was something that I wanted to do. I have a passion for helping people, and this is a great opportunity for me to get out and do that every single day for the state of Idaho," said ISP Trooper Benjamin.
Adam isn't the only first responder in the family, his wife Breanna is a Canyon County Paramedic.
"I have my hard days and I have my good days," Breanna said. "I enjoy helping people, and we have a lot of support around us as paramedics."
The Benjamins also have two sons, 9-year-old Kaden and 7-year-old Brody. They said they are so proud of their mom and dad.
"Anytime I get to be with my wife and family it's special, so to come out here and capture these moments, it really does mean a lot to us," said Trooper Benjamin.
Breanna said having professional pictures taken is something she is grateful for.
"It's very important especially with the line of work that we are in, nothing is promised, especially for my husband, and it's a good thing for us to look back on and have these pictures," Breanna said. "What Christy does for law enforcement families is incredible."
Cooper said it is an honor to provide memories for these hero families.
"I'm not only there to take pictures, but I really get to know these families. We share stories and we share tears. It's such an amazing experience," Cooper said. "They are human, and they have families and when they walk out the door, they may not come back. You just never know. The sacrifices they make are tremendous. I'm full of gratitude for them keeping our communities safe and risking their lives. It's just a very rewarding act of kindness and a way to say thank you. If I can give back, that's all that matters."
The Benjamins have taken photos with Cooper in the past. They said they will once again proudly hang these photos on their walls and share them with extended family.
"It's something that we hold near and dear to our hearts," Adam said. "The photos you get back from her are phenomenal, and they will last a lifetime."
To sign up for free photos for your first responder family, search for ShutterHappy Photography on Facebook and send Christy Cooper a message.
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