This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping military members and their families stay connected by affiliating with photographers and providing free sessions to the families, as well as free 4 x 6 photo albums for deploying military personnel to take with them. A CD of images can be substituted for homecoming events. To find out more about this organization, please click on the banner on the top left.

My hope is to give to those who give so much to us. Being a former sailor (who is also married to another former sailor), I know first hand the experience of long separations from my own loved one. So if you’d like for me to be a part of your family deployment, please contact me at kris@krisfulk dot com for your predeployment or already-gone session. However, due to my super busy schedule, I am only able to do ONE session early in the year, and another session later in the year. But don’t let that deter you: there are other OpLove photographers and I would be happy to refer you to them.

Disclaimer: The photographs and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

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Please read these FAQs prior to contacting me:

Q: What’s the catch?

A: This is our most often asked question. Reality is, most people don’t believe that they are getting something for nothing. This is a free service as long as you qualify. Also, I will try to accommodate your schedule, however, if I do have to reschedule our appointment, I will give you notice way ahead of time.

Q: How do I qualify for an OpLove session?

A: Your service member MUST BE deploying (within a reasonable time frame and should have received their orders), already deployed (a copy of a command letter of deployment or orders may be requested) or coming home from a deployment.

Q: How do I find a photographer?

A: www.oplove.org/oplovefinder and enter your zip code.

Q: What is the suggested uniform?

A: The service member is welcome to wear whatever uniform that they feel comfortable in.

Q: What does the session entail?

A: If the session is a pre-deployment, the session will focus on the family and your service member. If an already gone session, it will focus on the family of the service member with patriotic props. If a homecoming session, it will focus on the moments leading up to, and the actual reunion of the family when the service member returns. Unfortunately, boudoir sessions are not covered by Op:Love. But if you are truly interested in your very own boudoir photo shoot, please let me know and we can discuss payment options.

Q: Where can I view the client/photographer policy?

A: This is also the form you will need to bring along to your session. Operation Love Client Policy Form

Q: Do I have the option to buy prints/CD if I want them?

A: Yes of course! Operation Love clients are welcomed to purchase prints, canvases, more albums or a DVD of their session.

Q: Can you give me the album and I send it to my service member?

A: No. The purpose of the program does not work if the service member never receives his/her album. The only way to assure that the program works, is for the photographer to send the album directly. This is part of your Operation Love service agreement policy.

About Returning Sessions:

When your loved one comes home from a deployment, the last thought on your mind will be your camera. Most people are so overwhelmed with emotions, they simply forget they are holding it in their hand. Once you find out about the time your loved one is to return from his or her deployment, please let your photographer know. They will want to accompany your family to the welcoming home of your spouse or loved one, and capture that first glimpse, that first embrace, and all the love that surrounds every person who walks off that plane, into their families arms. From this session photographers have the choice of presenting you an album and/or a CD of images.

**Please note that orders may be requested. Pre-deployment sessions in which the deploying spouse is participating, should include their military uniform, dress or BDUs, being worn for most of the session. Some images may be taken in civilian clothes but please understand that this program does not focus on traditional family portraiture. If an OpLove session takes place and the spouse has already been deployed, the session should keep a patriotic theme including military gear such as hats, uniforms, boots, etc.

Sessions are limited to clients up to two times per year per deployment upon schedule availability. Both sessions may be completed by different photographers, and are of the clients responsibility to schedule. “Rainchecks” are up to the photographers discretion and are not of their requirements. Photographers are NOT required to offer all types of sessions. Three types of sessions are made available; Pre-Deployment, Deployed, and Homecoming/Reunion. Only two (2) may be acted upon per client per deployment per year.

Still have more questions? Here’s some resources you should check out!
Client Portal at OpLove’s website.
Client Policy Form that needs to be completed and brought to your session.