Welcome to Portraits of Hope, a tribute to the courage, resilience, and individuality of Shepherd Center patients. This exhibit showcases the transformative journey of healing through portraiture, storytelling, and creative collaboration. Each image and story reflect strength, hope, and the powerful spirit that defines our community.
The exhibit is organized around five themes that reflect the emotional and personal milestones of recovery. Each section honors a different facet of the experience, reminding us that healing is both personal and shared.
Portraits of Hope is the result of a collaboration between patients and an extraordinary creative team. From photographers to producers and stylists to support staff, each person played a vital role in helping to capture these portraits.
Portraits of Hope was made possible through the generous support of incredible partners who believe in the power of storytelling, healing, and human connection. Their time, talent, and creativity helped bring this vision to life.
American Photographic Artists (APA) is a national organization supporting professional photographers and visual artists through advocacy, education, and community. With chapters across the U.S., APA offers benefits, business resources, and networking opportunities to help members thrive creatively and professionally. Members include photographers, photo assistants, educators, students, and allied visual arts professionals.
Led by Stephanie Eley, ELEY Photo is an Atlanta-based photography studio blending creativity with advocacy. With a background in fine art and a deep commitment to community healing, ELEY captures powerful, story-driven images — from stylized celebrity portraits to intimate moments in healthcare. Her work challenges stereotypes, highlights resilience, and amplifies underrepresented voices through bold lighting, empathy, and purpose.
SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offering more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs across locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. SCAD enrolls more than 18,500 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 110 countries. SCAD has earned top rankings for degree programs in photography, interior design, architecture, film, fashion, digital media, and more. Career success is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate with 99% of recent graduates employed, pursuing further education, or both within 12 months of graduation.
Terminus Production Support is Atlanta’s go-to source for professional camera, lighting, grip, and production rentals. Serving the Southeast, they offer top-quality gear, studio space, and delivery options, streamlining your production so you can focus on creating.
Your support powers rehabilitation, research, and programs that inspire confidence and connection, like Portraits of Hope. Together, we’re building brighter futures.