Capturing a memory on film to turn it into tomorrow's treasures has been the goal of photographers for decades. Digital cameras have made the process a bit easier. Instead of having to develop film, photographers can take and delete as many photographs as they wish. Many military spouses have taken up photography, first as a hobby, that progressed into a business.

"I became interested in photography shortly after the birth of my son, Tanner," Haley Hickman, from Hailey Hickman Photography, said. "Just three weeks after he was born, my husband went to basic training for the Air Force. In my daily letters to my husband I would include a photograph of my son. Shortly after arriving to our first duty station, my husband bought me a Nikon D40 for my birthday. After two years of practice, a few upgrades, and lots of trial and error, I opened for business." Hickman's style is bright and airy with a touch of vintage. Hailey Hickman Photography offers a 10-percent military discount. Visit www.haleyhickman.com.

Many military spouses gain business from word of mouth. Christin Shockley, from Skylight Photography, started shooting while stationed in Korea and brought her passion to the Puget Sound area. "Word of mouth and Facebook have been my best business builders," Shockley said. "I prefer to shoot on location, outside. But I do offer an in-home studio and my house for families or models that would like to shoot indoors." Shockley prefers fashion photography and also offers a military discount. Visit www.wix.com/c_shockley1227/skylightphotography.

Jessica Grah's passion for photography started in high school when she took her first photography course. Professionally trained in Texas, she worked with children, taking school photos, senior portraits and many sports shots. "I love working with the military. I believe it is very important to get pictures. You never know when your spouse will be deployed or when they'll come home." Grah started Timeless Smiles Photography and became a member of Operation Love: Reunited. "I offer free sessions for all deploying Soldiers and their families. The session fee is waived if the family is deploying, already deployed or coming home. Sessions are done with a military theme and I send a free album as a morale booster to the Soldier if they are still overseas. I'm a big supporter of military."  Timeless Smiles Photography can be found online at timelesssmiles.smugmug.com/

Another reason many military wives become interested in photography is the schedule. "I love being able to set my schedule and work around my family so that I am there for each one of them when they need me," said Jennifer Magee from Jennifer Magee Photography. "I am my own boss and can take off when I want. I plan on making this my lifetime career so I can continue to do this.  Photography is my passion and I love to capture real moments."  Located in Spanaway, with her husband station at JBLM, Magee opened her business in 2010. "I don't even feel like I am working because I love my job. Capturing moments is one of my favorite things to do along with spending precious time with my family and friends," she said.  Visit Jennifer Magee Photography at www.jennifermageephotography.com.

A passion for people and photography are the two prerequisites for starting a photography company. There are multiple photography businesses in the Puget Sound area run by Servicemembers and their spouses. Call around and find the right one for you and your family.