What goes around comes around has been true for Alicia Dal Lago, an Argentinian immigrant who started her own photography business and has benefited greatly from her own philanthropic efforts.

	Steve Mellon, Post-Gazette Alicia Dal Lago, at the studios of her business, Alicia Photography, on Route 19 in McCandless, has built her business in part through her generosity to the community. Click photo for larger image.

Through her business, she said customers have donated more than $50,000 to a host of community causes over the past several years.

How did your photography business get started?

I was really bored. I had come from Argentina to the states, and I didn't know what to do with my life. So I went back to school. Photography seemed something fun to do and I fell in love with it. That was about 27 years ago.

How difficult was it to generate customers?

From the moment I started my studio in Pittsburgh, I decided to do something different from what everybody else was doing. I decided to give something to my clients in exchange for donations to charity, and that took off.

I remember the first thing I did 20 yeas ago. I collected toys for North Hills Community Outreach. But instead of charging a sitting fee, I asked for toys. The first year that I collected for toys, I had 21 sessions. This year when I collected for toys, I had 270 sessions.

So every August and September, my clients can exchange charitable donations for a toy.

What other kinds of charitable doings do you sponsor?

I established a scholarship for women needing to go back to work. Already eight women have graduated from college with the help of my scholarships. ... I've also donated money to the Crisis Center North, Children's Hospital, Animal Friends and the Salvation Army.

And how much do your sittings cost?

Depending on the type of session, it can cost from $99 to several thousand dollars for a sitting. Clients are qualified for one 8X10 photograph at a much lower cost, and that is the money I donate -- $25. The rest of the cost of a sitting is used to support my business.

What types of charities do you give to?

I've donated money to Crisis Center North, Children's Hospital, Animal Friends, Salvation Army and others.

What would you say to encourage companies to get involved in charities?

Providing for charities has been the best thing that has happened to me. You do get the warm fuzzies of feeling good, but it also makes sense for a business owner. Businesses have to spend money on advertising no matter what; I would rather spend my advertising dollars in these kinds of charitable things than paying for an advertisement. I still get the exposure.