[Click the pic for an 8 1/2″ x 11″ printable image.]
I‘m not sure why I feel the need to explain how I’ve volunteered my time each of the last four Decembers, as if it doesn’t sound important or necessary enough without justification. I don’t serve the hungry in a soup kitchen. I don’t gather gifts for needy children in other countries.
I take portraits for families in need.
I’m a volunteer with Help-Portrait, a global event coordinating the efforts of photographers, photo editors, hair and make-up artists, and others on a Saturday in early December since 2009.
This video from 2010 explains the concept:
The thought lingers that the worse the location I work, the more valuable the service I render—that it won’t really count until I shoot in a homeless shelter—and yet every year’s Help-Portrait reveals anew the truth that need isn’t restricted by geographical boundaries.
In the four years I’ve volunteered with Help-Portrait I’ve photographed a man with one leg; a woman whose glowing skin is a result of the radioactive cream she rubs on her face to fight brain cancer; and a young girl, eight and a half months pregnant, that I photographed glamour shot-style, hoping she’ll see how lovely she is whether anyone tells her or not.
You don’t have to be a photographer to serve. At this year’s event in Woodstock, GA, my husband earned the nickname “the baby whisperer” for entertaining little ones while their moms were pampered by hair and make-up. You don’t have to wait for a Saturday in December, either: the What if I’m the Only One page has great ideas for anyone at any time who wants to do some good with their camera.
Interested? Join me by marking your calendar for Saturday, December 7, and volunteer locally in 2013. Get started here.
Hi i’m interested to join this.. but you may have posted this too late?
Glenys, too late for 2012, but not too late to mark your calendar for this year—like we’re doing early for (in)RL—or putting the concept in action right now in our own lives. 🙂
going to share this with all my photographer friends. thank you. such a simple but beautiful idea. –kris
Thank you so much, Kris!
Hi, this is awesome…I have always had a burning desire to be a photographer aand never pursued it. My brother gave me a old school 35mm camera that I am trying to get acquainted with. I don’t know what I’m doing but I will just keep researching and trying! I have been waiting to find my place of service for God…and this post just jumped off the screen at me! Thank you my dear for your post!
Yay, Janice! Get acquainted with that camera and use it for good. Blessings to you.
In 2011 there was a Help Portrait event in our area and my hubby and I volunteered as escorts. It was A.MAZING! Truly one of the most meaningful events we have ever had the privilege of participating in. We were very disappointed when the organizers were unable to do it again!
Karen, that’s awesome! Maybe there will be another event in your area this year. The one I usually attend didn’t happen this year, so I went to another location. I think my husband will continue to volunteer with me and a friend told me that she wants to, too.
What a beautiful way to serve. In the magazine I edit, we recently featured a woman who volunteers for a palliative care organization as a photographer. She takes beautiful pictures of families who are preparing for a family member’s death so they will have this lasting memory. I am in awe…
This sounds like something wonderful. My daughter will be attending school for photography in the fall. I’ll ask her to get the word out about this!
Interesting way to help people with their self-esteem. Keep up the good work and prayerfully some may come to know God through your acts of kindness!
Dawn,
I came across this post via twitter. Thank you so much for writing this. It’s absolutely beautiful! Also, thanks for serving alongside of us. We couldn’t do this without people like you. I can’t wait to continue serving with you!
Kendra Flowers
Help-Portrait Project Manager