Help Portrait 2011

Several months ago, I was contacted by the enormously talented Sheri Grippo of Bella Bambino Photography in Cape Girardeau to assist with the local Help-Portrait project.  In a nutshell, Help-Portrait is a worldwide movement started by photographers to give back to their local communities.  In the words of Help-Portrait "We don't want to take your picture.  We want to give it to you. Free."  Most people or families that are served are those that normally wouldn't have the means to have pictures professionally taken and NO ONE is turned away! What a great idea, right!?

It is difficult to accurately put into words the emotions and "moments" that were shared on that Saturday.  It was truly a heart-warming experience and I was SO grateful to be apart of the project and lend my talents to those in need! Snapping a few pictures, in the whole scheme of things, seems very minuscule or insignificant, but I can assure you, MUCH greater things happened that day!  

From the moment families arrived, they were welcomed by our many volunteers and given the opportunity to have their hair and make-up done by a local salon and beauty school who were kind enough to donate not only their time, but products and equipment as well.

They were then taken to a room where 1 of 8 photographers was waiting to take their picture and most of all, make them feel comfortable and special! That was my favorite part! I personally shot between 30-40 families that day.  When time permitted (because I was pretty busy for most of the day) I asked a little bit about the individual's life and situation.  One woman in particular, who was about 60ish years old, told me that she and her husband always wanted to have their portraits professionally taken and they never got the chance before he passed away.  She came, in part, because of that memory and taking an opportunity that she never had when her husband was alive.  If stories like that don't humble you and remind you what we should be doing more of, then I'm not sure what will!

After families left the photographers, they were then invited into a room where snacks and games/crafts were provided while they waited for their pictures to be edited and printed (by a whole other room staffed with photographers who edited and put the finishing touches on the images). 

I was so positively effected by the events in Cape Girardeau, I want so badly to bring this movement to Southern Illinois next year! I know the undertaking this would be, but I know in my heart that anyone involved in this project (whether on the giving or receiving end) would be forever grateful for the experience!   

Here is just a peek into the beautiful souls that were caputued. We invited those interested to share some words with us by writing on their portraits!

 

*The last picture of the teenage brother and sister was taken by me. They were soooo precious and truly grateful!