Help Portrait - Gives Back

December 29: Help-Portrait is a movement founded by photographer Jeremy Cowart that brings together photographers and others to give back to their local community by using their time, equipment and expertise. The date of 12/12/09 was set aside months ago and the plan was set in motion to have photographers use their cameras and other photography resources on that day to have pictures taken of people who would not normally be able to have their portrait taken. The response was amazing. The experience was uplifting and helped to let people know that they are valued. Some people have never had their picture taken professionally and some never had a family portait done. Prints were given out and wonderful memories were made. There are many stories from the day. You can learn much more about Help Portrait and the experiences shared by going to their website and community website.

I got involved with the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. Help-Portrait (H-P) group which was already established with a group coordinator and several members. We went to Central Union Mission in Washington DC which provides overnight and long-term shelter along with assistance programs to underprivileged men.

On December 12 Central Union Mission also had their Operation Christmas Miracle program that gives needy children Christmas bags with clothing, educational items and toys in them. There were waves of people that came into the basement and filled it for the program and while they were there, portraits were taken of some of them, and then the basement was clear till the next wave of people came in. The results of the day are astounding: 151 portraits were done with 382 people. Thanks to Penn Camera for their generous donation to provide the printing for the Help-Portrait event. Thanks to all who were involved in H-P as it took a team of people including make-up artists, assistants, hair stylists, video crews, and so many other skilled people. It was people giving of themselves and their talents to serve.

I wish I could have done more on this day. I knew about this for awhile, but I joined the group late and was not able to spend as much time there for H-P day. So I did what I could and took documentary pictures of the event and also shot some video with my camera. This movement is about giving pictures and not about ourselves or showing the portraits. It is important to share about this day that others may join the movement. Like the Christmas season, it's about giving, sacrifice, and good will. The next official Help-Portrait day is on 12/14/10, but you don't have to wait to serve others in need.

I'm sharing some documentary pictures from the Help-Portrait day in DC.