Dec. 10, 2011 (and possibly a second event on Dec. 12)
A couple of years ago, Kelly Thorson turned me onto to the "Help-Portrait movement", and I am now organizing my 3rd event. I have a good friend/photographer that has been helping me with most of the portraits.
The first year we went to a local shelter, Bethlehem House, and took lots of photos of the residents- a few of them had never had a portrait taken before. Here's a short promo video of that event- 2009 Help Portrait, Conway, AR
Last year we worked with an organization that helps and mentors ex-convicts and ex-felons get their lives back together and back on track. We took portraits of some of the families- many of whom had never had one taken. We had 8x10 printed and delivered to them right before Christmas. I was very grateful for all of the help and support from our community and church, I even had some support from some folks right here in Letterville! (you know who you are...) Thank you so much for being involved.
This year we are looking at working with both places for 2 separate events. We are really excited at the response as well as the feedback and stories from the people. I'll keep you posted on the progress- hopefully I'll be able to get a video put together this year...
For more info Help-Portrait Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Good on you, Michael! My daughter Jess is also in the throes of organizing her third event. Not only has it been a gift to the recipients, but I think it has created a venue for the local photographers to come together as a group working together rather than competing.
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
Kelly, I really do owe it to you and your original post- I read it on a Sunday night and something clicked, I did some research on their site, talked to a buddy of mine, and before you know it, it was ON...
Last year, 3 other local photographers did an event at another location here in town- we emailed ideas back and forth, and I think they had a good event as well.
Posted by Pat Welter (Member # 785) on :
Michael, now that, makes me smile...Thanks
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
This is really great. I am hoping I can pull something together. My daughter has a volunteer requirement every quarter at school and this will help her out in addition to the warm fuzzy feeling you will get from those helping others.
The videos are really inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
Last year I had several people approach me about donations to help with the event costs and such. THis year, the Help-Portrait organization is helping out with that to make sure everything is run smoothly (and honestly) they have set up donation funds for various events- if you are interested in providing a donation, you can go to http://www.help-portrait.com and find out how to donate to local events- our event is: https://help-portrait.donortools.com/my/funds/44095-Help-Portrait-Conway-Arkansas
[ October 28, 2011, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: Michael Clanton ]
