ppoc-bc

Submitted by Philomena Hughes, MPA

To put one’s self aside and do something entirely free, as a gift, for people one does not know and may never see again, is not unheard of.  As a photographer to do so right in the middle of the busiest season of the year, Christmas, speaks volumes.

Founded 3 years ago by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, “Help-Portrait” brings communities of photographers together from across the world, to use their photographic skills and give back to their local community. The ideal goal is to photograph individuals and families and then present them with the finished product on the same day, in time for Christmas.

Six PPOC-BC members from Prince George, Philomena Hughes MPA, Tina Cyr CPA, Debbie Malm CPA, Jodi Schultz, Terry Bodner and Joy Miller together with others in their community, recently participated in Help Portrait by focusing on students from an inner city aboriginal school.  Here is their story.

Getting the whole session organized early was key in taking care of challenging issues as they arose.  There was a chance to approach sponsors and find people to fill in areas needing volunteers.  The first meeting was held in late November and then for an hour each week up until the 10^th of December.

The volunteer photographers designed and distributed 160 flyers to students and parents in the school, offering them a free session with a free B&W classic print. Offering a B&W product made it easier for the lab to produce the images quickly.

The venue was a downtown church, which donated the use of their basement daycare area for free. The volunteers took it on themselves to gather good quality clothing and jewelry for anyone who wished to wear it for the portrait and keep it afterwards.

Debbie Malm Photography supplied colouring books and crayons for the children as they waited their turn. Even Santa showed up to spread some season jolliness.

Three photo sets were constructed, with a photographer and assistant at each station.

Two photo editors then took on the task of processing the files, which were uploaded to a local lab, WD West, who freely donated the prints. This allowed for a smooth workflow and all the images were delivered by 5:00 pm that afternoon. The smiles on the clients’ faces when they saw their pictures, made it all worthwhile.

Tim Horton’s, donated coffee and donuts, and many of the volunteers also brought handmade snacks to share. The portrait clients seemed to especially appreciate being served “homemade” cookies and goodies.

The stories some people shared were simple and heartwarming; most had never had a family portrait taken and certainly not in such a fun and welcoming manner. The volunteers’ perspectives were also interesting, as many felt so emotionally rewarded by donating their time and expertise for this work of love. People arrived feeling somewhat apprehensive and perhaps a little nervous but by the end were so relaxed, smiling and chatting with each other.

One man was so proud to be photographed with his grandmother.  She had reached out to him during a difficult point in his life because she believed in him. When he turned his life around, he felt extremely appreciative of his grandmother’s persistence in helping him and he wanted his family’s portrait taken with her in it. The local newspaper also came to cover this event and help spread the word.

At the beginning, it was a big unknown as to how many clients and photographers would respond, but the photographers of Prince George say they were very gratified in the end to have 30 volunteers photograph 76 people.  Will they do it again?  Philomena Hughes replies, “You bet we will, in a heartbeat!  The joy we brought and witnessed was priceless! I will continue to be warmed by the memory of knowing we made a difference on that day.”