2010 is almost over and when I reflect back on what it was that moved or inspired me most as a photographer, I think the first thing that comes to mind is Help Portrait. The principal behind it is pretty simple. Find someone in need, take their portrait, print it and deliver it to them. The photographers do not keep or publicize any of the photos of the people's pictures that we take. It's not about fame or adding to your portfolio. It's about giving.
What makes it so special are the lives that you touch and the smiles that you see. This past year as part of the Help Portrait Vancouver group I got the opportunity to work with Ian Sheh and Steph Forster, the two leaders of the group along with some fellow photographers and makeup artist in two events. The first one was a smaller event held on November 23 at BC Children's Hospital. It was in the Child Life Department, a part of the hospital dedicated for terminally ill patients and their families. The small group of us took pictures of the kids and their families, printed them out a couple of 4x6 prints and then also gave them a CD with all their photos on it. The magic of seeing these kids faces light up was beyond words. Here's the group along with Diane from Children's Hospital. We have been told that they want us back and we could not be happier to do this again real soon.
A few days later the official Help Portrait event with venues all around the world was held on December 4th. Our group of volunteers this year for Help Portrait Vancouver grew by quite a bit from last year and we had an incredible turn out from the community of the downtown Eastside. This year instead of actually taking pictures I served as one of the group leads for the morning team of photographers. I think I actually had more fun watching the joy that the other photographers had taking pictures and interacting with their subjects. I also helped to hand out the photos to the guests and the look on their faces was priceless when they received them. Smiles from ear to ear and literally tears of joy were on some of their faces. Many of them had never had a portrait done before let alone to be treated with such a warm reception and attention by our volunteers. Check out the link to Help Portrait Vancouver on Facebook for videos and more photos.
Here I am with the morning crew of photographers. Lots of new faces in this group and I bet they will all be back next year. So proud of everyone.
Many volunteers stayed on for the whole day even as the afternoon crew came on to replace them. I know most of the makeup crew were on their feet all day making the women look beautiful for their pictures. They were incredible.
In the end the event was an amazing success and I am already looking forward to December 3rd, 2011.
If you want to volunteer just let me know.
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