Public Service Announcement. I meant to get this up last week, but was buried. Great idea pulled together by fellow photog, Jeremy Cowart, that he ran with first over at Scott Kelby’s blog and then followed at Help-Portrait.com.
We don’t need to know the details here, but if you are planning to help, say so here. It will inspire others to do the same. I plan to help. Will you?
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Still in a state of disbelief at your comments Rob. Saying people don't need photos is like saying people don't need to be loved. People don't need a sense of dignity. People don't need to feel beautiful. People don't need to remember. People don't need to feel normal.
It's just crazy talk.
Jeremy- one of the reasons I left a "cynic" comment is because I work for a soup kitchen several days a month. I often have my camera near by but have learned to keep the lens cover on. For many people- these are just hard times. They are working for and hoping for better days. A photo is a reminder of a time that many would rather not have.
"oh yeah- and this is what I looked like right after the bank forclosed my home"
This isnt being a cynic- I think its being thoughtful.
Anybody who thinks otherwise clearly never had to forage for a meal or had to wonder where they are sleeping tonight.
There are too many people out there that pretend to be charitable but really are only looking to exploit the situation for their own means!
Great thoughts Paul but here's the deal. The photos are being kept private. We don't want anyone to showcase them to protect the identities of those being photographed. Also the photos are a voluntary for the subjects. We're not going around and shooting them like paparazzi. These are for people who WANT to remember and who WANT to capture their babies at that age. Or for people in Africa who have never had their picture taken. Or for a parent who's about to lose their child in a hospital and doesn't have any recent photos. This idea goes far beyond a soup kitchen. Again, good thoughts though.
I have been following this from the beginning and have been SO excited about the possibility. I am absolutely floored that this simple idea of giving people portraits of themselves and their families has caused this much controversy. Really? People don't "need" photos… hmmm… I am in southern California where there is the biggest fire since 1897 and what is the one thing people are taking from their homes before anything else – photographs. They are important. They are necessary. They are the one "luxury" in life that a lot of these people we are talking about cannot get.
Why is it wrong to give people something so simple and easy to do and would bring SO much pleasure. Not just for the now but for the future. Our group is going to be taking photos of families in a women's shelter. These are people that have rarely felt beautiful, have rarely had their kids' photos taken. Why is it wrong to make someone else feel good about themselves.
Sure, maybe it's not getting down into the fray but I bet (like Jeremy said) plenty of these groups will also be donating clothes, blankets, other necessary items along with the photos. I know our group will. This isn't just about photos. It's about using our special gifts to bless other people.
We have gifts not everyone has and we should be able to use those gifts for others – not just to make money for ourselves. We use the gifts we have. This is a way we can give back. Who cares if the video was professional or cheesy (which I didn't think it was)? Who cares if Jeremy's hair doesn't look a certain way? That is not the point. The point is to get off our asses, stop trying to see how we can make more money, and go help someone else. Period.
Crazy that most of the naysayers don't really "get it".
This isn't just about homeless people, cause you're right, a homeless person probably doesn't want / need a photo. But what about those that are less fortunate and DO WANT a photo. It might be the only opportunity some families ever get to have a family portrait. I can think of a number of families at my church who would love the opportunity to take part in something like this.
So it can / will make a difference. It will put a smile on someone's face. It will bring a tear to someone's eye. It will encourage other people to offer their support (whether that support comes in the shape of providing food or blankets or assistance of any type for that matter).
If you aren't the type of person that can get behind something like this, then don't. But do get behind something. The average middle class family in the United States is going to face a harsh reality during the Holiday Season — if we can affect a small percentage of those folks, we will affect MILLIONS.
I would say putting smiles on the faces of millions of people is worth something!
Thanks Jeremy for sharing the idea and inspiring the folks that are going to be involved. We are definitely on board here in Kansas City and we are looking forward to the opportunity to bring some happiness to those who need it.
Huntington, West Virginia is in. I was the ministry director for the Huntington City Mission for 3 years and I found that folks there loved having their picture taken. They loved that people just wanted to pay attention to them. So, for my help portrait, I'm going back to the mission (where I still speak and volunteer on a regular basis for the cynics) and will be doing photos that I hope will raise awareness or the problem we have in our country with poverty. Already have three photogs in and working with a local frame shop/print lab to fix up a display for the administration to use when fundraising.
Thanks everybody for what you're doing. God will bless you all for using your talent for serving others.
Ahhhh that was absolutely awesome, should be done frequently.
First off, I have very little respect for people who write biting critiques behind the veil of anonymity. Be a man/woman and tell us who you are.
Second, I hear all the time how photography is a powerful medium. How images can change the world (think "Tank Man") or can move you to tears (think images from 9110, or help strengthen a marriage (think wedding photography), or make a girl with low self esteem feel beautiful for the first time in her life (family portraiture). Photography CAN do all of this. Yet, some of you (those few negative comments) now say a photograph really means nothing. It has no power. It's superficial.
I can totally understand where you're coming from. And I think it's coming from a place of sincerity on your part. But come on, do you really think someone like JC is making this video JUST to make himself look good. As he said, he's never done anything like this. Until this video, I barely even knew what he looked like. And as someone who had a long interview with him, I can attest that he's not the type to do this as just a PR stunt. (Cynicism is alive and well I see).
It makes sense for a photographer to propose a charitable idea that relates to photography, HIS strength and gift. Yes, it would've been ideal to add the part about going the extra mile and bring food, blankets, etc. But, honestly, that seemed like a given to me. He didn't HAVE to say it. If you're there offering compassion, human nature will kick in and you'll also think to help out once you get to know them during the portrait session.
I hope the anonymous commenters will be able to look at this from a different angle and use their gifts to help bless another family. Then, roll up your sleeves and do the other hard work too.
To me, this is a great idea to give. It's an original idea to give people something they don't usually have the ability to have. For me, this isn't about going out to your downtown and shooting images of homeless people with character and then simply walking away, posting it on Flickr and never see that or think about that person again.
Not everyone has the money to give to charity. I personally give in the way of helping provide food, clothing and someone to talk to, when I can. Sure, you can say sell your fancy 2.8 lenses and buy a kit lens and shoot with that and give the money to charity, but why would I sell my lenses when that is what provides myself with an income? I know how important photographs are to people. Think about all those people that have had the misfortune of losing their home to a fire and lost all their photographs. My apartment caught fire 3 years ago, luckily known of my photographs and memories were lost, but my neighbor across the hall lost hers. She didn't care that she lost her nice couch, her nice TV and bed. See was sobbing over the fact that she lost her photographs of her family, friends, pets and memories.
I plan to help victims of fire, the victims of poverty and those who simply need something to look at when they wake up and know that there is hope and see themselves smiling. I also plan to do my usual giving; a warm meal, warm clothes and someone to talk to. I do this all year round, when I can.
I don't know Jeremy on a personal level, but from what I can tell, I imagine that he has done a great deal of charity in his life to help those in need. This is just another way of helping. Something people can hold on to and share.
Pictures are not the answer to the worlds problems, but they surely can bring hope and love to someone, just as a blanket, food and clothing can.
Patrick Boatwright posted this story on my Facebook page. LOVE IT.
There's an excerpt from Rob Bell's book "SexGod" that hits on this topic perfectly. For those who arent readers it tells of a German concentration camp that was liberated by the British. Soon after they arrived & were addressing the needs of these people who had been desecrated and dehumanized in ways we can barely grasp, a shipment of red lipstick arrived. The general wrote in his journal how he wished he knew who had done it because it was genius. Of all the needs youd figure needed addressing most for people utterly emaciated, tortured, & dying the lipstick changed lives instantly. Women on post mortem tables clutching their lipstick, emaciated women unable to stand with ruby red lips.
I've seen poverty up close all around the world. Ive spent time homeless. I have friends who still sleep on the bitter streets. The streets strip humanity. Fellow man strips humanity. Money, food, shelter cant buy that. Humanity is based in beauty.
I think people are being a little harsh here. Jeremy wasn't just talking about the homeless, but also people who may love to have a family portrait, but simply cannot afford to have it done. I think a lot of times, we don't have an understanding of what family photos mean to some people.
About 14 years ago I did child photography. It was a difficult job because the person was given the opportunity to have a free 8×10 portrait made and it was incumbent at first on the photographer to try and sell people a package of prints based only on how the session went (this was prior to the age of digital). I had to work areas like Newark and East Orange New Jersey. They are areas filled with people who don't have a lot of money at all. From time to time however, I did find myself going to areas like Princeton and Montclair (where the Sopranos house is) sometimes as well.
Know what I found? I sold more $200 packages to people in the inner city areas than I did in Montclair and Princeton. I would often get shut down and told, "Nope, I just want the free print!" Why did this happen? I had my own theory which revolved around the idea that the people with less gave themselves more by surrounding themselves with images and pictures of family and friends.
We have a single mom's ministry at our church and I know this is something that they would love.
So for those who are being negative about it or what seems to be an almost mocking tone, try and think outside the box for a moment. Look at it from a different perspective and see then if you gain a better understanding of what it is Jeremy is looking to do.
As photographers we might not be "curing diseases" with what we do, but *we* ALSO shouldn't be the first in line to devalue ourselves, our profession or the amazing GIFT a photograph can be.
If you want to go build a home or work at a soup kitchen, and you think that's the best way for you to help – go for it! However, there are a TON of people out there who want to make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate, but have no idea where to start…
By sharing our gifts as artists we CAN make a difference. A difference in attitude. A difference in the way people feel about themselves and their sense of pride. Or just putting a smile on someones face! It's about more than taking pictures… it's about hearing their story. It's about feeling connected, making people feel good about themselves and just finding that place to START.
Sure, these people may not NEED photos the way they NEED groceries, but a smile and a bit of happiness can certainly go a long way.
Call me crazy, but I certainly think that matters.
I'm in Jeremy! i think it's a great way to give back. i'm surprised how many people are crappin on this idea. i'd be surprised if any of those people actually DO something for someone else this holiday season.
We are in (Atlanta Area). My wife and I have been planning with another photog for several months now and we are really excited to be able to use our gifts to give back.
While Jeremy and I have never met on a personal basis, I consider him an friend, and his intentions behind Help Portrait are completely legit. And its not just about the homeless, or those under the poverty line. For me, its about going to the Childrens Hospital and offering pictures for families who may not have much time left with their children. I mean, look at something like Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, where photographers offer themselves to families who may have had a stillborn, or severely sick child. Tell me those parents don't appreciate the gift that is given to them.
I'm extremely excited, like I said before, for the opportunity to give back. And this isn't the only "charity" thing that we do either.
I've known Jeremy for over a decade and we used to be business partners. I can say in all honesty that he is not the least be arrogant or pretentious. He has a big heart and likes to help people. He isn't suggesting that you *only* take photos, he's saying to use that as a catalyst for creating a relationship with those in need. Cut him some slack and go help someone in whatever way you can, even if it isn't with portraits.
Hey Jeremy, I hear what you're saying and I feel badly that you think I am trying to disparage what I think is a sincere act of kindness on your part.
I do believe you are putting words in my mouth that were never spoken. I never said people don't need dignity, beauty, memories, normalcy or to be loved. I do believe they need all those things far more than they can receive through the medium of an image on paper. Images of my family mean a great deal to me, but that's from my vantage point of a full stomach, clean clothes and a warm living room.
At the Out of The Cold program here in Toronto there are many who need the most basic of things. When they come in on a Sunday night we hand them all toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, combs, soap, shaving cream and razors, we let them all have a shower before dinner. They eat, we let them sleep overnight and then they leave the next day. These are very private people. There biggest concern is getting their "stuff" ripped off at the shelters while they sleep. Most of them want to be left alone and just wash, eat and sleep the night.
I have donated a great deal of my time packing presents for these people at christmas, delivering care packages with my son's scout group and donating my time when asked to play a concert to raise money for Toronto homeless programs. I'm fine with all of that. Personally I would have a great deal of difficulty approaching someone on the street who has no socks or, hasn't washed in weeks and ask them if they would like their picture taken, much less have their hair and makeup done.
If some do want their photo taken that's great. I would gladly take their photo. Honestly what ever makes them happy would be a gift.
I just wonder though if my gift would better be served leaving my camera gear at home and driving the Out of the Cold van around Toronto on a Friday night picking up homeless people when it's 30 below. You be surprised how many don't even want that.
best regards Jeremy. I hope whatever shape this endeavour takes, it helps people. In the end it's all that matters.
Rob
Yes, you should not do this 'good work' but instead do this 'good work'. And by 'good work' I mean that which follows my definition of 'good work'. Instead of giving photos, you should be mopping, or cleaning, or building a house, etc., etc. Oh, and the homeless people don't like their picture taken, so don't do it for anyone.
Are you KIDDING me??? Take the blinders off and widen your view a bit. Narrow is just that…narrow.
If we stopped doing the seemingly little things, then we'd be doing nothing. Some think giving photos is a small pointless effort because they'd rather give of their labor. Some think labor is a small pointless effort because they'd rather give of their money. Some believe that giving of their money is a small pointless effort because they'd rather give their life.
Everyone was given a gift and each gives of what he/she feels is best at that time/season. And it's through this, multiplied by a world community, that we achieve change. NOT by belittling how others would like to serve.
Can things like this become self centered and at time be used as self promotion, PR stunts, etc. Absolutely. I recognize that. However, was someone's life still changed for the better? Most of the time, if not all the time, yes. And on this one someone's life WILL be changed somewhere, at some point. This will indeed be a meaningful gift for them.
I say Godspeed.
Cheers,
Josh
Understood Rob. Good points. But like I said… this is a catalyst to get people in action. I truly believe it will spark much more than photos and a lot of what you're talking about will be accomplished as well. In fact people will forget all about the photos the day of. Last year when we did this, photos were a small bi-product of what we did. But what an amazing excuse this is for all of us to at least get moving. Thanks for clarifying.
Sao Paulo – Brazil is IN!
starting to promote right now this amazing idea!
glad this conversation is back on track…
let's refocus our energies on helping jeremy's bigger idea here get legs and really become a success. that's what this is about.
I'm very excited to help – and I'm trying to round up a few other photogs and other support people in Vancouver to see if we can make this bigger and have more impact.
It seem the photo community is ok here in Canada, but a project like this will really help us to grow closer and give back more.
Looking forward to this!
Wayne
Man. I have read a lot of the comments on here. And I must say that when I first watched Jeremy's video, I didn't take it as helping the homeless.
I took it as going out and taking a photo of people who would love and appreciate a good photo but just can't afford it.
My first thought was "who could really benefit from this in my area?" Maybe I get a hold of the local police and set something up since they risk their lives for me. Or for fire men & women. Or for EMTs. Maybe families that are dealing with a loved one going off to war. Instead of a dull military photo, were everyone has the same look and same uniform on, it's a family photo truly expressing themselves. Laughing, having fun.
I'm a family man. And I used to take my first kid to JC Penny's for photos before I was a photographer. I didn't like the back drops, or the stupid poses. But I loved getting a good quality image of my son! I couldn't afford a photographer. I wish I could have. But bills just got in the way.
I think this is something that will help people in a certain way.
Still not sure what I'll do yet. But I'm in.
I'm glad I happened across this today. When I started down the pro photographer path, my mentor had suggested working on projects by giving (and improving upon) my talent while helping others. I never really got anything consistent going. One of the projects I had in mind was to visit a nearby homeless children's shelter and give each child a professional portrait of themselves. This inspired me to revisit that project and get out and do it. Thank you! I'll spread the word too here in Phoenix and online.
I'm very keen. In the Sunshine Coast Australia…hopefully will be able to get some other photogs on board.
I'm working on a couple of ideas and will be tapping some Seattle folks for help.
Also, tweeted and posted the Help-Portrait url to get others working on it.
Excellent idea and something I have been thinking of for a while. Would love to hear if anyone in Melbourne, Australia is firing up for this.
lets do this save-the-world-with-our-cameras project. because we photographers are above getting our hands dirty. don't even think about donating money to the poor. that money can go towards another speedlite, which will allow you to do better portraits next year to give back to the community.
this has got to be the cheesiest touchy-feely promo video i think i've ever seen. volunteer in a soup kitchen for crying out loud.
Bawfaw Studios is in.
For sure! Love to see this spread like wildfire!
Pittsburgh, PA is in!
Great idea. I'm in from Paris.
We're working on one for Denver area. This is such a cool practical way to give back.
I like the concept, I'm in. I appreciate the blog and look forward to giving a little back.
So if on December 12th, someone comes up to me and takes my picture, does that mean, I'm in need? In need of what? Someone's judgement?
Who is to judge who is need. Maybe we should find someone to take a picture of ourselves.
I completely agree with some of the comments here. This is pretentious crap. "From those who know, to those who know not."
Count me out.
Me again – Help Portrait Austin is really coming together. All of you Austin peeps head on over to the site, and volunteer. More site content on the way.
http://help-portrait-austin.com
Thanks!
I'm in! i never here much about canadian photogs doing this kinda stuff, so i better get on it and represent for canada! (or at least toronto)
i think i'm going to make a local site, are lots of people doing this?
and i clearly (or unclearly) meant website…
I'm in!
gathering lots of Kansas City photographers and we're definitely in!
i think the important part of this project is to remember what it's about. Jeremy is doing it his way, but is very clear (at least to me) that this is an idea, and a starting point. for example, my style of photographry doesn't really align itself with family portraits. does that mean i don't want to be involved? hell no! that just means i want to make it mine. right now i am contemplating doing a day of nudes. because as someone who has shot a few in my day, i know the incredible impact that it can have on people's happiness, self-image, confidence, etc.
help-portrait (if i may be so bold as to paraphrase) is about owning an honouring the power that a good photograph has, and about using that power for good (you know, like superheroes). we as photographers have such an ability to affect people,so lets get out there and use it.
if you don't like jeremy's phrasing, then phrase it differently, cnceptualize it differently. come on, see past the gelled hair and try and listen to the ideas being presented to you.
I am really excited about working on this project. DFJphoto has already started planning the Austin, TX shoot. Very much looking forward to working with him and the talent and help we are able to drum up! This is going to be great!
http://www.helpportraitaustin.com
Chase, thanks so much for posting about this. LOVE. IT. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
I am not sure if I talked to you about this in person when we met in Denver, but my company was recently funded by the Office of Minority Health of the NIH to work on a project to promote diversity in stock photography. I am definitely going to do everything I can to participate in Help Portrait, and also get in touch with Jeremy to talk more about ways to expand it, because that was part of the plan in the grant. If you or any of your readers want to get involved, please feel free to email me: aimee at greeblemonkey dot com.
Hope this doesn't sound like I am jumping on his coattails – but what a WONDERFUL idea! I just couldn't stop from posting!
Thanks!
i will help.
Wouldn't it be better if people were to "TEACH" people in need the skills of photography? Let them take pictures of themselves and create their own art.
Handing someone a photos and expecting them to feel good about themselves….seems very wrong.
I don't like this idea at all.
This is a great idea!
If you don't like the idea, or if you don't want to participate, you don't have to be a party-pooper…
Lovely.
Be glad to…
This is a beautiful thing. I started a project very similar to this last November, The Free Photo Project. I am not, however, a professional nor do I have professional equipment.
But I can tell you from the stories I have heard from the people I have photographed this is a very precious gift.
I would say don't limit this to once a year! And don't limit it to professionals. This is a gift that anyone with a camera can give.
http://www.FreePhotoProject.org
Just read a few more of the negative comments on here I hadn't seen before. It's almost comical how senseless the comments are. If you guys only had any idea how much this means to people. I had one 55-year old man who couldn't stop dancing in front of the camera cause he had NEVER had his photo taken. This was the first time anyone had ever paid attention to him. He couldn't contain the excitement. Another woman hugged me with tears in her eyes and would not let go. She said "This is the first photo I've seen of myself since I lost 300lbs 8 years ago. If only my family could see me now. Well, thanks to you, now they can." The stories speak for themselves guys. This is seriously powerful stuff. Stop taking your cameras for granted and go out there and put them to use.
We’re working on one for Denver area. This is such a cool practical way to give back