Help Portrait 2014

A couple of weeks ago I volunteered for the first time with the Help Portrait project.  This is an international project where professional photographers set up portrait stations around the globe one day every year in a designated spot (this year’s in Minneapolis was at Harbor Light Center where many people are sheltered, and treated for chemical dependency) and make photos for those who cannot afford to have a nice portrait taken.  Please read more about it here: http://help-portrait.com/about/.  I was on the documenting team, so I was shooting photos of what was going on behind the scenes.  This was a really important experience for me because I am always wanting to do something more for others, yet I’m never quite sure how to go about it, and then I just sit on my butt in front of my computer and complain.  Volunteering my time for Help Portrait allowed me to use my skills as a photographer to help others feel good about themselves.  That being said, this event helped me realize that one of the main reasons I enjoy being a photographer is to make people feel good about themselves, to let them see how beautiful they are.  This was so fulfilling, and  I wasn’t even getting paid!  Everyone was so wonderful to meet and work with, I’m excited to do this again next year and be more involved!