(Text by Fred Bonilla - Images Courtesy Of Help Portrait - Middletown CT)
In my 30+ years in photography, I have always attempted to share not only my love for photography but my unswerving belief that the power of photography can change lives and be a platform for good throughout the world. And that is manifested in a yearly event that occurs worldwide on the 1st Saturday of December this year called "Help Portrait"
I'll allow the preface from HP's website to explain what it's about: Help-Portrait was founded by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart & Kyle Chowding in 2008. Our mission is to empower photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists to use their skills, tools and expertise to give back to their local community.
Each December, photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists all around the world will find people in need, take their picture, print their picture and then deliver it—free of charge.Help-Portrait is about GIVING the pictures, not taking them. These portraits aren’t for a portfolio, website, or sale. It’s about giving people who otherwise couldn’t afford photography, a chance to capture a moment, a memory…and a whole lot more. Over 325,00 portraits have been taken in over 2,400 events in 67 countries since it's inception".
To see HP in action, click here for a video from a previous HP event. I have personally have assisted in HP shoots that have taken place in Bridgeport in previous years but have not attended one because it takes place on a Saturday during the holiday shopping season This year, the only HP shoot that I know of will be taking place will be in Middletown and New Britain on Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. (Hope to go!) If you wish to take part or would like more information, contact Chelsea Pepe by e-mail at pepec@chc1.com or call 860-538-1599. This event not only shows the power of photography but also evokes the spirit of this and every holiday season. Our good wishes and prayers to everyone involved in this event world-wide on Saturday. (BTW, if anyone else locally is holding an HP event, please let me know!)
