There is power in a good portrait. When it’s done right, you can see into the soul of the sitter. You can see the beauty of who they are inside. It can change your perception of a person. It can change their perception of themselves. I was once again reminded of the power of the portrait at Saturday’s Help-Portrait event in Corvallis.

Saturday I was up early in the frosty morning with the other volunteers to set up for this year’s event. At 7am we met to haul all of the equipment up the steep flight of steps of the Corvallis Odd Fellows Hall: Photography gear, computers, printers, props, food and drinks. We turned the spacious hall into a temporary studio for three photographers, two hairstylists and hospitality space for the clients to wait. We had a separate room down the hall for the four of us who were doing graphic design, editing and printing the photos.

Over the course of the day, we served 139 people in 87 sittings. Each of them left with an 8×10 print and a CD of their images, to print more if they chose. They also left with a smile on their face after seeing the portraits printed on the page. We also printed one copy with the Help-Portrait logo, and asked that they share their story by writing on the portraits. You can see a few of the portraits pictured below.

This day could not have come off without the efforts of all of the volunteers, pictured below. This is a completely volunteer and self-funded event. While Help-Portrait is an international organization coordinating the day, purpose and marketing materials, they don’t provide funding for the individual events. Many thanks also go to the Corvallis Odd Fellows Hall for their donation of the space and the other sponsors of our day. The full list of sponsors is on Jones Oliver’s blog, here. Jones was our tireless leader, coordinating the event for the second year.

This is my second year participating and it was just as rewarding as the first. I can think of no better way to use my photography skills than to give back to the community like this.

Do you participate in Help-Portrait this year? How did your event go? If you didn’t participate this year but would like to know more for next year, visit the Help-Portrait website to find an event near you. Next year’s event will be December 7. Mark your calendar now!

Yesterday I had the amazing opportunity to work with a fantastic group of photographers and volunteers for Help-Portrait. Help-Portrait is a “global movement of photographers using their time, gear and expertise to give back to those in need.” The idea is for photographers to find people who would not otherwise be able to have portraits, take and print their portrait and give it to them. The movement is all-volunteer, spanning 56 countries and with 101,596 portraits given to date.

In Corvallis, the local crew photographed 142 people in 75 sittings. There were 21 volunteers: 4 photographers shooting, 4 graphic designers (that’s what I did) and lots and lots of volunteers helping as assistants, with check-in, hospitality, food, etc. The day was an all-volunteer event, with support from local businesses who donated food, printing, and publicity, and the church who allowed us to use their space.

In the “graphic designer” role, I edited and printed the photos after the photographers completed their work. I got to sit with the clients and help them choose their portraits, hearing a bit of their story. I listened to what brought them there, what they were going to do with their photos, and learned a bit about who they were. Both through their words and through the images.

Here are a few images and stories from my day. (The clients and photographers have signed releases to allow these to be shared.) There was also an article in today’s local paper, the Corvallis Gazette-Times, where you can read more stories.

This beautiful woman was one of my first clients of the day. She quiet and nervous to have her photo taken, you could tell. She told me how she was working hard to get custody back of her kids. I see confidence and strength in her photo, I believe she can do it.

Photo by Helen Hilman

This is “Pops.” He is a self-designated mentor to the youth in the homeless community, trying to help them stay out of trouble. He was such a personable and happy guy, it was clear from his interactions that everyone who knew him loved and respected him.

Photo by Jones Oliver

This gentleman talked of his 16-year-old daughter, whom he hadn’t seen in 9 years. He was going to send his portrait to her as a Christmas present. He told me they were in contact, and he hoped to see her this year.

Photo by Jones Oliver

This group of friends was so excited to have their photo taken together. They met in a 12-step program, and their friendship is helping them with recovery. One of the girls said they will use the portrait to remind them of what they will lose, these friendships, if they don’t stay clean.

Photo by Jones Oliver

This was Luke, the last client of the day. He was a quiet guy, didn’t have too much to say. I love the confidence that shows in his portrait though. It makes me want to know him better.

Photo by Jones Oliver

Throughout the day, I heard so many times…
“I hate my smile.”
“I hate my hair.”
“I hate having my pictures taken.”
Yet again and again I saw images of beautiful, strong people come through on the screen. I told them all, “We are all our worst critics! You look beautiful, just look at the picture. The people love you will be so happy to have this.” And it reminded me that I have the same thoughts, and should take my own advice.

In addition to the stories I was privileged to learn, there were so, so many others. Individuals with beloved pets, families with children, new little babies, friends, grandparents with grandchildren… all who would not have a portrait any other way. So many people said they would be giving their portraits as gifts this year, since they had nothing else to give.

This day was a reminder of what photography can bring to people’s lives, as part of sharing their stories and seeing their worth. Everyone was so grateful and happy to have the opportunity to get the portraits. This is something that we who wield cameras and share photos all the time can easily take for granted.

Here is the crew that put on the day in Corvallis, those of us who were there at the end of the day. There were many other volunteers who came for part of the day and who were no longer around. Most of us in this photo were together dawn to dusk yesterday. I was honored to work with this group. This day was a reminder that when working together, we can do anything. I’m definitely “in” for next year’s event!

Today’s prompt for Many Muses Musing is TOGETHER. The next prompt is GREETINGS. Come visit to see the giveaway for today, and join us with your stories and images.