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We don’t want to take your picture. We want to give it to you. Free!

Help-Portrait is a movement of photographers who are using their time, equipment and expertise to give back to those who are less fortunate this holiday season. The goal is simple; find someone in need, take their portrait, print their portrait and deliver them. Started by photographer Jeremy Cowart, this movement has spread around the world; reaching 58 countries at over 600 locations with more than 7000 photographers involved.

For more information or to get involved please email info[at]iansheh.com
View blog posts on Help-Portrait here

Help-Portrait 2009 – A Huge Success
Help-Portrait Vancouver was an overwhelming success! We held the inaugural Help-Portrait Vancouver event Saturday, December 12th, 2009 at the Salvation Army Grace Mansion on East Hastings, and it was a fantastic day! The makeup artist and hair stylist were buzzing making women and girls look beautiful. Mark Hildebrand and Kathi Reid filled the room with music. Photographers were making people smile and laugh and giggle with excitement. And when the printers starting rolling off prints, people’s reactions were priceless.

With help from Stephanie Forster of the Nehemiah Foundation, we were able to welcome over 400 people through our doors and take approximately 175 portraits of families and individuals. The folks at Epson and Canon made onsite printing possible, allowing us to have portraits in our subjects as they left. Local Vancouver camera store Beau Photo provided background paper as well as photo Christmas cards for our guest to send to family and loved ones. And as a touch, the Salvation Army provided postage for the cards.

A group of 28 photographers, 5 makeup artists & hair stylists, and 15 volunteers made the day run smooth. Everyone gave as much as they could and then a little bit more. Help-Portrait 2009 was a fantastic day, and a huge success!

The morning crew

The afternoon crew

Help-Portrait Vancouver by Steve Tan

Help-Portrait Vancouver “Let It Shine” by Steve Tan