Help-Portrait: Photographers worldwide uniting using their time, skill, and equipment to give back to their community through Help-Portrait. This is a movement of both professional and amateur photographers from all backgrounds hoping to make a difference during the holiday season. This will take place in 2011 on 10 December!
Q: Who do the photographers take photos of?
A: Anyone who doesn’t have the means to have their portrait taken. The subjects ranged from: single moms, teen girls with eating disorders, children in children hospitals, homeless, natural disaster victims — the possibilities are endless!
“The portrait represented where I’m going, not where I’ve been.”
– Phillip Jackovich, Help-Portrait subject
Q: Why a photo? Aren’t the needs of these people greater than a photo?
A: The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is so true — a picture is WORTH something. It represents self-esteem, pride, confidence, success and value. When you see the reaction of the person holding their photo for the first time, you understand that yes a photo is WORTH so much more. Many of the locations also provide winter coats, food, etc.
“Poverty steals a lot of things, like your home, car and food, but it also steals something on the inside. Help-Portrait feeds that something on the inside.”
– Annie Downs, Help-Portrait Event Coordinator
Q: What is the reasoning behind Help-Portrait?
A: Jeremy Cowart wanted to give back to the less fortunate during the holidays. He wanted to use his talent of photography. He thought why couldn’t the community of photographers get involved and make this a shift in thinking of not TAKING photos but GIVING them. It was simple and people joined in very quickly with the use of Social Media (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook).
“On December 12th, cultural borders were crossed on one side of the camera and competitive borders on the other. I honestly don’t know which side of the camera was blessed more. For many of our subjects across the world, Help-Portrait provided them with their first-ever family photo. However, we’re consistently hearing from many photographers worldwide that this is the greatest thing they’ve ever done with their cameras.”
– Jeremy Cowart, founder
Q: How does someone get involved in Help-Portrait?
A: Simple – go to the website and sign up to be a part of the community. You’ll be connected with a Help-Portrait leader who will get you involved in your local area. Each Help-Portrait location is independent in what they choose to photograph, etc. but everyone will try to have the event on or around the same day internationally – 04 December 2010.
“Today was the one of the best days I have had as a photographer and as a human being.”
–Kwame Reed Photographer
Q: Who is founder Jeremy Cowart?
A: Jeremy Cowart is a professional photographer from Nashville, Tennessee. He’s photographed Imogen Heap, Sting, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton and more. He’s also worked with entertainment clients ABC, E!, Fox, A&E, FX, The Style Network, CMT and more. Join Jeremy on Twitter: @jeremycowart.