I’ll spare you schmaltzy, inspirational messages about “paying things forward” or “giving back” or whatever. Actually, come to think of it, I never figured out what “giving back” is. Nobody gave me anything in business. I exchanged my time and (considerable) talents for my wonderful clients’ wonderful money, and while I’m very grateful to them for their patronage, there wasn’t any “giving” involved, one way or the other. Just a fair trade.

Anyway, despite being a curmudgeon and pedant, I do acknowledge that occasionally, every once in awhile, it’s nice to do something nice. So I’d like to share with you noted commercial photographer Jeremy Cowart’s new project, Help Portrait. Jeremy explains the idea more fully in his video, but the gist is that he’s encouraging photographers to, on December 12th, 2009, find somebody in their community who can’t afford a portrait, and make one for them, out of the goodness of your heart.

I think it’s a wonderful idea, and needs just one tiny addendum to make it spectacular. Don’t just give somebody a free portrait: find a way to use your photography to change their life. To that end, hook up with one of the many photography-related charities that already exists. Examples:

  • The Heart Gallery of America. Create a network of photographers in your area to photograph children who need homes in conjunction with adoption agencies. Our PPA affiliate group, the PPNCF started one of these in conjunction with the Children’s Home Society of Florida a few years ago, and adoptions are up 40% in the counties we serve.
  • Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. This organization provides free infant bereavement photography to parents of babies who may not–or will not–leave the hospital. This one takes a strong person to participate in, as it’s an very emotional experience for all involved.
  • PPA Charities. Support Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity that has, to date, treated over 130,000 children with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities. If you don’t have time to create a free portrait session for someone, join Family Portrait Month and donate a portion of your portrait session fees to the cause.

These are just a few ideas. If you know of more opportunities to serve, we’d love to hear about them.

– Matt

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