HELP-PORTRAIT IN WATERLOO DECEMBER 10
Photographers across the world share their skills with those in need
Photographers across the world share their skills with those in need
by Helen HallKitchener Citizen
“A portrait! What could be more simple and more complex, more obvious and more profound.” French poet Charles Baudelaire,1859.
While we often think of sharing food and gifts with those in need at Christmas, what about the idea of sharing something as uncomplicated yet powerful as a photograph?
Help-Portrait is a global movement of photographers using their time, gear and expertise to give back to those in need.
On December 10th for the past three years, photographers from around the world have taken photographs for free for people who can’t afford to have a portrait done.
Their goal is to help families or individuals feel the dignity and self-worth that comes from having a photograph of yourself and those you love.
Scott Ferrede of Core Photography is joining the movement this year, and will be setting up a studio at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex on December 10th from 9am to 5pm. The complex is located at 101 Father David Bauer Drive.
“It’s pretty much a worldwide event now,” said Ferrede, with over 10,000 photographers participating from 56 countries including Australia, Indonesia, Germany and China.
The idea is simple: find someone in need, take their portrait, print their portrait and give it to them.
Each person who comes to Help-Portrait day will receive an 8 x 10 photo for free.
Ferrede and fellow Core photographer Mike Good have been busy organizing the event.
“It is amazing the number of people who have volunteered their support,” Ferrede said.
Volunteers will be on hand to register people, and others to do hair and makeup. Ferrede has received a donation of photographic paper and ink to print the portraits from Henry’s Camera Shop in Waterloo.
Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran helped arrange the Waterloo Recreation Centre as the location for Help-Portrait.
Ferrede has encouraged others who have offered to volunteer to find someone who would benefit from Help-Portrait and bring them to the Rec Centre on December 10th.
Ferrede has been in contact with community organizations such as YWCA’s Mary’s Place to let them know the opportunity is there to have portraits done of individuals or families. They have also put up flyers in Kitchener and Waterloo.
This is the first time Core Photography has participated in Help-Portrait day, and Ferrede has no idea how many people will participate.
“I have a good feeling though that there will be a good response,” he said.
“I want it to be fun. I want people to enjoy themselves and I want them to walk away with a smile on their face,” Ferrede said.
To learn more about the Help-Portrait movement, visit their website at www.help-portrait.com or Core Photography at www.core-photography.com.
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