I am a high school photography teacher in Queensbury, NY, upstate. I had students volunteer to be part of Help-Portrait at The Open Door Mission in Glens Falls, NY, this was our second year there. As a teacher, the best part is seeing the impact the event has on the students. Several of them were [...]
Last year in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy that ravaged the Northeast U.S., the Help-Portrait community rallied to help victims. With donations that came in, 78 photographers and 172 volunteers were able to provide free portraits for 278 different families who were affected across four events in New Jersey and New York. Each family received [...]
Anthony Aquino, Queensbury, New York, USA: A gentleman had not heard from his son in 23 years. The Thursday before the event his son contacted him and said he would like a photograph of his father. When he arrived at the soup kitchen on Saturday, he had no idea we would be there. Photo: John [...]
Rob Loud, Long Beach, NY, USA: Many families (who attended the event) lost their homes in Hurricane Sandy. Most lost all of their old family photos. One woman told me she has been feeling down about herself lately since having her home very badly damaged. She made herself come to the event so she would [...]
"Comments like this throughout the day really made us smile and know that everything was worth it: 'If it wasn't for you people, I'd never have a picture of me with my babies. I could never afford this. God Bless you.' This is my third year and each year it's the same, great joy to [...]
From Miriam Diaz, Binghamton, NY: Many of the participants who attended our event commented on the fact that they had never had a portrait taken of themselves or their family. The looks of excitement and enthusiasm was evident on many of the faces that were present. The atmosphere was electric, and everyone including the volunteers [...]