The photographer releases the shutter and the flash goes off, while the subject smiles. This may seem like an everyday occurrence with friends or family; however, for the less fortunate, photos of themselves or their families are hard to come by.
This is exactly what Help Portrait Raleigh intends to provide, an event put on by Austin Simmons, a junior in graphic design, along with Andrew Vanover , a senior in communication.
The Help Portrait movement is three years old, according to Simmons, and is designed to provide free photography for those who would not usually have the opportunity for such luxuries.
“We don’t turn anyone away,” Simmons said, “however, we are kind of targeting underprivileged families or people who don’t have access to photography. We don’t advertise the event as free photography.”
Simmons and Vanover are avid photographers and carry their cameras wherever they go.
“I think when you become aware that not everyone has access to photography, you realize how you take it for granted and realize the true beauty of capturing an image,” Simmons said.
“The event can be as big as you want it,” Simmons said.
Simmons and the other coordinators are looking to expand the scope of service of Help Portrait Raleigh.
According to Simmons, the event will host 10 professional photographers, professional hair stylists, professional barbers and even a professional Santa Claus. Once people walk in, a volunteer will greet participants and will then guide them through the entire process. From getting their hair styled to the printing of the photo, the volunteer is with them for the entire process.
According to Simmons, about 80 percent of volunteers are students from N.C . State. Additionally, other volunteers come from Meredith and UNC-Chapel Hill.
While participants are waiting for the prints of their portraits, they have the opportunity to participate in a “What are you thankful for” Christmas tree, according to Simmons, where they can write down something they are thankful for and hang it on the tree.
According to Vanover , the cost of the project is only a few hundred dollars. This is due to the consistent support from the surrounding community. Whether it is a professional photographer or a business in Cameron Village, the local community played an important role in the production of this project, according to Vanover .
T-shirt sales at the event help offset the cost. The sale allows the coordinators of the event get back the money they put in.
“We never try to come out positive,” Vanover said, “but we do try to come out even”.
Most of the support came through word of mouth, according to Vanover . Through the network of local photographers and stylists, according to Vanover , the idea behind the event was spread throughout the community, which generated most of the volunteer support.
Whether it is students from rivaling schools or professionals with different backgrounds, Help Portrait Raleigh provides the space for a community to come together.
