The Christmas season is special time for all of us. We surround ourselves with friends, family, warm homes, great food and lots of love. We are so thankful for the gifts we have in our lives and the people we get to share it with. As photographers, we get to share in this spirit throughout the year with the events and subjects we are able to photograph. It’s not only our job, but it’s our passion. But how often do we ever stop for a moment to think about the people in our communities that aren’t so fortunate? Those that never have the chance to get in front of a camera and have stunning photographs made? There are so many people around us right now that are in need of a little hope, a lift in spirit and a simple gesture of love. Especially this time of year..

Jeremy Cowart, a Nashville-based photographer, developed a movement amongst photographers around the world called Help-Portrait. It’s a means for photographers to give their time and talent back to the community to create a positive change in peoples lives. The idea is simple. Find people in need, take their portrait and deliver their photos. Help-Portrait reached out to thousands of people on December 12th, 2009 to do just that. Over 4000 photographers, stylists, assistants, video crews and volunteers donated their time, reaching countries around the world.

Yesterday, a talented group of local photographers and myself participated in a Help-Portrait event here in Appleton at the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley. We reached out to more than 30 families and residents, shooting over 250 portraits. Aside from shooting photos, we were also able to spend some time handling some much needed tasks around the shelter including cleaning, processing food donations, mailing correspondence and getting to know the residents.

I think the biggest eye-opener for us was how well our efforts were received. Most of these people haven’t had their portrait taken in years; some never at all. These folks had an opportunity to be a rockstar for the day, having make-up and hair done, getting all dressed up and having their portraits made. It made them feel full of life, excited to be in the spotlight and showed them they are beautiful, amazing folks. And I gotta say they RULED! Every single person there was a true model in front of the camera.

More importantly, we all made new friends and gave of ourselves to make a difference in the simplest of ways. I can’t imagine the global impact this may have made in the face of tough times we are currently in. I am proud to call myself a Help-Portrait photographer and grateful for all the wonderful people that came together yesterday to make this all happen. Not only here in Appleton, but around the world.

No, you won’t see any of the portraits posted here. That’s not what this is about. Yesterday was about making life-lasting memories and giving. As we were packing up to leave, one of the residents whom was initially reluctant to get in front of our cameras said, “This was one of coolest things I’ve done in a long time. It made my entire Christmas.”

Here are a few behind the scenes photos from yesterday. We shared more than enough laughs to go around!

Kim Thiel and Brett Stoddart watching the shoot.

Lisa, one of our stylists, getting some quick portraits taken during a quieter moment.

Trevor and I engaging in a little humor.

Extra huge thanks go out to Jill at the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley, Mark at Shooting Star Photo, Jeff at Badger Graphic, our stylists Lisa & Annie, Aspen Coffee & Tea, Jeremy & everyone at Help-Portrait and all the people who made donations and/or volunteered their time.

~dave