Skip to content

Photographers and other professionals gift their talents through Help Portrait

Almost 600 participants and 100 volunteers are expected for the second annual Help Portrait Abbotsford event.
91289abbotsfordhelp1
Help Portrait sees photographers

Kelsey Klassen

Contributor

Almost 600 participants and 100 volunteers are expected for the second annual Help Portrait Abbotsford event.

Staged in more than 50 countries on the same day, a team of photographers, makeup artists and graphic designers style, shoot, edit and print free portraits onsite for people facing financial struggles.

“We’re trying to instil self-worth, make people feel special, and provide a service they wouldn’t normally be able to get for themselves,” says event co-organizer, Laura Henderson.

Hair and makeup artists will be on hand to make the day memorable, meanwhile food and drinks have been donated, and a kids’ play area set up. At the end of the appointment, clients will walk out with a printed photo and an edited CD of the entire shoot.

With studio portraits running in the hundreds of dollars, it’s no surprise that providing deserving individuals and families with a professionally photographed shoot is a popular idea. Henderson says the number of people involved has more than doubled since last year.

The bulk of appointments are scheduled, arranged though community outreach organizations like the Salvation Army and Abbotsford Food Bank, however, organizers say drop-ins are welcome.

Help Portrait is happening Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bakerview Church, 2285 Clearbrook Rd. For more info or to contribute to the event, contact helpportraitabbotsford@gmail.com.