Three, two, one . . . SMILE!

Help-Portrait, a global movement to give, not take pictures

It’s the time of year when families strike a pose for a holiday portrait complete with spot-on lighting, the perfect backdrop and a top-notch photographer to capture the special moment.

Photographers from around the world, including several in Winnipeg, are making time to get snap-happy for some families who simply can’t afford those professional portraits.

“When you have to choose between food or a luxury item such as a professional picture, it’s pretty clear what come’s first,” said Winnipeg photographer Ian McCausland who is in his 10th year with Help-Portrait, a movement launched in 2008.

McCausland and thousands of his peers volunteer their time each December. Hair and make-up artists also pitch in to make the images extra special. And in Winnipeg, London Drugs processes the photographs for no charge.

“Some of these people have never seen a professional photo of themselves,” said McCausland. “When we show them the images we’ve captured, it can be quite emotional for everyone involved. It’s such a great feeling to know I have the ability—as a creative person with the right tools—to put a smile on someone’s face and document it for them.”

When we show them the images we’ve captured, it can be quite emotional for everyone involved.

Ian McCausland

Deserving families are recruited by the Indigenous Family Centre, where McCausland and his team will be at work this Saturday. The day begins with a hearty pancake breakfast to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

“We have little ones posing with their grannies, single parents with their kids and perhaps a family friend. We make them feel comfortable and everyone enjoys a lot of laughs,” he said.

Winnipeg photographer Jon Adaskin also dedicates his time to Help-Portrait. He’ll be gathering smiles at Siloam Mission where he’s seen some subjects grow up right in front of his lens.

“One girl had her photo taken when she was around eight or nine and now comes to pose with her own child,” Adaskin said.

Help Portrait was founded by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart who gathered a few photographer friends and gave away portraits to those in need. He posted his idea on social media and by 2009, 3,400 photographers and 5,000 volunteers responded and gave away 41,000 portraits in 543 locations and 42 countries around the world. Today, nearly 100,000 volunteers have collectively made half a million portraits in over 70 countries. Free of charge.