Philanthropy with a Camera

Use your camera and save the world. It sounds too good to be true, or even overly simplistic. But there are ways to give using photography; you can make a difference. Here are some ways that you can not only give back during the holiday season, but all- year-round:
Most of you are familiar with Pin Ups for Pitbulls (pinupsforpitbulls.com), but if you’re an animal lover, there’s HeARTS Speak (heartsspeak.com), an organization that will put photographers in touch with local shelters to provide photographs that elicit an emotional response, and hopefully get the animals adopted faster.

Let’s not forget that there are still soldiers deployed overseas who not only miss their families, but also important milestones, and holidays. Operation: Love Reunited (oplove.org) connects photographers with military members and families who are getting ready for a deployment, currently deployed, or coming home. Participating photographers must waive all sitting fees, offer at least a 4x6 album with fifteen final images, and shoots must have a patriotic theme.

Then there are the families whose experience of having a baby is marred by losing a child. You can help grieving families achieve closure by documenting the precious moments available with a dying baby, or a stillborn. Interested photographers must complete an application, and offer all images on CD/DVD with copyright release. Do not let lack of training prevent you from applying; Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (nowilaymedowntosleep.org) offers training online and a support forum.

Long periods of unemployment during this economic downturn can trigger bouts of depression and low self-esteem. If someone doesn’t feel good about themselves, it can be hard for them to sell themselves to a potential employer. There are also families too poor to afford professional photos of their family. That’s where HELP Portrait (help- portrait.com) comes in. Interested photographers sign up at the community site to look for local events. If there isn’t one in your area, you can start your own.

You don’t even have to be a photographer to get in on the good will. Simply buy a print from Photographers Without Borders (photographerswithoutborders.net) from the featured galleries showing prints from all over the world, and the funds are donated to education charities .

Bodacious Betty
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