Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Christmas approaching soon. For many of us who have disposable income we spend it on cameras and related stuff, that's why we are here on this forum. Yet, quality cameras/DSLR quality cameras still cost a couple hundred dollars and are out of reach for many families who are not doing so well. This is also true for homeless kids, teens and orphans. Plus, it takes a lot of time (which these folks do not have) to acquire such photographic skills.

I wanted to ask if anyone here would be interested in donating their time to take family portraits or homeless teens for the holidays? If there is enough interest I would try to connect with a organization such as The Covenant House and ask if we could take Christmas photos for them. Yeah, a picture has no monetary value but it has sentimental value. And who knows, perhaps these teens and families would treasure these portraits for years to come ...

I am just throwing this idea out there. Anyone who is interest are more then welcome to make suggestions.

Cheers!

I second this, I can spare a Sunday to do this.
It would be nice if we could set up a couple of portrait stands at a location/venue/studio.

Great Idea

i think there is an organization that sets these up. Check around. Might be easier to work/volunteer with them because they have the organization already set up.

You are right! Thanks for the tip! I'll search around Do you have any tips for me on how to hookup with them?

Cheers!

I was thinking of volunteering to do this at Sick Kids last Xmas but couldn't work it out. I can't recall the name of the group. But maybe google sick kids and portraits, etc. you might get lucky

The foundation that specializes in that is Flashes of Hope. http://www.flashesofhope.org/

I believe they go through a screening process before letting you photograph the kids, but it is a good place to start.

Or try this one - but they want a $25 membership fee.

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/join_our_network/

What an inspiring thread!!

There is something like this going on during Dec 10 by http://help-portrait.com/. Not sure what the Toronto group is doing, since they seem to be "at capacity".

Thank you for everyone who has replied and sent me a private message

I have connected with Nellie's and we are in the initial stages of discussing the logistics, locations, etc. etc. I have also relayed the conversation to my camera club and the executives/board are discussing it if it will be a club sanctioned or a private event hosted by a member (informal event). I am waiting for the reply from the camera club and see how many people we can pull together.

If you are still interested, please sent me a private message and I will keep you posted on the progress. I think this is going to take off!

Cheers!

Just spoken with the camera club people. They will not make it an official club sanctioned event.

How is everyone's schedule on a Saturday afternoon? Say December 10 around 5 or 6? Please get back to me ASAP so I can relay the information back to Nellie's.

Anyone want to volunteer or can find a volunteer to be St. Nick?

I could do 4-5:30

Totally in. Keep me in the loop please. asadikhan@gmail.com

Totally in. Keep me in the loop please.

I have just e-mail Nellie's for December 10, Saturday between 4-6PM. It will happen at Nellie's.

Here is the thing. We need people to do different things and rotate. First of all, we need a Santa. I already have a friend and she wants to be an elf

We also need someone to man the editing and printing station so the kids can have their photos immediately instead of waiting for it in the e-mail and then have Nellie's pay for printing.

I have a member here who will be donating 100+ sheets of 4 x 6 sheets of Canon inkjet paper which means we will need someone to bring in a Canon printer and also some one to bring a laptop. To whoever is bringing the printer, please bring with you the receipt for buying the ink so you can be reimbursed

Thanks

Sorry, does anyone have umbrellas or a softbox they can bring?

Ideally 2 umbrellas, one light (no umbrella) or one softbox.

Thanks

I FOUND A SANTA AND TWO ELVES!!!!!

PRINTING AND EDITING TAKEN!

BACKDROP AND LIGHTING IS DONE!

Raindeer?

PS. Count me in. But not for the raindeer.

Thanks Yankee Charles sure will! Can I count on your support to dress up as a Yankee? Like a New York Yankee? LOL

Updates? Still on? It's this coming Sunday, right?

You guys are amazing!

-too bad that I didnt see this thread until now. Sunday and saturday I am working 8:30-7pm at local church.


Good to see we can use photographic skills and knowledge to help others feel warm and loved in this season!

Looking forward to see what you guys are doing to the community.

Keep up the good work guys!

It's Saturday December 10 between 4-6PM. We will be meeting at Nellie's. The website and address is here : http://www.nellies.org/index.cfm?linkId ... inlinkid=5

If you wish to participate just show up and ask for Jenna and that you are part of the group

If you will be coming, please PM me for my cellphone so we can chat

Thanks again! It is happening

Christmas 2011 - Where Strangers Become Family

With a little (a big help actually) help from my friends Christmas 2011 is yet to become the most memorable and meaningful yet! Yes, it is still weeks away as I write this but I already feel the true spirit of Christmas.

Up until now Christmas has mostly been about ME ME ME and wondering what I will be getting from family and friends. As a young teenager the most sought after gift was toys in the form of PlayStation games, electronics and such. As a young adult what I really prized in gifts from family and friends was money of course! What else?!?!? Duh!!!

This year is totally different. It was not the newest PlayStation game, neither was it the newest bad ass Sony NEX-7 camera I have been eyeballing, nor was it a pile of cash. The greatest gift I got was the kind assistance of friends dressing up in goofy outfits, handing out candy canes and photographing other people in a woman's shelter!

I wish I could share those pictures here but that would violate the privacy, safety and security of the women and children we photographed. Regardless, I still remember their smiles, their laughter and children running around. I felt like these women and children were my family who invited me into their homes to take family photos. It was such a joy!

Thank you friends for your generosity, time and effort in making this happen! Because without you none of this would happen. You have definitely taught me a very very valuable lesson - that is great things can happen when people come together and that it is so so easy to make someone happy. It does not require a trip to the moon or a 10 carat diamond ring from Tiffany. All it takes is a genuine desire to give with no intentions whatsoever.

Although they will never see this, but, thank you said woman's shelter for letting us into your home and into your lives for a brief moment and sharing your beautiful smiles with us! You will be remembered and the experience you gave me is the greatest Christmas gift yet!

Somewhere I read that the greatest joy of life was to share! Now I understand!

It was an awesome day and was more then happy to help and can't wait to do it again next year!

Absolutely Gavin! Thank you for your help and bringing your awesome friend to setup the amazing lighting and shooting. It is much appreciated Can't thank you guys enough!

Anytime, that is what friends are for and next year shall be even more spectacular!

Indeed Sir!!! We have to make it better each year!

I just wanted to thank Black's Photography at Markville Mall for their very very generous donation of 30 8 by 10 prints and 25 4 by 6 prints along with cardboard frames for this project. Your kindness in giving back to the community is much appreciated. I will make sure your head office knows about your contribution to making everyone's Christmas a delightful, happy and joyous one!