Hi Everyone,

As we're going along, we should set up a list of people who are committed to being part of this.

Of course this process isn't just about photographers, it's about everyone else pitching in and making in a true experience.

Post here if you're definitely committed to participating, and let us know if there are other people you know who want to volunteer. Whether they want to do the photography, makeup, hair, run, greet, work as an assistant, or run the post-production/printing part of it; we need all hands on deck to make this successful.

As of right now, there is a group of us pooling together to get a good sized Orlando group/location, if you want to be part of this and get email updates as well, join the Google group we set up at http://groups.google.com/group/cflhelpportrait

We'll keep posting updates here as well. Spread the word, let's pool our resources and make this happen.

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Based on some discussion on the equipment thread I've decided to update this discussion so we can focus on what exactly we need. I'm going to summarize the descriptions as they are developed through the conversations we're having.

1. Photographers - More or less the reason most of us are getting involved. From an equipment standpoint the photographer should be able to provide their own camera/lens for the shoot. It's not about the equipment ultimately (Nikon, Canon, Leica, pick your poison) it's about being comfortable with the equipment you're shooting with. The photographer should have a general knowledge of lighting the scene and above ALL ELSE be a people person. Remember, we are doing this to connect with people in need, and to use our medium to bring a message of hope to the individuals.

2. Assistants - The backbone of the process side of our endeavor. The assistants don't need to provide equipment specifically, although it's always a plus to have equipment to donate. You should be comfortable with all of the equipment on site, the stands, lights, backdrops and light modifiers so you can support the photographer in getting the right shot. I have a feeling a lot of the photographers will rotate into and out of this position.

3. Runners - We haven't figured out all of the logistics of the day yet. We're assuming we'll need some support to go back and forth between locations. If we are printing offsite, it may mean getting and dropping off prints. It may mean shuttling people around, this is the go where we need you job and an essential part of the effort.

4. Makeup/Hair/Stylists - This isn't just about the portrait. It's about making people feel special, it's about the little things that make the experience Help-"Portrait" vs. Help-"Picture." So if you're talent is bringing the best out of someone we need your support. For now, I would operate under the assumption that you won't be working with 100% of your own items. We are hoping to be able to solicit support for items that are consumable so there's not an unfair out of pocket expense for anyone.

5. Post production - Some people love it, some people hate it, but with digital photography at some point you're going to have to process your pictures through a digital workflow. Some of us use Photoshop, some (me) use Lightroom as the primary part of the workflow; whatever your poison is, we need you to support us. We'll probably have a short session with each person/family/group and we'll want to narrow down the pictures to the one we're going to print. So if you can dodge and burn with the best of them, this might be something you can help with.

6. Greeting - We want this experience to be as seamless as possible. While reading the Atlanta group, they seem to be organized to the point of a well oiled machine, to me it takes away from some of the connections to be made. Someone who wants to great should have a great enthusiasm and passion for the cause. You'll be the first face they see in our area and the first impression. Basically, this will be someone who will help manage the process, make sure everything is running smoothly and on time.

What can you do before the event?

Once we get some of the details pinned down about location(s) we are turning full throttle towards getting the message out. We want to get some media coverage so we have some clout when we ask the local companies to support H-P. We'll need something to print on, ink maybe, some groups have reached out and gotten donations of lighting equipment.

We'll need people with all sorts of strengths to help plan. Nora already volunteered to do some design work as applicable, perhaps when we get the sign off from the coallition we'll make a flier to promote it.

So now that a lot more is on paper, what are your thoughts?