Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Oriël on December 1, 2010 at 2:19pm

I think, if I were to go back, I could tell you a story from every shoot, it would be the open warm loving arms, the warm smiles, the unconditional love, the kind words, the simplicity of a hug, the hold of a hand, the smile of a child or aged when they see their photo or simply taking the time to blow soap bubbles for kids who have never experienced such a "miracle"

So many people think "what's in it for me" - it's simple. LOVE be it the love for these special people, or the love for your passion (photography or hair, or whatever you volunteered your time for) it REALLY is SIMPLE!

L O V E!!!

Every single shoot has left me with a big WOW!
Wow, how lucky we are to have this opportunity!!

Take the time and give some back!

Permalink Reply by jacqueline hulme on December 2, 2010 at 1:29am

For me it was such a treat to experience this - I was so lucky to have this opportunity - it was a grand experience I shall never forget and I can't wait for next year to do it again. Last Saturday in Soweto, they made me feel like a Princess when I got out of the car - the kids ran for me and just wanted to love me me and touch me. I hope they enjoyed the morning as much as I did. I just didn't want it to end.
Thanks Stanley for organising - your the best.

Permalink Reply by Sandra Groening on December 2, 2010 at 3:02am

I did a shoot at a care point yesterday and the experience and how it has touched me is nothing close to what i'd expected! I am so humbled by this experience. The kids were happy to have a photograph taken but i'm more grateful for the opportunity to add a smile to a face. Never realised how much u could tell by looking at a face, esp through a lens - joy, happiness, saddness, hardship, illness, malnutrition...................Yes, this experience has taught me lots. Needless to say, the sunburnt arms, neck, shoulders and face are my tattoos (for a few days) of this wonderful experience. Will I do it again, YES without hesitation.............back to it on Friday.
Thanks Bro, for the getting us into this!

Permalink Reply by Candice Peetz on December 2, 2010 at 2:53pm

I was only able to attend 2 shoots and what humbling experiences.

First was Abraham Kriel, not at all what I expected to be honest. I imagined fearing for my life as I drove into some "Gheto", I guess they don’t call assumptions the mother of all “beepups” for nothing. I only have 2 words really – FLIPPEN AWESOME. I felt like a glamour photographer "shooting" mini-me gangsters and Diva's. The poses were something else and so was the arguing over who was first. And there you see how children are just children. No matter who they are, where the come from, all they want is attention, love and just a moment where they are made to feel special, pretty/ Handsome and good about themselves. I cannot remember when last I had so much fun.

The second was Bona Lesedi and this one was especially special for me. My mother, who is principal at a school for children with multiple disabilities speaks often of the kids at her school and every time I have visited her there, I see how special each one of those children are and how they to, just want to be loved and accepted. It is always a humbling experience to go there and this is why I chose Bona Lesedi. Everyone was so warm and the kids so loving. All such beautiful individuals that warmed my heart and left a mark.

This is something I would like to be doing more often. Even if it is not to take photo’s, just to give my time and spend time with people who are so worth it.

Thanks for this experience. It has been wonderful! I have met some really nice people too which has been an added bonus!

Permalink Reply by Jo Ellicott on December 6, 2010 at 2:31am

This has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I moved to South Africa almost a year ago and I never thought I would have the privilege to spend time with any of these special people. Children who are so happy and filled with wonder at a world they may never get to know, adults whose lives are full of hardship yet strive to look after their children trying to make their future brighter and ladies and gents whose old faces told a thousand tales. I almost feel guilty for getting so much out of this project but feel sure we have all made a little difference to these guys and can continue to do so by not forgetting them now. I hope some of us can continue our involvement.

Thanks to all the 'organisers', particularly to Stanley and to Jonty who has been a great help x

Permalink Reply by Janine Giannini on December 6, 2010 at 7:40am

I had the honour and privilege to take images of the little ones at cotlands hospice. i could not have been prepared for how these tiny little ones would creep into my heart. i must admit i quickly took photos, put the camera down and just spent the rest of my time on the floor playing and holding them... until nap time that is ... just as well for me. Each one was just so precious and special. The morning was an intense roller coaster of emotions, from sadness, loneliness, numbness, through to moments of happiness, joy and love. It is simply amazing how much one receives for yourself while in the act of giving ... you never expect in return but the love you experience is worth more than anyone can ask for ....
babies ... i think of you often ... and will see you soon again !

Permalink Reply by Lyndsay Barr on December 7, 2010 at 3:42am

That is so lovely Janine. I know you wanted to go back and deliver the pics. Do you want to call Venessa on 011 683 7200 to set up a time. If you are unable to I can but I know how those little ones crept into your heart.

Permalink Reply by Janine Giannini on December 7, 2010 at 6:14am

hi ...
Thanks Lyndsay....i will find out from stanley when the finished and framed pics will be ready then i can give Vanessa a call and try organise from there ...
J

Permalink Reply by Stanley-Carl du-Pont on December 7, 2010 at 7:26am

@Janine: the last set of images from this shoot came in yesterday afternoon. So they will be printed and mounted tomorrow and available for collection at the end of the day. You may go ahead and book for the delivery/presentation from Thursday 9 Dec onwards. And then please let me know what date/time is fixed.

Please use the event commewnt wall for replies and preparation for delievry of that shoot's images here: http://community.help-portrait.com/events/codp-helpportrait-olivers

Permalink Reply by Glynnis Salvado on December 22, 2010 at 4:01am

I attended the Help Portrait meeting with the objective to give back to underprivileged communities and improve my portrait photography.

What a humbling experience to see the joy on so many faces when they received their photograph.

I realised it was about so much more than just photography. Capturing the light in eyes filled with hope and excitement actually gave so much more back to me. There is no price to the experience I gained not only in photography but working with photographers who willingly imparted knowledge, seeing the lengths everyone went to to honour our commitments, collecting funds where everyone gives so willingly, seeing people in their best clothes to be photographed, and handing the beautifully framed photographs out.

Not only has my photography improved tremendously, but I see our country in a different light. Thank you Stanley, the College of Digital Photography and all that participated in Help Portrait!

Glynnis Salvado

Permalink Reply by Stanley-Carl du-Pont on December 23, 2010 at 12:13am

Thank you Glynnis for being such an active and committed member of the team. I have since lost count of the number of shoots you attended, initiated and rescued and also the many "modge-podge" sessions you laboured through with a  smile on your face. And all while you also went about the demands of your own business.

Your first and last photo session photos tell the story of the change in your portrait photography, but watching you "free-wheel" emotionally - wanting only the best for the many you reached out and for seeing the bigger need picture is just one of the many ways in which you added to the success of the project.

There are lots of beautiful photos and broad smiles out there, and that is thanks to your effort and contribution.