The 2022 initiative in Lethbridge helped over 300 people, totalling 133 families. Organizers are prepared to help roughly 300 families this year. (Photo supplied by Steven Layton)

By Joel Mendelson

Help-Portrait initiative returning to Lethbridge

Nov 3, 2023 | 11:18 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – For the 11th year, Lethbridge area photographers will be coming together on December 2, 2023, for the ‘Help-Portrait’ initiative.

This initiative exists as a way for photographers to give back to their communities by offering free, high-quality, framed family portraits to people who might not be able to afford one during the holiday season.

It was created in 2008 by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, and is now a worldwide operation which has given out more than 381,000 portraits across 67 countries.

Event director for Lethbridge, Steven Layton said, “Our goal is to invite families that can’t afford or otherwise obtain a family portrait to come to our location each year and get a portrait given to them.”

The 2022 initiative in Lethbridge helped over 300 people, totalling 133 families. Organizers are prepared to help roughly 300 families this year.

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Participants will have the opportunity to get their hair and makeup done professionally before their portrait. They are asked to have their hair dry if they intend on having it styled as it helps speed up the process.

The program is still looking for volunteer photographers and hosts.

Layton said, “We ask that the volunteers that are volunteering for the day know that this is to give back. It’s not to build portfolios, it’s not to utilize these images later for their own gain because it is to give back to the community.”

He continued, “Although you do sign paperwork allowing us to take your photo at the event, we ask that all our photographers, at the end of the day, delete all the photos off all of their devices so that they are not used for any of their own needs. We also want to protect individuals themselves, because we do open this up to abuse centres in town, and the special needs community and we just want to make sure that we’re keeping those people safe.”

People looking to volunteer are asked to contact Steven Layton directly at 403-360-3602.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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