Back: (Page 1) A Photojournalist's Revelation
During my stay in China, I met a group of individuals who were articulate, sensitive, kind, and professional. Best of all, I made new friends with people who challenged my views, and presented me with new perspectives. China helped me realize how little I actually knew about Asia! Because Mr. Nair and I had time to become acquainted (albeit via the internet), I trusted that I was in good hands with him and his people at GIFT. Trust is key when developing sustainable relationships. Furthermore, I was passionate about the mission of GIFT; my photographs reflect my respect and care for the people I worked with. These two details are important when deciding upon a worthy cause to support.
I returned to New York excited and energized about my work. I was not paid to work with GIFT; yet I did have the opportunity to experience life half-way around the world - priceless. Based on this experience, I intend to continue contributing my skills and services to worthy causes, locally and internationally. There are many causes that rely on the skills of talented photographers to give them a face. Wedding photography can be a particularly controlled medium. Photographers can increase their creative sensitivities by contributing their time and skills to supporting non-profit organizations.
As wedding photographers and photojournalists, we can continue advancing our craft and finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. Below is a list of 10 commitments that wedding photographers are making to support worthy causes:
Contributing services to work with local or international non-profit groups in order to spread awareness about issues such as: world hunger, global warming, women’s rights, poverty, and literacy.
Donating a portion of their proceeds to charity (usually between 3-10 percent). Fine Art photographers may also donate a portion of proceeds from print sales.
Offering their services at a discounted rate, or FREE of charge to a wedding couple who simply cannot afford a photographer’s rates. This practice is more common than you may suspect.
Sponsoring local community events for children and the elderly. These photographers may also volunteer their studio space to host community events such as: book clubs, band practices, or live events.
Eco-friendly photographers are beginning to use solar chargers for their batteries, and portable electronic devices. Some photographers may often limit or refrain from using strobe or flash lighting equipment, in an effort to minimize their consumption of energy.
Minimizing paper consumption by emailing PDF files, and using online word processing programs for important forms. This also saves on postage, and reduces the downtime between contract signing and deposit.
Seeking out weddings that reflect cultural diversity, and exposes the photographer to a new social environment.
Volunteering at local community center or school to teach photography.
Donating older equipment (cameras, computers, lenses, etc.) to educational art programs.
Using Kiva.org to send a small loan to a person with a business idea in a developing nation.
Today it is very common for socially conscious wedding photographers to make two or more of these pledges. I am happy to report that I have made the commitment to photograph at least one personal project every month. I would like to further develop my worldview by reading international news, and staying on top of current events. After all, the role of the photographer is to tell a story. Developing a worldview, and understanding the issues that influence our societies is important. This allows us to better serve our client’s needs; furthermore it also enhances our creative capacity as artists.
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