Help-Portrait Day 2009

For the last month or so, I had been noticing a theme in the Tweets, Facebook updates, e-mails, and blogs from some friends in the Minneapolis photography scene, all centered on a movement called “Help Portrait.” Admittedly, I ignored most of it, as I have no photography skills myself.

But then “Help Portrait Day” came and went, and I began to see the pictures from it—“Wait a minute,” I thought, “are those pictures taken at Harbor Light?” Sure enough, the Minneapolis Help Portrait Community, led by photographer Jessica Barker, had chosen The Salvation Army Harbor Light Shelter as the photo shoot location.

I was immediately interested. What is Help Portrait? I googled it and quickly discovered that the goal of this worldwide movement is simple: It’s “a shift in thinking…a movement of photographers who are using their time, equipment, and expertise to give back to those less fortunate.” Instructions? 1. Find someone in need. 2. Take their portrait. 3. Print their portrait. 4. Deliver their portrait.

What a unique way to be a blessing to someone in need. This was a real opportunity for people at Harbor Light to re-establish that sense of worth that can so often be lost when it feels like you’ve hit rock-bottom. Photographer Melissa Oholendt said of the experience, “As I spent time getting to know some of the people at Harbor Light, the common theme in the conversations wasn’t hardship or sadness—it was hope.” Offering hope and healing is what The Salvation Army has been striving to do since 1865, and we’re so thankful to the Minneapolis Help Portrait Community for partnering with us in this extraordinary way.

Check out the Help Portrait site to learn more about this worldwide movement, and to see pictures and read stories from Help Portrait Day.