What started out as a project with a passion for imaging, has taken Marc down various paths and into other non-profit events.  Each event you participate in leads to other events and they all keep growing and elevating the quality of your images and sometimes even your life!

A year ago I started the Akron Photowalk Group to do your typical photo walks around Akron.  We just did our second one a few weeks back.  Had a great turnout and several met for dinner afterwards.  Sometimes that’s my favorite part.  Got to meet some really good people, which to me is what it’s all about.  

On our site I write a blog talking about what we do, but also trying to give people ideas about what they can do beyond a walk.  Last weekend I wrote one about the Charity Fest that you wrote about and suggested that people come up with ideas that we can do as a group or individually.  Anything to give back to the community.  So I was pleasantly surprised when one of your new walkers wrote back to say she’d been involved with volunteer groups for twelve years and thought for sure we could come up with some things, so we are going to meet for lunch soon.

She went on to say that the local Alzheimer’s Association is holding their annual gala this Friday at the Fairlawn Country Club. To shorten this story, I was put in touch with the director and I will be attending their function Friday night to photograph the event as one of my give backs. I’ve done this before with the local Red Cross Chapter and always get way more out of it then I can possibly give.   Mark Braun, May 5, 2010  about.

“Don’t expect anything in return, the smiles are well worth it!”

Thank you Joel for what you’re doing in your community and for sharing it with us during Charity Fest!

I started my business 2.5 years ago. My son was born in February 2007 with a heart condition and needed open heart surgery when he was 7 days old. He got through it like a little champ after 8 hours on the table. By the time he was 4 months old, we were told by the hospital he no longer needed any medications and he was well on his way to a complete recovery.

On that day, I was changing his diaper and telling him we had great news about his condition.   While talking I was telling him that the best gift I wanted to give him was to encourage him to follow is dreams in life. I did not care if he became a florist or doctor as long has he did it with passion. I started to listen to myself talk and took the decision right there to leave my 11 year career and open my studio…by September 2007 Élyxstudio opened (Élyx beeing my son’s name).

Ever since I opened I’ve worked my butt off cause I had little money, a house, a son, a wife with a job that could not support us and normal debts for an early 30’s guys. The road has been so rough,but so gratifying. Even when my wife lost her job, somehow we made it through.

Along the way, I took the decision to help out different causes that were important to me. First, there is a foundation called “La fondation en coeur” which helps out parents with kids who have heart problems. They helped us out for Élyx when he was born and I have been giving back by photographing all their fund-raising events that need coverage. They put on a bike race, activities for kids etc. I also shot an ad for them that went in a French Canadian cycling magazine. I don’t have money that I can invest, but giving them my time and my photos, I’m happy to do it.

I also decided to associate myself with a local organization that takes young athletes (from a very young age) and provides different services and guidance to them free of charge to help them get to the highest levels of their sports. They help them get to the Olympics, to the Canada games etc. I’ve been shooting different sports, events and other things for them free of charge to help them promote their organization and get funding for the athletes. The Canada games are coming to my city in 2013 and we are working on a project to photograph the kids and teens who are sponsored by this organization so the public will get to know them and encourage them.  Also with the way it’ll be done, we are going to connect these kids with local business so they might get some sponsorship.

My business is growing and this year I’ll finally be profitable. After all the efforts I put in, finally, I’m there. This will let me think of new ways to help out different causes.  I always said to myself that if I can help people along the way, I’ll be glad to do it and it feels even better than I thought it would.

So that’s my story. If it motivates someone to give back, I’ll be very happy. Don’t expect anything in return, the smiles are well worth it! Joel Séguin, April 30, 2010

About three months ago a group of friends and I were discussing how we could “give back”, we wanted to do something different, we came up with the idea to photograph families of soldiers serving overseas and then sending the soldiers the pictures. As I began sending out emails to the Utah National Guard, Air Force and Military, something much bigger happened, and has become the single most rewarding thing I have had the opportunity to work on.

I received an email from a contact at the Utah National Guard asking me if I would be interested in photographing the soldiers and their families during their deployment. 11 of us went to a deployment in March and Photographed 87 soldiers and their families.   It was 2 of the most humbling and emotional hours I have ever had as a photographer.

The reality of what the soldiers and their families are giving up really hit home when I took a picture of a soldier with his 4 month old daughter, the same age as my youngest.   He placed an American flag in her hand and cried as I took his picture. Each photographer involved called me the day of the deployment asking if they could be involved again. Everyone had the same awesome experience.

Working with a local print shop, I delivered 2 4×6’s of each family to the Utah National Guard, one for the soldier and one for the family. I was honored to be able to meet the General and was able to talk about future deployments, all of which I am hopeful to be involved in. As fate would have it, the unit I took pictures of was my fathers unit when he served in the military!   Sometimes you can’t help but be amazed at how things work out.    In June we hope to be going to a deployment of 300 soldiers and we are in talks to photograph the same soldiers when they return. Brady Withers May 3, 2010

This is all about photographers giving back.  Organized by Bob DiCaprio, the event is bringing the local professional community together for an educational event.  It’s cause-related marketing with a very specific goal in mind, photographers helping another photographer.  And, in the process one of my most favorite people on the planet, Dave Junion, is involved along with Michigan photographer, Steve Ragland.

Nick, thanks for sharing the information about the event!

I read your post (albeit this morning) and thought that it was perfect timing.  I work for my dad, who has owned and operated a lab in Rhode Island for 20 years in September, (wasn’t meant entirely as a plug but to give you a frame of reference for me).  One of the photographers in our state has recently had a very significant life changing event, his wife was diagnosed with ALS.  He and his family will be moving back to be closer to her family in Texas, but a group of photographers close to him have organized a charity event and it was a touching reminder of how great the photo industry can be.  

The best part of Charity Fest, for me, is that I get to talk to lots of new photographers and in turn, introduce them to other professionals who seem to have a common interest or goal.   Last year at Skip’s Summer School, Tasra Dawson, presented an exciting project she’s doing in Atlanta involving Teen Identity.  So, the next logical step was to put Mollie in touch with Tasra.  

Photographers like Mollie and Tasra have a very special quality.  The common denominator is their “giving gene” and the simple expectation that they’re going to make the world a better place, one subject at a time! 

George Bernard Shaw once said, 

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.”

Meet Mollie Tobias…

Something new that I am doing this year is a project called “Write your Cinderella story”.  It is pretty small this year since it is the first trial run, but I am hoping to be able to find community partners and make it even bigger over the next few years. 
     The concept is a contest open to girls who are high school seniors.  To enter girls write a 250 word essay on the topic “What is the biggest obstacle that you have had to overcome and what positive choices did you make that allowed you to succeed?”  This year’s winner is a young lady who has battled learning disabilities and is using the knowledge and strategies she has learned to go to college.   She wants to learn how to help other people with similar disabilities reach their goals as well.
     This year’s winner is getting a make-over with hair and make-up, a super model photo shoot and dinner for two before she heads off to the prom.  Next year I would like to be able to have a dress donated as well as transportation and be able to extend the contest to all of the high schools in the area.
      I wanted to find a way to help girls who may not be able to attend prom without singling them out.   I didn’t want to make it seem like a handout, so the contest is my way of encouraging girls to make smart decisions in their lives and rewarding them for taking control of their futures.  Mollie Tobias April 29, 2010

At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.  We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.’

Hungry not only for bread — but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing — but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks — but homeless because of rejection.   Mother Teresa

Yup, he’s quoting Mother Teresa this morning, and hopefully it gets you thinking about how important it is for you to give back - not just as a photographer, but any business in a community.   “Cause-Related Marketing” isn’t a dirty word unless you’re a miserable person and just using charitable acts to fulfill your need for greed!  And, if you are, you’re sure not going to bother reading further anyway!

The bottom line is you’re looking for the community to be good to you, so you’ve got to be good to your community.   The wonderful aspect about being a professional photographer is simply how many different things you can do to give back that utilize your skill set and a little time – that’s all, just a little time.

 Jeremy Cowart proved that with his vision for Help-Portrait, which has become an incredible example for how photographers can give back.

Charity Fest II starts on Monday – but I need your stories to share.   No project is too small.  Any way you’re able to give back as a photographer is going to help get other photographers think more about what they can do in their communities and in the end, as trite as it may sound, we make the world a better place.  Send them to skip@mei500.com and thanks for helping!

Happy Saturday everybody – make it a great one!

Yesterday, within minutes after my 2:00 am posting, I had two photographers already committed to sharing different ideas in their communities, one in the Carolina’s the other in Rhode Island. You’ll hear about their respective projects next week.

So come on you guys – I’d love to make Charity Fest really worth the read, starting on Monday, but I need your input.  Remember, this is about giving back – not how big a noise you made – even the smallest of contributions has a huge voice!

And Jen, thanks for reminding us where our priorities should be!

It is only 11:30 my time…but, like many photographers, I’m glued to my computer getting loads of work done.

First off-I am excited for Skip’s Summer School, once again.  It is like a mini, much less crowded, more hands-on WPPI, but PACKED with educational opportunity.

Secondly- charity is a topic that is close to many of our hearts.  I appreciate that it is in the limelight.  Any act of kindness, like a free session for a family in crisis, or not charging for services when the family is having particular challenges, will always be remembered.  I think that we need those who are going through hard times as much as they need us.  It keeps us mindful that we are one big world family and what happens to one, happens to all of us.

Fantastic blog, Skip.  I hope you had a restful sleep. 

Here’s the big issue that’s keeping me awake…there’s so much cool stuff going on and I can’t stop thinking about it.  Think about how you felt before your first wedding/portrait or commercial shoot.  A better analogy is a little kid on Christmas Eve, having to go to bed and knowing morning is just around the corner.

So, come on guys, what are the tricks of the trade my fellow insomniacs use to get to sleep?  How do you shut off the excitement of the day?

Like so many of us in the photographic industry I’m working harder than I ever have in my life, but there’s the biggest smile on my face almost all the time, because whatever decisions I make each day, they’re mine.  Maybe we need a giant chat room for photographers who can’t sleep and we’ll start our own “midnight madness” program!

So, here’s an idea coming out in the middle of the night…May 1st last year MEI was incorporated.   Two of my most favorite events of the last year have been Summer School and Charity Fest here on the blog.  Summer School is already in place for this August, but I think it’s time to do another Charity Fest.

Here’s the concept – I’m looking for guest blogs from all of you on great things you’re doing in support of your community, various non-profits and charities.  And I’m also looking for other companies who are giving back like Pictage  has been doing.  Doug Gordon told me not long ago about the incredible amount his company has given to local charities and I was blown away.

Charity Fest last year brought out some amazing stories with a wide variety of different concepts, from working with your kid’s local school to NILMDTS and everything in between…send me your stories and while there’s no guarantee every single one will get published, you’ll have a chance to help thousands of other photographers who just don’t know how to get started with their own program of giving back to their community.  And if you have trouble writing it yourself or explaining it in print, send me a phone number and I’ll call you and we can write it together!

I’d love to launch Charity Fest again for a week – all guest stories, each one different and posted on this blog, but I can’t do it without you…send them to skip@mei500.com  and remember, it’s not about how much you’re giving back, it’s about the passion for helping people and no project is too small to talk about. 

Anybody else have a change jar, where you throw your loose change every night?  Well, all those pennie, quarters, dimes and nickels really add up when you finally empty the jar – in the same way, all the things so many of you are doing add up and creates an incredible contribution photographers are making back to society!

Thanks…now I think I can get back to sleep!

PS And if there’s a typo here – don’t tell me – half asleep it all sounded good!  hehehe

Years ago I had the opportunity to hear Jay Conrad Levinson speak. Known best as the originator of the expression “Guerilla Marketing”, he talked about the top 100 things Guerilla Marketers need to do.  At the very top of the list was “be involved in your community and charities”.   Why?  Because, people like to buy products from companies they perceive as giving something back.

It’s cause-related marketing at its best and it helps build your brand beyond just being a photographer.  Let’s face it, you’re looking for the community to be good to you.  So, what are you doing to be good to your community?

I’ve had a lot of guest posts from professional photographers all involved in various charities.  I ran “Charity Fest” and posted a week of great ideas from all over the country on how photographers were using their skills to make the world a better place.  And, by “world”, I’m not talking about planet earth – just your corner of it.  Obviously some projects were much bigger than others, but the point is, these were photographers who went ahead and did something, instead of just talking about it.  

In a previous blog I wrote,  

By my calculations, (and trust me, these numbers will rarely match what you hear quoted from PPA or PMA) there are approximately 260,000 professional photographers in the United States, when you combine both part time and full time  involvement.  While that’s not a very big industry, imagine the impact we could have if EVERYBODY made it a point to give something back, especially when you add in all the manufacturers, associations and conferences.”

Note: I've updated that number and believe it's closer to 300,000.

Finding a charitable cause in your community couldn’t be easier, but you have to take the time.  Just read the local paper.  What’s going on in your community?  If the school tax bill didn’t pass, then the arts are going to suffer, starting with the yearbook, photo club, newsletter etc.  All, perfect matches for you to lend a hand as a professional photographer.

Is there an event coming up that might need your skills as a photojournalist?  Everything from a walkathon to organizations like Kiwanis, Rotary and Exchange Club all have a major charity drive each year.

Check with your local hospital, police force, fire-fighters – they always need help and they always have an event they’re sponsoring.  Then there are great organizations like Big Brother and Big Sister.

Within the photographic community, there’s NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep) and Thirst Relief, both taking two completely different approaches to serious issues and both being run by photographers totally dedicated to helping make the world a better place.   And let’s not forget PPA Charities, founded over ten years ago by Bert Behnke, I’m proud to have been one of the original members of the team along with Helen Yancy, Steve Troup, Dennis and Lori Craft, just to name a few.

The importance of giving back isn’t about how big the charity is or even how much you’re able to help – it’s simply that you do help and by helping you raise awareness for the cause and yourself as a member of the community!

I’m more a marketing guy than I am a photographer, but I am photographer groupie.    I’m fascinated by what all of you have chosen for your career.  I love seeing the images you capture and create.  It’s a kick to hear the enthusiasm when you come back from a wedding, an event or a project and you know you nailed it!  I can’t help but empathize over the stress you’re under in a tough economy, while still trying to keep up with all the changes in technology.

While I appreciate the comments from so many of you, including Julie,  thanking me for giving you a venue to share your experiences, the truth is, the “thanks” goes from me to all of you and from all of the manufacturers and associations you support.   Everything you do is a contribution to an industry I love dearly.  So many of you understate the service you provide, the joy you bring to every family you photograph and the impact of working so hard to give a little back.

As you lay out your plans for next year, remember there’s no such thing as a charitable cause too small.  The issue is simply giving back.   And, along the way, when you hit the wall and just run out of ideas, when frustration trumps the joy of creating, when the economy trumps your enthusiasm…put your camera down and spend a day with a friend!  Step away, clear your head, recharge your battery, sign up for a seminar you know you’ll enjoy and most important of all:  utilize your network.