In my third annual article for Photoinduced, I’ll be highlighting events and organizations that we can assist with our photographic talents (and spare equipment) for those in economic,emotional and spiritual need this holiday season and also make you aware of 2 sites where you can buy wonderful fine art photography with proceeds going to various charitable organizations.

Help Portrait 2011 –

Now in it’s third year, Help-Portrait has grown into a world-wide event with over 100,000 free portraits taken by over 12,000 photographers,make-up artists & other volunteers in 54 countries with the simple premise that ” A Photo Is Worth “.
In community centers,senior citizens homes,churches and other locations nationwide on December 10th, HP will take portraits of for anyone wants one and giving it to them free of charge. For many, it will be the first real picture ever taken of them and the life changing effects of the photo will be documented with a second photo printed and HP asking the subjects to comment and/ or decorate the photo in whichever way they wish. This is an added feature of the photoshoot,encouraged by HP’s founder Jeremy Cowart along with the subjects taking some photos themselves. I’m proud again to be participating with my local photoshoot (at the Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport,CT, ably lead by photographer Keli Gramse) and would urge you (especially after you see the video) to consider helping out in some way on December 10th. For more information & to find your local HP event, go to http://help-portrait.com/

Since 1941, Rehabilitation Through Photography has provided training,direction and equipment to under served communities throughout the New York Metropolitan Area,(and beyond). RTP believes that by providing a creative platform to the physically and emotionally challenged, the elderly, at-youth, homeless and the visually impaired populations, this will both inspire and enable individuals to channel their energy in an open and expressive way.giving a sense of accomplishment that rekindles a lasting interest and enthusiasm about life. In speaking with new executive director Kelly Strantz, RTP will be embarking on a ambitious series of new programs that would serve our home coming military troops,partnering with sexual assault and domestic violence survivor groups, a new partnership with The cARTtwheel Initiative (yes, it’s spelled that way to accentuate the “ART”!) which is traveling to Sri Lanka with 35 cameras to visit 3 Happiness Centers in the former war zone of Vavuniya and conduct over 10 workshops in photography,painting, drawing and music over the course of two weeks starting this December 5th.

And RTP just partnered as well with gallop.org, a New York City organization that offers therapeutic horseback riding in the spring that leads to a big horse show in June. Besides financial contributions, RTP will also need any digital cameras (4 megapixels and above) that you can spare along with other photographic equipment and of course, a helping hand from anyone willing to help achieve the aforementioned goals. For more information, go to www.rtphoto.org .

You’ve probably looked thru Photoinduced’s Holiday Gift Guide ( if not, PLEASE scroll below!) yet, perhaps you’d like to give your special someone a fine art photograph.
Wouldn’t it be great to get the perfect print with the proceeds of the purchase going to any number of different charitable organizations?

Then you should check out collect.give, a site where photographers raise money for great causes,by using what they have: great photographs. Each selects the charity, sets the edition size and price,and pledges to donate 100% of the profits from print sales. To date, they have raised over $30,000 for a wide variety of charitable organizations.
You should also check out eat.art.org an eclectic collection of photographers, painters & designers committed to artfully ending hunger.
Whenever art or apparel is purchased from their site, meals are sent to hungry children around the world. Their slogan is simple: you get the art … the kids get to eat.

2011 was a turbulent year worldwide with natural disasters and continued economic hardships combining to result in many folks needing a helping hand. My heart has been uplifted by the charitable efforts by the above mentioned organizations as well as many many others who reach out all year long to help their fellow man. Even corporations have reached out to help, such as Fuji’s effort to help the victims of the devastating tornados in Joplin,Missouri recover their family photographs as well as various photo manufacturers banding together to help the earthquake victims in Japan & flooding victims in Thailand.

Many times, we feel that the acts of one person would not amount to much,so we don’t act ; Don’t allow that fallacy to deny you the blessing of helping one in need this holiday season & throughout the year.

Our simple acts of charity are often the most moving and substantial and in the spirit of this holiday season, the least we can do.

Many Thanks To Damon for giving me an opportunity to share this again with you.
Happy Holidays and God Bless.

And thank you Fred, for your continued, thoughtful, contributions!