Charity Head Shots in Seattle
August 9th, 2009
Published in
Photography
18 Comments
Tags: charity, headshots, portrait-photography, Seattle
The recession has meant that a large number of people have lost their jobs, and it occurred to me that many of these new job seekers would probably like to have a nice head shot of themselves to attach to linkedin profiles and similar. However, being unemployed also means not having a ton of cash to spend on frivolous things like photographers. So, I decided to give it away.
I found an ally in a local coffee shop, C & P Coffee Co., big enough to let me set up a small shooting station without laying claim to the entire café. The same venue already hosted a support group of people helping each other find new jobs, so throwing my charity project into the mix was a perfect fit.
When I’ve presented this project to others, most have been nothing but supportive and encouraging. The most common question I’ve received goes along the lines of: What’s in it for you?
Besides the feeling of having done some good for my local community, I’ll also be talking to a lot of people during the shooting, passing out as many business cards as I can. Basically, I’m advertising my services as a photographer, but of course, I will also be mentioning my other local project, the 12 Seattleites series, for which I still need more, good subjects.
Another question I’ve gotten a few times is: How do you know people won’t just come for a free headshot even if they are not unemployed? The answer is that I don’t know. I rely on people’s decency not to abuse my donated time, but at the same time, I actually encourage people to use the free portrait on social media sites etc. After all, I know people who have gotten jobs that way, so why not?
With so many people supporting the idea, it was very easy to set it up. If the session is a hit, I might consider doing it again. At this point, I want to thank C & P Coffee Co., West Seattle Blog, Nick Finck and Venkat Balasubramani for their help.
The Charity Head Shot Session is scheduled for August 25th at 11am. For this first-time trial run, I am limiting my sign-up sheet to 100 names. First come, first serve and all must be 18 years or older.
Related Posts
August 9th, 2009at 10:04 pm(#)
Ras, I love this idea! Getting out and making opportunities happen… perfect timing, and lots in it for everyone. I look forward to reading a post about how it went.
Will you be taking this on tour? Internationally? ..specifically Buenos Aires? My current headshot sucks! ;)
-Lee
August 9th, 2009at 11:17 pm(#)
Nice one Ras! My respect for your initiative.
Best,
roberto
August 10th, 2009at 8:31 am(#)
Really a nice idea Ras!
Antonio
August 10th, 2009at 8:46 am(#)
Hey, this is a great idea – you might also be able to get some to sign a model release for you, for stock :)
August 10th, 2009at 10:04 am(#)
Thank you for all the encouragement, guys.
Lee, as I recall, I already owe you a head shot.
Todd, I do have a mini-release attached to the sign-up sheet, but not for stock. I would feel that uploading these photos as stock, would be taking advantage of the participants, in a way that goes against the charity part of the project.
August 10th, 2009at 10:18 am(#)
Excellent! When shall I expect you? The guest room is ready.
August 10th, 2009at 10:30 am(#)
Don’t tempt me, mr. Torrens! :)
August 10th, 2009at 10:34 am(#)
What a gracious offer! Many people need help updating their linked in profiles with professional photos.
A note of caution: employers that have not requested a head shot from all applicants as part of their application, (i.e, media work ) it could cause a candidate to be dismissed. Photos on resumes and with applications are often a concern for an employer because they are viewed as something that could lead to claims of discrimination.
Certainly a fabulous head shot on a linked in profile or website are available to all to view, but an employer can do that on their own, without having the attached evidence related to their specific search.
Thanks again for looking out for others. Hope this information helps.
August 10th, 2009at 10:44 am(#)
Sherri, you are not the first to point out that portraits are mainly for online use.
I initially wrote, tongue in cheek, that people could attach it to their resumes. It was an unfortunate attempt at being funny, which too many people mistook for advice. Therefore, it has been edited.
August 10th, 2009at 11:11 am(#)
thanks, Ras!
August 10th, 2009at 3:54 pm(#)
Good luck Rasmus. I hope it works out for you and everyone else involved
August 11th, 2009at 10:28 am(#)
Fantastic idea Rasmus and really good of you to do it.
August 11th, 2009at 3:05 pm(#)
Wow…
Now this is thinking outside the box. Great idea!!!
Rob
August 12th, 2009at 1:00 pm(#)
Great idea, bet it will be lots of fun.
August 14th, 2009at 4:15 pm(#)
Good luck Rasmus and congrats for such a great idea!
Cheers!
August 18th, 2009at 12:03 pm(#)
I think this is an amazing idea, photographers that I have been talking to wanted nearly $300 which was just impossible for me at this time.
Would you like people to bring a CD so they can print their photos or a GS drive of any sort?
THanks!
-Ashley
August 18th, 2009at 12:59 pm(#)
Ashley: I’m glad you like the project. Participants don’t have to bring anything, except ID. All photos will be retouched after the fact and e-mailed out. As a photographer, there is just no way, I would hand over any photos without retouching them. Expect 1-2 weeks for delivery.
August 24th, 2009at 9:37 am(#)
[...] is offering free headshots for up to 100 people who are currently seeking employment. The event takes place tomorrow at C [...]