SCU Giving Back Blog
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Muhammad Ali
by Skip Cohen
The SCU "Giving Back" program really has three very important components. First, is helping to build awareness for the photographic community on programs involving photography as a way to give back to the community. In this section of the site we'll highlight videos and information on non-profits who focus on giving back through the skill set of their supporters, professional photographers.
Second, this is where we'll run posts on ways to be involved in your community. It'll be a home for guest posts and links with information on charities being supported by the photographic industry.
Third, will be finding ways to contribute to various non-profits, whether through donating time or hopefully cash.
For information how you can include a video from your favorite non-profit photo-centric charity or participate with a guest post, please email [email protected].
The SCU "Giving Back" program really has three very important components. First, is helping to build awareness for the photographic community on programs involving photography as a way to give back to the community. In this section of the site we'll highlight videos and information on non-profits who focus on giving back through the skill set of their supporters, professional photographers.
Second, this is where we'll run posts on ways to be involved in your community. It'll be a home for guest posts and links with information on charities being supported by the photographic industry.
Third, will be finding ways to contribute to various non-profits, whether through donating time or hopefully cash.
For information how you can include a video from your favorite non-profit photo-centric charity or participate with a guest post, please email [email protected].
Non-Profit Spotlight: Shelter Me Photography
by Amanda at Photodex
We recently had the opportunity to work with the amazing folks over at Shelter Me Photography. They are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to changing the way people view shelter animals through compelling, professional photographs.
Over the past 8 years they have photographed over 9.000 homeless animals in almost one hundred shelters in sixteen states. Their photos have consistently contributed to increased adoption rates, helped to find forever homes for many long-term, hard-to-place shelter residents and even prevented dogs on death row from being euthanized.
The video below was made in ProShow Producer to help spread the word about Shelter Me Photography and all the work they do. “This video helps showcase our photographs and explain our mission so beautifully. We can easily post this on our social media sites or use it at live events to drive traffic and increase awareness for our cause,” says Nanette Martin, co-founder, executive director and lead photographer at Shelter Me Photography.
We recently had the opportunity to work with the amazing folks over at Shelter Me Photography. They are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to changing the way people view shelter animals through compelling, professional photographs.
Over the past 8 years they have photographed over 9.000 homeless animals in almost one hundred shelters in sixteen states. Their photos have consistently contributed to increased adoption rates, helped to find forever homes for many long-term, hard-to-place shelter residents and even prevented dogs on death row from being euthanized.
The video below was made in ProShow Producer to help spread the word about Shelter Me Photography and all the work they do. “This video helps showcase our photographs and explain our mission so beautifully. We can easily post this on our social media sites or use it at live events to drive traffic and increase awareness for our cause,” says Nanette Martin, co-founder, executive director and lead photographer at Shelter Me Photography.
The Fisher House Program
by Skip Cohen
Here's the true fun of the Internet. This morning I was online and caught up to a photographer buddy in San Diego, Carey Schumacher. I went to her Facebook page and there was a link to the Fisher House Program and a comment from Carey about having just made a donation.
"Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe. Fisher Houses are beautiful homes, donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time - during the hospitalization for a combat injury, illness or disease."
Here's the true fun of the Internet. This morning I was online and caught up to a photographer buddy in San Diego, Carey Schumacher. I went to her Facebook page and there was a link to the Fisher House Program and a comment from Carey about having just made a donation.
"Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe. Fisher Houses are beautiful homes, donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time - during the hospitalization for a combat injury, illness or disease."
There's no such thing as doing too much for our military. Just click on their page above and you'll have a chance to read more about the work of the Fisher House Foundation and learn how you can get involved.
Josephine Herrick Project
Here's a photography based non-profit that will be new to many of you, although it was started in 1941. The Josephine Herrick Project is a non-profit organization putting cameras in the hands of people who need them most. Because of the generosity of professional photographers and leaders in the photo industry, JHP continues to offer free photography classes and equipment to New Yorkers and beyond that need a creative outlet for self-expression. For program and donation information, please visit www.jhproject.org.
The first video is a short overview, while the second one goes into some terrific history behind the project and its diversity today. Photography is an amazing tool for healing, self-expression, building self-esteem and creativity!
The first video is a short overview, while the second one goes into some terrific history behind the project and its diversity today. Photography is an amazing tool for healing, self-expression, building self-esteem and creativity!
The F.I.L.M. Project
Many of us were introduced to the F.I.L.M. Project for the first time when founder Leah Hoskins joined us at one of the Skip's Summer School programs two and a half years ago. Since then they've established themselves as a full 501 3C and have grown substantially. This year, Amanda Bragg, the new director of F.I.L.M., along with Leah, joined us at SCU's Summer Session.
In Jay Conrad Levinson's top 100 actions "guerrilla marketers" need to do is be involved in their communities. The F.I.L.M. project is another outstanding non-profit, giving you the ability to utilize your skill set to help families in need. For more information on how you can be involved visit the F.I.L.M. website.
"The F.I.L.M. Project is centered on delivering suffering families with a gift to remember their loved ones by – when it may be the furthest thing from their mind. With compassion and sensitivity each F.I.L.M. photographer can gift a beautiful family heirloom, not only to assist with the healing process, but to allow families a way to honor and cherish their loved ones for generations."
In Jay Conrad Levinson's top 100 actions "guerrilla marketers" need to do is be involved in their communities. The F.I.L.M. project is another outstanding non-profit, giving you the ability to utilize your skill set to help families in need. For more information on how you can be involved visit the F.I.L.M. website.
"The F.I.L.M. Project is centered on delivering suffering families with a gift to remember their loved ones by – when it may be the furthest thing from their mind. With compassion and sensitivity each F.I.L.M. photographer can gift a beautiful family heirloom, not only to assist with the healing process, but to allow families a way to honor and cherish their loved ones for generations."
Thirst Relief
I first met Jim Davis Hicks, founder of Thirst Relief at a WPPI show years ago. Then, when both of us were living in Ohio, he made the trip up to Akron a few times and we talked about the challenges in the industry along with charitable causes. In the "About" section of Thirst Relief, just the first two sentences of their mission statement says it all...
Thirst Relief International is a water development organization working to improve access to safe water in nine countries worldwide. Founded in 2005, Thirst Relief works with its implementing partners to launch and sustain water projects in impoverished rural areas and urban slum communities.
Thirst Relief International is a water development organization working to improve access to safe water in nine countries worldwide. Founded in 2005, Thirst Relief works with its implementing partners to launch and sustain water projects in impoverished rural areas and urban slum communities.
Over the years Thirst Relief, beyond their goal to make the world a better place with safe water, has worked hard to become one of the more photo-centric non-profits starting with their Mentor Auction for photographers. In addition, when watching the video you should recognize several familiar faces from the professional side of photography.
PPA Charities
SCU's Giving Back program is all about ideas to help you in your community in finding ways to give back. Some of the programs we feature are large national programs, while others are dreams in their infancy.
Sixteen years ago, president of PPA, Bert Behnke had a dream and founded PPA Charities. This year they're supporting Operation Smile. To understand why PPA Charities has chosen Operation Smile to be its charitable partner, take a moment to view "The Founder's Video."
To find out more about ways you can get involved helping PPA Charities, just visit their website.
Sixteen years ago, president of PPA, Bert Behnke had a dream and founded PPA Charities. This year they're supporting Operation Smile. To understand why PPA Charities has chosen Operation Smile to be its charitable partner, take a moment to view "The Founder's Video."
To find out more about ways you can get involved helping PPA Charities, just visit their website.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
by Bob Coates
Around 2005 when I first heard of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) and their mission to provide families suffering early infant loss with professional portraiture, I was stopped cold in my tracks thinking, "There is NO way I could ever do that!" This is a common reaction by people. You usually need some time to process the amazing gift you can give families through this service.
I saw Sandy Puc speak about this a year later and heard her heartfelt words, "How can I not do this?" I decided to give photographing the sessions a try. The letters I receive from the families served made me realize how important the images are to their healing process. It moved me so much I became a NILMDTS photographer. Then a NILMDTS Trainer, Board Member for 2 years and more.
Many photographers are looking for ways to give back to their communities. Becoming a NILMDTS photographer is a great way to start. Often photographers say they'd like to get involved, but feel it's too emotional and they'll cry. If you don't cry now and then you probably shouldn't be photographing sessions. If you're interested in becoming a NILMDTS photographer give it a try. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact headquarters [email protected] or me directly, [email protected].
Bob Coates is a member of the SCU faculty and we couldn't be more proud to have him on board. He's teaching this summer in Chicago at SCU's Summer Session and you'll find more about him on his faculty page along with some great advice for photographers.
Whether you think you'd like to get involved or not, spend the next five minutes and watch the newest NILMDTS video. It'll give you a terrific idea of the power you have as a professional photographer and the ability you have to help people capture their most important memories.
Around 2005 when I first heard of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) and their mission to provide families suffering early infant loss with professional portraiture, I was stopped cold in my tracks thinking, "There is NO way I could ever do that!" This is a common reaction by people. You usually need some time to process the amazing gift you can give families through this service.
I saw Sandy Puc speak about this a year later and heard her heartfelt words, "How can I not do this?" I decided to give photographing the sessions a try. The letters I receive from the families served made me realize how important the images are to their healing process. It moved me so much I became a NILMDTS photographer. Then a NILMDTS Trainer, Board Member for 2 years and more.
Many photographers are looking for ways to give back to their communities. Becoming a NILMDTS photographer is a great way to start. Often photographers say they'd like to get involved, but feel it's too emotional and they'll cry. If you don't cry now and then you probably shouldn't be photographing sessions. If you're interested in becoming a NILMDTS photographer give it a try. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact headquarters [email protected] or me directly, [email protected].
Bob Coates is a member of the SCU faculty and we couldn't be more proud to have him on board. He's teaching this summer in Chicago at SCU's Summer Session and you'll find more about him on his faculty page along with some great advice for photographers.
Whether you think you'd like to get involved or not, spend the next five minutes and watch the newest NILMDTS video. It'll give you a terrific idea of the power you have as a professional photographer and the ability you have to help people capture their most important memories.
HeartsApart.org
The video is almost two years old, but it's still one of my most favorite and so appropriate to be the first one in the Giving Back Center. This is a group of photographers who live by the expression "pay it forward." For more information visit HeartsApart.org.