Agency HEAT and MEDA's Help-Portrait Project

‘Tis the season for festive family portraits! After all, this spirited season is all about spreading joy, lending a helping hand, and celebrating with family and loved ones. This year, San Francisco creative agency HEAT partnered with non-profit economic development corporation MEDA for Help-Portrait – a one-day event where professional photographers (see complete list below) offer underprivileged families and individuals a family portrait that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.

 

"We're so proud of our people and volunteering their Saturday to pull this off,” says Heat President, John Elder. “Preparation for this took 3 weeks and the result was magical. Families were really surprised at the level of quality and became emotional when they received their framed photos.”

 

The event, which took place on Saturday, December 8th, was held at San Francisco’s MEDA organization and gave 65 families the opportunity to come for a portrait at a scheduled time or on a walk-in basis. They received A-List treatment as professional make-up artists and hairstylists got them picture perfect for a printed and framed holiday portrait. Family fun activities also included arts and crafts led by teachers and professional care experts. 

 

With today’s technology, a picture may seem like a very simple thing that everyone can access. But to the senior living alone or to the single mother raising her children, this portrait is a reminder of what the holiday season is all about.

 

For more information on Help-Portrait go to:  http://help-portrait.com/

 

List of photographers: 

James Chiang

Angela DeCenzo

Shaun Fenn

Hunter Freeman

Tom Hood

John McDermott

Diana Mulvihill 

Kathi Oleary

Claude Shade

Patrice Speed  

Kevin Twomey  

Hemali Acharya Zaveri