Press Button To Blog - Why Offer Free Photography?

Even though I rarely have the free time I once did to devote myself to other worthy causes other than to myself and my family, there are few things that bring me more joy than using my skills and passion to give back to my community. In my younger days I've volunteered for all sorts of organizations, whether it's to help the homeless, animal welfare or working with disadvantaged children, I've genuinely appreciated the opportunity to lend a strong hand to those who might need it.

For me, the roots of community service date back to my childhood. When I was younger and struggling to find my footing in life due to my family situation, there were days where wee agnostic me prayed for a helping hand, that ever allusive theorhetical appendage that rarely if ever reached out with loving little finger tips. That instilled in me the importance of giving back, and I've carried that spirit with me into adulthood. It would be erring on willfully mallicious not to do what I can for others within reason when in a position to do so. Since I don't have the money or connections to do much else, I can offer my time and competence, whatever meagre value they might be worth. If I'm going to pick up a camera, I might as well see what I can do to make a positive impact in the world.

Gaining experience through trial and error is an important part of any photographer's journey (or life in general), but it's even more valuable when you get to practice in the real world with actual paying clients. While I'd love to start making money right from the beginning of this journey, very few incredibly lucky people have the talent to pull that off. So it's to the grind for me, slaving away slapping my shutter-release until I'm practiced enough to command a paycheque for my skillset.

Selfishly, who knows what connections might be made and what future opportunities might be forged by the effort put in now. Sure, a significant portion of people can be greedy bastards when given the opportunity, I'm sure there's a ton of people who could afford a professional photographer but refuse to passup the chance to save a buck, but it's the outliers I'm hoping to connect with. Someone whose gratitude might lead me to increased experience, unexpected rewards and further projects.

In previous careers and hobbies of mine, I've had the chance to meet with people from all backgrounds in a variety of industries and participated in some unique life moments, and in doing so I've learned so much about myself and the world around me for better and for worse that I can't imagine who I would be if I hadn't gone down the roads less easily travelled. And I'm curious to see where this all could take me when I put foot to path without a destination on the horizon. Sometimes when you've got nowhere to go, that's where you find something truly special.

But perhaps most importantly over either of those benefits (helping others and improving my craft), photography is simply fun to do. At least so far, when it's still an outlet for me and not the way I put bread on the table. It's a chance to express myself creatively, to explore the world from a vantage points that are unfamiliar, and to share my unique perspective with others. And when I'm able to do all of that while giving back to my community, it's a hell of a win-win for me.

Of course, offering free photography services can be a challenging task. It takes time, energy, and resources to put together a shoot or event, and it can be difficult to balance that with the demands of daily life. I have other commitments, namely having to work a full-time job to provide for my family. But I hope that the rewards (tangible or personal) far outweigh the challenges I'll face. Seeing the joy and gratitude on someone's face who truly and deeply appreciates your help makes it all worth it, and knowing that I can make a positive impact in society is an incredible feeling. You never know how much of an effect you can have until you put the muscle in. And not to brag, but I've got more brawn than the average bear...