The Documentary Photographer

Some of the people who made Help Portrait 2009 happen in Cork, along with a couple of the people who came to have their portrait taken. (c) Roger Overall 2009

As I type this I’m sitting by the fire with my 4-year-old daughter watching Toy Story 2, while my wife is making a terrific shepherd’s pie for dinner. I’m warm, I am safe, I am healthy, I have a loving family and I will eat well tonight.

Not everyone can say the same.

That’s what Help Portrait is all about. Brain child of American photographer Jeremy Cowart, Help Portrait has grown into an international movement. Yesterday, thousands of photographers around the world, supported by an army of phenomenal volunteers,  produced portrait photographs for those who have had or are having a rough time.

Here in Cork, writer Paul O’Mahony took up the challenge to organize professional photographer participation. Thanks to Paul (and the small army of volunteers he inspired), we greeted, made-up and photographed 44 people: 21 women, 10 men, 13 children – giving each a mounted print and a disc of image files. In the process, we must have triggered our cameras over 2,000 times.

In a day or so, I’m hoping to post the names of everyone who gave of their time and skills to help us run the event here in Cork. The effort they put in was just incredible, and they deserve all the recognition we can give them. For now, all I can say is a heartfelt “Thank you” to everyone who made Help Portrait 2009 here in Cork such a remarkable event.

Look out for a video of the day soon on the blog.

Meanwhile, here are some behind the scenes photographs.

Commercial photographer Gabrielle Morehead can't resist a munchkin in a Santa suit. Who can? (c) Roger Overall 2009

Munchkin and several thousand euros worth of camera gear. Phil Daly on the right looking very relaxed considering it's his camera. (c) Roger Overall 2009

Gabrielle Morehead not getting much respect. (c) Roger Overall 2009