CLARKESVILLE - North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) Photography students once again this year volunteered for Help-Portraits, and this time the Rotaract students joined with them. Together, they participated in the global Help-Portrait movement, making family portraits for the community for those who would not otherwise have been able to afford it. <br />
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Help-Portrait was conceived by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart who wanted to inspire professionals around the world to use their time, gear, and expertise to give back to those in need. In just this year, over 65,000 portraits have been taken during this movement (world-wide).<br />
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NGTC Photography instructor Jeff Gulle noted, "Although this is the busiest time of the year for us, we always make time for this event because the rewards are immediate and the feedback is very gratifying."<br />
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In a season focused on gift giving, it is important to remember that the family can be the greatest gift of all.<br />
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"Many families came out for their free portraits," said Gulle. "The most memorable one to me was a family of five that have not had their portrait taken in over seven years. Because of a recent family lifestyle change, they were able to come out with their grandmother and have a family portrait taken. Tears were shed all around." <br />
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There were several families who had looked forward to the event from last year. Families who participated received a disc of their images plus an 8x10 print.<br />
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Students who participated included Sue Blair, Terry Bond, Robert Kennell, and Lynn McCollum, all of Habersham County; Zack Moon of Clayton; Sharon Alicea of Cleveland; Tom Curry of Hoschton; Dorie Leland of Murrayville; Jacob Ivey of Douglasville; Julia Triassi of Mansfield; and Andrew Duesler of Grovetown. Community volunteers included Jeremy Bailey and Nestor Alicea. Photography Instructor Jeff Gulle and graduating Photography student Colby Moore spearheaded this year's project with the help of Rotaract advisors Robert Knighton and Ruth King.<br />
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For more information on the Help-Portrait movement, visit www.help-portrait.com. For more information on the Photography program of study at NGTC, contact Jeff Gulle at 706-754-7883 or
[email protected].<br />
