Author Archives: regina

Photographer Perspective – Bloom Workshop (Malaysia)

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As part of our Portrait for Pixels campaign, we are turning the lens, so to speak, on the photographers who have generously accepted our invitation to take part in this innovative fundraising campaign. In today’s interview, we speak with the founders of Bloom Workshop in Malaysia.

Question 1: Tell us about the Bloom Workshop team – how and why did all of you become photographers?

Grace: I became a photographer because I was amazed at the art of photography and how important it is to daily life. We capture moments that are fleeting, emotions that show a connection between two human beings, and most importantly, we record history. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives by recording bits and pieces of their life… and helping them remember these moments years down the road.

Anna: I started off as an enthusiast and never really thought that this could be a full-time gig. About a year into it, after getting requests from friends to shoot their events and portraits, I thought: ‘hey maybe this could be something to look into.’ Life’s too short to not take chances, so I left my corporate job and pursued photography full time after shooting about 6 commissioned events on a part-time basis.

Asther: I started off as an underwater photographer on a leisure/educational (to educate my dive students on underwater ecosystem) basis. Then I slowly progressed to nature and portrait photography when I received my first DSLR from my late father. When I got pregnant, I decided it is time I stop teaching scuba diving and start a photography business instead so I can stay home to be a fulltime mother while running my new business. I somehow stumbled upon the new niche of children and pregnancy portraiture. My friends around me were either getting pregnant or had new babies so I wanted to help them capture their beautiful moments for remembrance. And I found that I totally love this part of photography a lot more than weddings or commercials.

Fiona: I took up photography at age 14 and it has been a hobby ever since. I used to take photos of my travels and especially enjoyed macro photography where I would take macro shots of flowers in my mom’s garden. Although I majored in Business IT, my university offered Photography courses and I took 2 of them as electives. The Professor liked my work and had encouraged me to pursue the art, which motivated me to have my very first photography exhibition in Austin. After returning to Malaysia and almost 3 years in the corporate world, I had an Eureka! Moment – to sell my collection of photos as framed artwork to interior designers. With a lot of support from friends and a little bit of luck, things took off from there and I’ve never looked back!

Question 2: Why did the Bloom Workshop team decide to participate in “Portraits for Pixels”?

As four female photographers, we understand that Violence against Women is a very important topic and deserves our fullest support. We truly believe in helping this cause and making a difference, no matter how small it may seem.

Question 3: Have you been involved in other campaigns to end violence against women? If so, tell us about it and why you decided to get involved. If not, why you have decided to get involved now?

Grace: A number of years ago, before becoming a professional photographer, I was working in a television production company as a video editor and director. I was involved in a local Malaysian television programme called 3R (Respect, Relax, Respond) that educates Malaysian women about issues affecting them, including violence against women. Malaysia is a very multi-cultural country, but the programme reaches out to predominantly Muslim women living in Malaysia. We educated them on what to do when you face violence, where to get help, and even shared stories of women who went through similar experiences but came out as survivors. These issues were important to me because I believe in the value of each human being and that women should be treated with respect.

Asther: No… never been involved in such campaigns. I stumbled upon The Pixel Project which I found to be open and easy to approach, and I contacted them for the first time regarding donating under Bloom Workshops in March 2012.

I was a victim of physical abuse when I was a teenage girl by my boyfriend then and once again fell victim to a mental abuse by my college boyfriend during my early adulthood. It was an eye opener and since then, I decided to help anyone if I can.

Question 4: Violence against women is a sensitive, even taboo, issue in many cultures that is frequently shrouded by silence and denial. How do you think photographers and photography can help “break the silence”?

As photographers, our images speak a thousand words. Visuals tend to be more impactful than written words. Through photos, we can convey grief, suffering, strength and courage.

Question 5: What do you think would be the best way of encouraging more photographers to get on board the cause to end violence against women?

Widespread Awareness. Through the use of social media and social networks, we can all work together to help raise awareness of the issue.

Question 6: Besides participating in campaigns such as “Portraits for Pixels”, how else do you think photographers can help stop violence against women?

Fiona: Through sharing of photo essays.

Anna: By sharing our own experiences – when you see that someone who is similar to you lead a life of independence, it empowers you to strive for it as well.

Asther: I agree with Anna.

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The second Bloom Workshop for semi-professional female photographers and photography students will be held from 31 August – 1 September 2012 at the Indicine Theatre at KLPAC, Kuala Lumpur. Tickets cost RM950 for both days and the Bloom Workshop team will be donating part of the proceeds to The Pixel Project.

For more information and to register, visit www.bloomworkshops.my

“Portraits for Pixels” 2012: Raising funds and awareness at the intersection of Photography and Philanthropy in aid of the cause to Stop Violence Against Women

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2 August 2012: The Pixel Project, the global volunteer-led online non-profit organisation working to end Violence Against Women (VAW), is proud to present the “Portraits for Pixels” 2012 campaign. This campaign, which runs from 1 August to 23 September 2012, is a collaboration between The Pixel Project and photographers worldwide to raise US$10,000 or more for The Pixel Project‘s Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign. Registration is open to photographers from 3 June to 16 September 2012.

The Pixel Reveal campaign aims to raise US$1 million for the USA’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and various anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits by getting a global audience to donate US$1 per pixel to reveal a million-pixel mystery portrait collage of four celebrity male role models taken by award-winning international photographer, Jillian Edelstein (www.jillianedelstein.co.uk). The distinguished line-up includes a Nobel Laureate, a Pulitzer Prize Winner and superstar Environmentalist.

During the campaign, participating photographers will raise funds by holding special “Portrait for Pixels” charity portrait sessions. They will set the price of the sessions and donate a minimum of US$10 per portrait session towards the Pixel Reveal campaign. However, individual photographers or groups of photographers may choose to increase the portion of the proceeds that they donate. With the minimum donation set at US$10 per portrait session, not only can photographers cover their expenses for the “Portraits for Pixels” sessions, but they may also be able to earn some extra income for themselves or opt to donate the extra proceeds towards their local anti-VAW non-profit organisation.

Participating photographers will also benefit from the awareness-raising component of the campaign which includes highlighting their best work through individual photographer profiles. They are also encouraged to submit a selection of the most striking portraits taken during the campaign to be showcased in a virtual photo gallery post-campaign.

This year, in addition to upcoming events in Washington D.C. and the Houston area of Texas, photographers in Malaysia will also be taking part. The renowned Kuala Lumpur-based celebrity and portrait photographer Kid Chan‘s studio will be holding special fundraising Portraits For Pixels portrait sessions on 11 – 12 August 2012. Also participating is Bloom Workshops which nurtures budding female Malaysian photographers through their women’s workshop which is to empower and inspire female photographers in various aspects of photography. Bloom Workshops will donate part of the proceeds from their upcoming portrait photography workshop (31 August – 2 September 2012) to the campaign.

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project, said: “With world-class portrait photography at the heart of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign, ‘Portraits for Pixels’ is a natural fit as a supporting fundraiser for that campaign. There is nothing more powerful than seeing others around us stand up to say NO to violence against women, be it in person, on video or, in this case, in a photograph. We had a promising test-run last year with 6 photographers participating and it is our hope that this visually oriented campaign will continue to grow and inspire the photography community to share their considerable talents in benefit of the battle to end violence against women.”

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About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

The Pixel Project is a volunteer-led nonprofit organisation whose mission is to raise awareness, funds and volunteer power for the cause to end violence against women through innovative, powerful viral campaigns across various online and virtual channels including social media. Their first project is to turbo-charge global awareness about VAW using social media while raising US$1 million for the U.S.A.’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits by getting a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of Celebrity Male Role Models at US$1 per pixel.

For further information, please contact The Pixel Project team at info@thepixelproject.net                                                  

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out Of Your Portrait Session – Children

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If you have booked your “Portraits for Pixels” session with one of our participating photographers – thank you so much for your support and we hope that you enjoy the experience!

The next step is to get ready to get the most out of your session. Of course, all participating photographers are fantastic professionals with excellent portfolios but as with all things, it’s always best to be prepared on your end too.

For those of you who are have young children and are getting ready for their individual portrait sessions or a family portrait session, here are 10 tips from professional photographers for getting your children to be at the best for the sitting:

Portrait Session Tip 1: Dress for Comfort. Don’t dress your children in cute but uncomfortable outfits. Nor should you put children in over-sized clothes bought for them to “grow into.” Instead, aim for comfortable clothes that look good and allows them to move around unrestricted depending, of course, on the weather, the season and where your photo shoot will be held.

Portrait Session Tip 2: Timing is Everything. Pick a time when your child/children is/are comfortably alert and fed. Some photographers recommend mid-morning, others will work with you to set up a session tailored to your little ones’ routines.

Portrait Session Tip 3: Relax. The best portraits often come when people are relaxed and at their most natural and the same goes for children. So make an effort to be relaxed and cheerful and to enjoy the session – this will create a positive atmosphere and may rub off on your children, getting them comfortable and at ease.

Portrait Session Tip 4: Getting That Smile. Children are often nervous at photo shoots and it is not unusual for a child to refuse to smile and may even cry or refuse to pose. Instead of forcing them to pose (which makes many children uncomfortable), try playing tag with them, bouncing them up and down, tickling them or twirling them. These actions frequently elicit smiles, relax children and make for wonderfully natural portraits.

Portrait Session Tip 5: Early is Good. If you are having the session at the photographer’s studio, make it a point to get there 15 minutes or so earlier to get the children used to the venue and comfortable around the photographer. If the photographer is coming to your home for the session, ask him or her to come a little earlier so that the children can get used to him or her.

Portrait Session Tip 6: It’s All About Location. Most photographers are happy to schedule on-location portrait sessions, so choose somewhere that your children are familiar with – their favourite park or playground or beachfront. Maybe even get the photographer to come to your home.

Portrait Session Tip 7: Get the Right Prop. For very small children, having the right toy will help with getting them focused and smiling, so bring a few favourites with you. Try to avoid scuffed or dirty toys and be cautious about taking away props, such as pacifiers or rattles, which could result in un-photogenic tears or tantrums.

Portrait Session Tip 8: Food, Food, Food. While it is inadvisable to give children lollipops, popsicles or other foods and drinks that might stain a child’s mouth or clothes just prior to or during the portrait session, having a treat to hand for afterwards is sometimes helpful. It is also best to schedule the session after a meal to ensure that the child/children have enough energy to focus.

Portrait Session Tip 9: Be Prompt. Children have the attention of a gnat, so don’t expect them to sit still and wait around for long periods of time. Your family should arrive ready to go and prior to leaving for the portrait session, you should take the precaution of calling the photographer to check that your session is going ahead on time so you do not have to wait for too long.

Portrait Session Tip 10: And If Things Are Running Late… Photo sessions can sometimes overrun as you and the photographer work on getting the best shots of you and your family. Bring your iPad or some books with you to keep older children preoccupied if your portrait session is late in starting or if you have to wait between shots.

Inspired to book a “Portraits for Pixels” session? To check if there is a “Portraits for Pixels” photographer in your area, check our listings page.

Photographer Perspective – Jacqueline Truong

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As part of our Portrait for Pixels campaign, we are turning the lens, so to speak, on the photographers who have generously accepted our invitation to take part in this innovative fundraising campaign. In today’s interview, we speak with Jacqueline Truong of Los Angeles, California, US. 

Question 1: Tell us about yourself – how and why did you become a photographer?

I actually never saw myself as an artist growing up, but since I had to take a Fine Art requirement in high school, I selected photography and fell in love that year with it. Since then I have been actively photographing when I am not teaching. I love how I am able to capture fleeting moments in time. It’s amazing how differently everyone DOES SEE the world, and this is just my way of viewing it.

Question 2: Why did you decide to participate in “Portraits for Pixels” and what are you going to do for the campaign?

I actually worked on a Pixel Project earlier this year and am excited in seeing this “Portraits for Pixels”campaign come to life. I haven’t really thought it completely through, but most likely a substantial percentage will be donated to the campaign.

Question 3: Have you been involved in other campaigns to end violence against women? If so, tell us about it and why you decided to get involved. If not, why you have decided to get involved now?

When I was in college I was involved in a lot of campaigns. I really wanted to be a part of causes I felt strongly for. I came across The Pixel Project through a mutual friend and have admired the direction that this organization wants to go. It’s important to make a stand for something you believe in. Violence just needs to stop. It doesn’t help anyone, and just makes the world and the people and animals who live on it suffer from the aftermath. I have personal experience from friends, family, and myself what this form of violence can do.

Question 4: Violence against women is a sensitive, even taboo, issue in many cultures that is frequently shrouded by silence and denial. How do you think photographers and photography can help “break the silence”?

Photography is constantly seen everywhere we go. In movies, magazines, newspapers, books, ad campaigns. It’s such a versatile art form that has launched itself internationally for decades now.

What’s beautiful about documentary photography is that even as an art form, it can’t hide the truth and what you see is truly what you get. It’s a tough reality that no one wants to share, but in its own right, with the right photographer the images can send a strong message out to everyone that this is NOT some fabricated story and that the impact it creates could help bring the end to violence against women that much closer.

Question 5: What do you think would be the best way of encouraging more photographers to get on board the cause to end violence against women?

Photographers are inherently philanthropists. They love using their art form to help the greater good. They also like to collaborate with each other. Perhaps creating a thematic online show/gallery show that allows photographers to donate their image for the cause, and people can buy their edition image for a low cost price.

Question 6: Besides participating in campaigns such as “Portraits for Pixels”, how else do you think photographers can help stop violence against women?

Fine Art Photographers can actively offer specific images that would have a percentage of the proceeds go to their cause or a Portrait Photographer would offer a package that is exclusively for the cause. Anyone with their own website, can add a link/tab to the cause’s website. Even sporting an icon that represents the cause in their studio showing there are a proud sponsor or participant would be positive association with the organization.

Photographer Perspective–Clayton J. Mitchell

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As part of our Portrait for Pixels campaign, we are turning the lens, so to speak, on the photographers who have generously accepted our invitation to take part in this innovative fundraising campaign. In today’s interview, we speak with Clayton J. Mitchell of San Pablo, California, US. 

Question 1: Tell us about yourself – how and why did you become a photographer?

I have always been fascinated by the fact that a camera can freeze time.  I have vivid childhood memories of holding my father’s old 35mm Pentax in my hands. There was something I admired about its mystifying dials and buttons, which could… somehow… capture what I saw and preserve it forever. Three decades later, that magic is with me. While the technology is more advanced, the end result is essentially the same. With this miraculous tool we can document the fun and important moments in our own lives and in history.

Becoming a Wedding and Portrait photographer has been a natural progression. Majoring in Photography in college, I cut my teeth studying art and photojournalism in Florence, Italy; Kerala, India; and Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. I learned the subtleties of studio lighting (and important mistakes to avoid!) over several years of managing small studios. I started my business in 2005 with a commitment to quality imagery, customer service, and a positive, professional attitude. I love my job and could not picture doing anything else.

Question 2: Why did you decide to participate in “Portraits for Pixels” and what are you going to do for the campaign?

I decided to participate in “Portraits for Pixels” so I could put my skills towards a great cause. I will be donating 25% of the proceeds from all participating clients during the campaign. In addition, I will be able to bring awareness to the issue of violence against women to my associate photographers, customers, and co-vendors.

Question 3: Violence against women has largely been seen as a “women’s issue”. As a man, have you been involved in other campaigns to end violence against women? If so, tell us about it and why you decided to get involved. If not, why you have decided to get involved now?

I was referred by a friend (and another P4P photographer!) to document the reconstructive surgery of a survivor of domestic violence here in the Bay Area.  I am hoping these pictures will help open people’s eyes to see how damaging and unfair violence against women is.  The problem is not just interpersonal, it is cultural – and we need to shift the way men behave towards women to have a truly civilized society.

Question 4: Violence against women is a sensitive, even taboo, issue in many cultures that is frequently shrouded by silence and denial. How do you think photographers and photography can help “break the silence”?

The camera is an extraordinary tool which has the unique ability to capture visual truths. Unlike other art forms, a photograph combines the intent of the photographer with his or her surroundings. I think by “telling the truth” with their cameras, photographers can “break the silence” with images that not only reveal  injustices, but also empower women with positive imagery.

Question 5: What do you think would be the best way of encouraging more photographers to get on board the cause to end violence against women?

By simply letting it be known that their actions can actually make a difference, I am sure many other photographers would jump at the chance to help with a great cause like this.  Often, people see problems in society, but have an attitude of “well, that’s terrible, but what can I do?” By seeing their peers take action, I think other photographers will be inspired to take action as well – I know it worked for me!

Question 6: Besides participating in campaigns such as “Portraits for Pixels”, how else do you think photographers can help stop violence against women?

I think the best way to stop violence against women is to lead by example.  If, in our daily lives, we treat women with the honor and respect they deserve, that behavior will replicate itself in our families and communities.  By bringing light to injustices and speaking up when we notice oppression, we can make it known that domestic violence is NOT okay, and will not be tolerated in our communities.

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Portrait Session – Adults

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If you have booked your “Portraits for Pixels” session with one of our participating photographers – thank you so much for your support and we hope that you enjoy the experience!

The next step is to get ready to get the most out of your session. Of course, all participating photographers are fantastic professionals with excellent portfolios but as with all things, it’s always best to be prepared on your end too.

For those of you who are adult individuals or couples getting ready to get your headshots or portraits done, here are 10 tips from professional photographers for being at your best for your sitting:

Portrait Session Tip 1: Colour It Right. Stick with simple, solid light natural colours. For those opting for an outdoor shoot, avoid wearing a colour that could blend into the background. For example: Don’t wear green if you will be having your portrait done in a meadow or park.

Portrait Session Tip 2: Keep It Simple. Choose solid colour fabrics and outfits with clean, simple lines. Avoid large and busy prints as they will completely dominate the shot and distract from your best features. Ditto with dresses with unusual cuts, details and features. Unlike a fashion shoot, the star of your portrait session is YOU, not your outfit.

Portrait Session Tip 3: Get Comfortable. Wear something comfortable that allows you to move around unrestricted depending, of course, on the weather, the season and where your photo shoot will be held. Clothes that are too tight, too light (for winter shoots), too warm (for summer/tropical shoots) should be off the cards.

Portrait Session Tip 4: Layer It! Some photographers suggest that their clients wear layers where possible. For example, a woman or girl could wear a dress over a pair of jeans or patterned tights or wear a cardigan over the dress. The shoot could then start with the full outfit and then have the cardigan/jeans/tights removed as it progresses to get more variety in your shots. Another tip is to bring an extra pair of shoes/boots or two to switch it up.

Portrait Session Tip 5: Know Where You’re Going. Decide on your session location ahead of the shoot. Do you want an indoor studio session or an outdoor shoot at a particular location? If it is an outdoor shoot, would you prefer an urban backdrop or a bucolic setting? If it is an indoor shoot, do you have any theme in mind? Ask these questions of yourself before finalising your booking with your photographer.

Portrait Session Tip 6: Bring Your Ideas. Photographers are a veritable treasure trove of ideas for portrait sessions but remember to bring your ideas to the table too because you are the subject of the portrait after all! If you see an image or idea that you like, send it to your photographer before your session. Some of the best places to unearth some fantastic visual ideas include: Trawling through Flickr, going through your old photo albums to see if anything comes close to what you want, checking out photography websites.

Portrait Session Tip 7: Mad Props. Portraits can be enhanced by personal props such as your favourite umbrella or hat or a striking piece of jewellery or even a pet. Just like certain gestures will make the picture of you, well, you, the right prop will help in bringing out the essence of you in the picture. However, it is worth checking with your photographer first to see if it is safe to use or relevant to the shoot.

Portrait Session Tip 8: Making It Up. Whether you need make-up or not depends very much on the type of portrait/headshot that you are going for. Where possible, come with no or minimal make-up but equipped with a make-up kit to build on your look as the shoot progresses. Some photographers include the services of a make-up artist in your portrait package and will, between the both of them, be able to advise you on the amount of make-up needed for your shoot.

Portrait Session Tip 9: Show Your Best Side. There is such a thing as “your best side”. Your photographer will, of course, give you guidance to help you to get the most flattering and most natural images that you really want, so do listen to them and try to follow their directions. You can also help things along by doing a bit of preparation and looking at past pictures of yourself to find out which angle brings out your best features.

Portrait Session Tip 10: Relax, relax, relax. Many people become stiff and unnatural in front of the camera either due to shyness or the mistaken belief that they have to pose in a prescribed fashion. Yet the best way of having a great session is to relax as much as possible and to build a rapport with your photographer. Have your session at your favourite park or room, play your favourite music in the background, think of a recent event or show that made you laugh. When you’re relaxed, your natural self comes shining through and helps the photographer capture what makes you unique.

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Inspired to book a “Portraits for Pixels” session? To check if there is a “Portraits for Pixels” photographer in your area, check our listings page.

Photographer Perspectives–Greta Jacobs

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As part of our Portrait for Pixels campaign, we are turning the lens, so to speak, on the photographers who have generously accepted our invitation to take part in this innovative fundraising campaign. In today’s interview, we speak with Greta Jacobs of Houston, Texas, US. 

Question 1: Tell us about yourself – how and why did you become a photographer?

Like many photographers, the art of photography has long intrigued me.  However, I did not set out to make photography my career.  When making choices for college, photography seemed foreign and mystical to my conservative upbringing.  I felt I needed to pursue something that would earn a stable living.  After studying electrical engineering and continuing my studies in business school, I realized I was missing something and the creative world pulled me in.

I chose portrait photography because of its ability to connect one human to another regardless of time or space.  Growing up, my mother valued photographs of her family and made sacrifices to have our family portraits done at regular intervals.  I am so thankful for all of her efforts.  Now that she and my father have both passed away, our family photos help me relive all those wonderful memories.

I am honoured to be able to give that same gift to my clients and their families.

Question 2: Why did you decide to participate in “Portraits for Pixels” and what are you going to do for the campaign?

I learned of the Pixel Project through my affiliation with 85 Broads, a global network of women who are inspired, empowered and connected.  After participating in the Paint-it-Purple campaign last fall (see below) we decided that, as a child and family photography studio, the Pixel Project purpose aligns so well with our client base that we would continue to work on Pixel Project campaigns going forward.

The Portraits for Pixels campaign is a great opportunity for our clients to get their holiday photos done early while raising funds and awareness for this great cause.  Jacobs Design will support Portraits for Pixels through both of our photographic entities: Greta Jacobs Photography (www.gretajacobs.com) and GJpeg (www.gjpeg.com).  We will run our campaign from 9-22 September 2011.

Greta Jacobs Photography, our signature portrait business, will donate $100 from each session to Portraits for Pixels plus 10% of portrait sales.  GJpeg, our on-location digital product business, will donate $100 from each Purple Package.  Purple is the ribbon color for domestic violence awareness so we are encouraging our clients to choose this package to show support for eliminating domestic violence.  However, if budgets dictate otherwise, we will donate $75 from each Blue Package to the campaign.

Question 3: Have you been involved in other campaigns to end violence against women? If so, tell us about it and why you decided to get involved. If not, why you have decided to get involved now?

We had such a fun time with the Paint-it-Purple party last fall!  We coupled our cupcake sales with a toiletry drive for the Houston Area Women’s Center (www.hawc.org).  Our clients brought toiletries for HAWC and received a free 5×7 of their little one in Halloween costume.  The children were absolutely adorable!  Two local bakeries donated themed cupcakes for us to sell.  The money raised from the cupcake sale was split between The Pixel Project and HAWC.

Although we did not raise a lot of cash from selling cupcakes, we were able to bring in five large bags of items (thanks to our generous clients!) for the women’s centre to use in their programs for women and children.

With three small daughters in our home, I am hyper-vigilant of what the future might hold for them at all stages of their development.  My wish would be that they only find healthy relationships because no other kind exist!  With that being a bit unrealistic in the short-term, my focus is to educate them and others on all the types of abuse and to empower women to avoid abusive relationships in their lives.

Question 4: Violence against women is a sensitive, even taboo, issue in many cultures that is frequently shrouded by silence and denial. How do you think photographers and photography can help “break the silence”?

Photographers speak without words.  Carefully crafted imagery can convey powerful messages in a short time.  In this fast-paced world, consumers of information may more easily digest the visual messages that we photographers can deliver.

Question 5: What do you think would be the best way of encouraging more photographers to get on board the cause to end violence against women?

Violence against women affects all of us.  In Texas there were nearly 200,000 incidents of family violence in 2009 and (according to the Texas Council on Family Violence) 74% of all Texans have experienced some form of domestic violence either themselves, or by having seen a family member and/or a friend experience it.

There are many types of photographers out there.  But for those of us selling our work to consumers, we recognize that women account for over 80% of all consumer purchases.  It isn’t hard to join the statistics together and see that even if our clients are not personally affected, they probably know someone who is.

Question 6: Besides participating in campaigns such as “Portraits for Pixels”, how else do you think photographers can help stop violence against women?

The photographic community is rapidly changing with more women entering the business.  If we all learn to recognize the signs of abuse my hope is that we can become a resource for our clients and others to get help and get out of abusive relationships.

10 Ideas for Photographers taking part in “Portraits for Pixels”

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“Portraits for Pixels” has been designed as an unusually flexible and collaborative fundraiser because it puts our key fundraisers – professional photographers all over the world – in the driver’s seat.

We designed such a flexible framework for three reasons:

First and foremost, we have an enduring respect for photographers, the art of photography and the power of of pictures. Indeed, world-class portrait photography is at the heart of our flagship campaign, the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign, for which “Portraits for Pixels” is a supporting fundraiser.

Secondly, we have spent the last two years working closely with our principal photographer, Jillian Edelstein, on the Pixel Reveal campaign and have learned that photographers really do work best when you just give them a clear brief and then let them get creative with it!

Thirdly, we know and appreciate that independent photographers are busy and in demand and that pro bono/charity work has to fit in between hectic schedules and obligations to paying clients.

So when photographers ask us: “So is there a special format for “Portraits for Pixels” sessions that we have to follow (aside from donating a minimum of US$10 per portrait session)?”

We say: “No – it’s up to you how you want to hold your “Portraits for Pixels” sessions during the campaign period! You can make it low-key and convenient for you as possible or you can go all out and get a special offer or special day organised.”

Having said that, here are 10 ideas for photographers signing up (or considering signing up) to  “Portraits for Pixels”:

Portrait Session Idea 1: The Low-Key Approach! Just donate part of the proceeds of each portrait session you have scheduled for the campaign period and let your clients know about the good they are doing just by having their portrait taken by you!

Portrait Session Idea 2: Package It! Do what one of our participating photographers, Greta Jacobs, does – she put together and advertised special “Purple” packages with a pre-set percentage of the proceeds going to the campaign. This way, she has an extra selling point to persuade her clients to take a package deal.

Portrait Session Idea 3: The One Day/Weekend Offer. Pick a day or a weekend during the campaign period and designate it “Portraits for Pixels Day/Weekend”. All portrait sessions booked during that day/weekend get a special price for a basic 1-hour session.

Portrait Session Idea 4: The Photography Marathon. Rise up to the challenge of a photography marathon. Announce to your community that for one day and one day only, you will charge a special low flat rate to do a snap portrait of them with the goal of fundraising while taking as many people’s portraits as possible.

Portrait Session Idea 5: By the Numbers. Set aside a set number of photo sessions during which you offer portrait sessions for a special price. This would work on a first-come, first-served basis. For example: “The first 25 customers who come in to take a portrait at the studio will get the special price”.

Portrait Session Idea 6: Target Your Audience. Think about your client base and then focus on the strongest demographic. Is it families? Then offer a special family package during the campaign period. Is it artists coming in to do their headshots? Then design a package just for them. Then get them to spread word-of-mouth to their peers.

Portrait Session Idea 7: Piggyback It! Does your community have any public gatherings such as fetes, fairs, a high school/college dance or a festival coming up? Offer to provide portrait-taking services at a competitive rate in exchange for a mention on the promotional materials, a stand or space at the event and having a captive audience of potential clients in place!

Portrait Session Idea 8: Do It Together. Get a group of your fellow photographers together to hold a special “Portraits for Pixels” photo session together one weekend during the campaign periods. It’s a great way to bond, to network and to get the happy, charitable and positive spirit going!

Portrait Session Idea 9: Partner, partner! Do you live in a university town? Perhaps you belong to your local chamber of commerce. If so, reach out to the people who run these organisations to offer a special “Portraits for Pixels” package to their members. It’s win-win – you get a captive audience, their members get well-priced good value portraits.

Portrait Session Idea 10: Get Sponsorship. In keeping with our work to end violence against women, you might get local businesses to pay for the portrait sessions for the survivors getting help at your local women’s shelter or rape crisis centre. This way – the businesses get to do affordable sponsorship, the survivors get a service that will make them feel good and you get to cover your expenses and raise funds for “Portraits for Pixels”

10 Ways of Supporting “Portraits for Pixels” If You Are Not A Photographer

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“We must become the change we want to see in the world.” – Gandhi

While photographers play the lead role in our “Portraits for Pixels” campaign as they put their expertise, talents and equipment to work for fundraising, those amongst us who are not photographers also have a key part to play in this fun campaign.

Not sure what to do and how to help? Here are 10 easy ways to get involved in the campaign:

Support Idea 1: Tell a Photographer. Do you know any photographers? If so, tell him or her about “Portraits for Pixels”, share our campaign website with them and encourage them to register to join our growing roster of photographers holding “Portraits for Pixels” sessions.

Support Idea 2: Insider Influence. Do you work in the photography industry but are not a photographer yourself? Help us spread word-of-mouth to the photographers that you do know or offer pro bono services to help participating photographers with anything from post-production help to free portrait printing and delivery services. Contact us here.

Support Idea 3: Say “Cheese”! Check our Listings page regularly and if there is a photographer holding “Portraits for Pixels” sessions in your area, sign up to get your Christmas family portrait, your team portrait or your professional headshot done!

Support Idea 4: Forward the News. Email your friends and family to tell them about the campaign… and get them to forward the news to their friends, co-workers and classmates.

Support Idea 5: Join Us (Online). Join our Facebook campaign page for campaign updates, photographer interviews and news and inspirational quotes. And get your friends, family, co-workers and classmates to join too!

Support Idea 6: Hit the “Retweet” Button. Join both our main Twitter account (@pixelproject) and our campaign Twitter account (@portraits4pixel) and get busy hitting the retweet button every time to see a “Portaits for Pixels” promo or hashtag!

Support Idea 7: Link Love is Good! If you have a blog, cross-post the interviews, articles and campaign updates from our campaign blog… or share link on your website sidebar that hyperlinks straight to our campaign website. Get creative with embedding us in your online experience!

Support Idea 8: Wear It with Pride. Download our free virtual goodies which include blog badges, Facebook badges, Twitter avatars and computer wallpapers, then put them on your social networking profits to help raise awareness about “Portraits for Pixels”.

Support Idea 9: Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. We are always in need of more helping hands. If you have some time to spare between 8 August and 23 September and an internet connection, sign up to help us with a variety of behind-the-scenes work for the campaign! You can sign up to volunteer here.

Support Idea 10: Give a Little. If you do not live near a “Portraits for Pixels” photographer or feel up to spreading the word for us, you might consider donating US$5.00 or more directly to the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign which is being supported by “Portraits for Pixels”.