Help-Portrait 2011

A Picture is Worth...

During the summer of 2011, while having lunch with my dear friend Kasie, I told her about my growing passion for photography.  In response, Kasie told me about a non-profit organization called  Help-Portrait and said it sounded like the perfect fit for me.  Founded by photographer Jeremy Cowart in 2009, Help-Portrait is a global movement where one day out of the year, photographers are asked to find someone in need, take their picture, and give it to them for free.  Along with volunteer make-up artists and stylists, these professionals work together to give back to the community.  

With the help and support of family and friends, I was able to create a Help-Portrait event at a local nursing home, Presbyterian Village North.  The significance of this place is that my parents worked here in 1982 when we first located to the States from Vietnam.  My mother was a dietary aid and my father was a dishwasher.  Elderly residents taught my mom English, which gave her confidence to become a registered nurse so she could help others and better provide for our family.  Years later, I followed my mom's footsteps and obtained my Bachelors in Nursing degree at Texas Woman's University.  As part of my clinical rotation, I spent time at Presbyterian Village North.  Now, my mother and I both work at the same hospital, just down the street from the nursing home.

my mother and me with PVN residents who helped teach her English. 1982.

Mom and me at work 2008

     
I had the pleasure of meeting Help-Portrait founder, Jeremy Cowart, while he was in Dallas for his photography seminar.  I told him about my upcoming Help-Portrait event and how he inspired me to use photography to help others.

Jeremy Cowart and me 2011

   
Help-Portrait 2011

On December 10, 2011, we held our first Help-Portrait event.  We invited family members of Presbyterian Village North residents to take holiday pictures with them.  247 portraits were printed and delivered.  A HUGE thank you to my family, friends, photographers, Mary Kay artists, stylists, and staff of Presbyterian Village North for making this a successful event.

my dad showing support 

volunteers Lauren, Kari, and Kim with Micah the photographer

volunteers Jen and Mai with PVN resident

photos edited and printed on site (photographers Don Weaver with Creative Emages Photography and volunteer Michael)

photography by Micah Alexander Photography

photography by Wade Griffith Photography

resident's excited expression as he sees his favorite nurse walk by (photography by Micah Alexander Photography)