Photography, A Personal Journey

Just completed my third photography presentation, the latest was at the St John's Newfoundland Positive Thinkers Club it's called "Photography, A Personal Journey".

The presentation is about how the focus of my photography has changed and how I've changed over the last several years. Over that time I have photographed more than 800 people from all walks of life for my street photography project which is featured on my website Chasing The Light Fantastic. A substantial selection of those are from what you might call the fringes of society and it may surprise some people to hear what I have have to say about that experience. No matter if your surprised or not I think you will be inspired!

At times I will give people a copy of their portrait, I like to do it as a gesture of kindness and as a token of thanks! I should say often the photo ends up with their mother.

The presentation is loaded with "sweetness" you might say!

The Happy Campers

Above is a small sample of the people I've photographed downtown.

The Spirit Lifter's

Looking out for one another is not only one of the most virtuous things a person can do but there are also “benefits” for the person doing so. In addition you get to meet like minded, kind, considerate people who believe in the collective good, our good. It’s hard to find better company than that.

2015 Spin for Kids - Yoga Team

Back in 2013 I was at the Newfoundland and Labrador Special Olympics and I never saw so many smiles in my life. I don't think I ever seen so much pure happiness in one place. I understood then there is a lesson to be learned here.

2013 Newfoundland and Labrador Special Olympics Bowling

I remember talking to some of our volunteer's a couple of weeks after our first Help-Portrait here in St John's Newfoundland four years ago and they were still buzzing with excitement. No doubt that happiness and joy will eventually extend to their family and those around them. After all Happiness is contagious. We’re all winners here!

As the coordinator for Help-Portrait St John’s I do find it more work than the other events I tend to as a photographer, but having seen it grow over the last four years is a pleasure in itself. Plus I get to work with a most wonderful and kind group of volunteers.

To date we have held 8 Help-Portraits and have our 9th scheduled at Choices for Youth, March 29 2015.

Below is a photo of the Help-Portrait St John’s team at the Janeway Children’s Hospital December 2013. Missing from photo are Taryn Stone, Reagan Forsythe and Tracy Robbins.

Help-Portrait St John’s team at the Janeway 2013

……… oh and I don’t always sport pink hair!

Throughout human history people have learned that not only does it feel good to do something for others it is also in our benefit to do so. Aside from the feel good experience, people will often take the opportunity to return the favor should a occasion arise. If they do that's kind of like getting bonus points. :-)

Azzo Rezori at Blind Date with a Star 2012

In a world where mental health is a big issue I'm a believer that that warm fuzzy feeling that comes from even the most subtle act of kindness can be a form of medicine. It can have a profound effect on one's mental health and well-being.

2013 Children's Wish Foundation

Over the years I have participated in Help-Portrait, Spin-for-Kids, Newfoundland and Labrador Special Olympics, Children's Wish Foundation, Blind Date with a Star, Easter Seals and other local charitable events and I've enjoyed every minute of it and will continue to do so. The buzz will never wear off!

Thank you for stopping by!