The Ordinary Incredibles on the Island of Kindness. : Brian Carey and Help Portrait....a picture is worth a thousand words

" Help-Portrait is a global movement of photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists using their time, tools and expertise to give back to those in need."

Have you ever commented on a facebook post not really thinking of what you say? Who knew a little "lol" would lead to finding an amazing group of professionals with one purpose ..to make others feel better about themselves and walk away with the proof in their hands, for some it would be the first time they have ever had a photo taken of themselves.

   I was "lol" shamed into the group by Debbie Lockyer, who convinced me to come along and help with the children at the Janeway for the Christmas event. I had never heard of them but I figured why not help the children and their families create a lasting memory.

   I walked into a room filled with energy and love. I watched the photographers set up their backdrops, take a few practice shots, the printing station all hooked up, the greeting staff at the door, dancing elves,the makeup and hair tables were ready and the room was a buzz with excitement as they awaited the arrival of the children with their families. Some of whom this would be the last family photos they would get done. To see the excitement and smiles on the childrens faces despite being terribly ill , to sense the relief a parent gets as they get to sit for a minute and have someone tend to them .. a few minutes for them all to forget their troubles and just be a family and have a little fun.... a time I wont forget.

   The Help Portrait has given the gift of kindness and a memory to many walks of life

Janeway-4 events New Hope Community Centre-2 events Ronald McDonald House, St Pats Mercy Home, Choices for Youth, Momma Moments The Lantern, The Gathering Place,

Margeurite Place

I asked Brian why he started Help Portrait
" I wanted to do something for the community and help people who otherwise couldn't afford to get nice photos of themselves and their families. I stayed at it because I got to work with some wonderful people"

Brian Carey, a well known photographer in St.John's is the brain behind "Help Portrait , St.John's"

The only chapter in the Atlantic provinces

https://www.facebook.com/BrianCareyPhoto/

check out his free download " The Beginner's Guide to Photography

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QMF1VoHqpBIyxpGhf7lMfRPVDlStxAno/view

Tina Dean
"When I first started photography I joined the site called Flickr. It was on that site that certain photographers caught my eye. One of them was Brian Carey. I started following Brian Carey on Facebook. Brian posted some photos for an event at The Janeway. That was my first exposure to Help Portrait. At that time, I was living in central Newfoundland, therefore I couldn't participate. The smiles of those kids. It was all about those children and their families. A few years later, I was transferred to St John's, Newfoundland. I wasn't even out here a month and I contacted Brian Carey about helping out. I'm not a portrait photographer. However, I do have great organizational skills. Brian put me on the registration desk. Thanks to Help Portrait, I met a lot of great people and many of them became my friends. This Christmas was missing something.... it was missing Help Portrait!!"

Elaine Dunphy (center)

"Brian Carey created a family with Help Portrait. Through his vision we took photos of young people fighting various health challenges, older people struggling with mental health issues, choices for youth, seniors - the joy that our Help Portrait events brought was palpable. For the time these people were with us - everything else was parked for that few hours. We had families at the Janeway involved with cupcake wars, we dressed as Christmas Elves to help the children (and grown ups) smile. We took a road trip to the funeral home when we lost one of our beautiful young Janeway children. Brian presented some pictures of Help Portrait day to the family that day. It brought bittersweet comfort when hearts were grieving but it captured a beautiful moment in time for the family. Photographers capture the beauty in life.I simply volunteered my time with this group - but it is a sincere highlight in my own life journey.Brian Carey has a heart of gold. He shares his craft and brings light in dark times.

Debbie Lockyer ( right) "someone asked me and I thought what a great feel good thing to do something to empower someone and actually get to capture the moment

Brian created 12 events in 8 years and hopefully in time he will decide to do another.

This group has a special place in my heart as it was the first time Alyssa and myself volunteered together with a group and after Alyssa was taken from us my daughter Jhessi stepped into her place along side me