for the greater good...

[reagan]

In a recent thread by shutterflower entitled, "Why do you take pictures? I mean, really?" there were some really good and interesting posts, thought provoking stuff. Among them were a couple of statements that kind of lead me to consider another avenue of "hobby photography." Here are the statements.

"Photographs have the ability to make change and impact lives, good and bad." ~ x-ray

"Recent projects are driven by need to raise public awareness. ... Photographs do raise public awareness and can make a difference to those one photographs." ~ Simon Larby​

And there were others that were similar to these as well. So here's my question if anyone would like to brainstorm along with me. What are some ways that those of us who play and hobby at this RF stuff could, on occasion of opportunity, use that hobby to in some way serve our fellow man? I mean, in the sense of spending an afternoon here and there or a day off to donate our time using our talents to encourage someone, mentor someone, aid someone, "raise awareness," or "change and impact lives," as was mentioned, or whatever. The field is open to interpret "serve our fellow man" in any manor. I'd just like to hear some ideas or thoughts.

Thanks.

 

[Ash]

Well I've started taking to serious portraits of friends of mine. People around my age (late teens, early 20's) may either be of the 'myspace camera whore' kind or of a camera shy type. I want to be able to take the photo's of people I know, and show them and others who see the photo, just how great they look. One good photograph can make all the difference to someone's self confidence.

If you make someone happier about themself, they're more likely to be more positive with their own lives and choices.


Hope that makes sense?

 

[ChrisN]

Starting in my own backyard. A good friend is a musician - he needs photos of his new band for his website. I spent yesterday afternoon shooting their performance at a local pub, both digital and B&W. Good practice for me, too. Not earth-shattering stuff, but he certainly appreciates the help.

 

[reagan]

Ash & Chris ~ thanks. Those are both great input. In my mind, there aren't any small contributions... "help one man = help mankind."

 

[back alley]

i have done some 'volunteer' shooting for local organizations.
taking photos to be used in newsletters etc.

used to take wedding photos (on occasion) for folks that could not afford a wedding photographer.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Recently, I participated in a "preservation project" in my town, photographing streets, buildings and people so that researchers in the future can look at the way this place looked in 2006.

In fact, I had started this "documentarian" mission some time ago. And it's interesting to see that some of the buildings I photographed, say, in 2001 are gone now... Except for my pics. Who knows? Maybe in some 20 or 30 years my photos will offer a visual record of my town.

That's my little contribution.

 

[Solinar]

Photos keep the moment alive and focus our attention on smaller things that we may take for granted.

 

[Pherdinand]

Last summer, I was asked kindly by Bobby, an indian friend of mine, to take some shots of him, that he could send home to his parents. He was planning to get married on a semi-traditional way - his parents making a long "list" of girls and transmitting photographs both ways, and then he'd go home check out each other and decide if they like each other or not.
So i took the 'job' very seriously, shot a roll of NPH400 6x6 of the guy (sorry - i used no rf but my 70 y old rolleiflex, the guy had a good laugh when i pulled it out of the bag) both in casual and in suit, and made enlargements at the best lab in town, of the best four frames. They went out to magic India to find that one special girl.

Bobby married six months later.

 

[peter_n]

Both of my kids are musicians and spent years in the Greater Boston Youth Symphony system. GBYSO has an Intensive Community Program that helps underserved youth in the Boston area with free tuition, equipment rentals, music camps and outreach. For two years now I've been working on a project that may last for another two or three years, but the goal is a small exhibit timed for GBYSO's 50th anniversary that communicates the GBYSO experience. I'm focusing in particular on the ICP project and how it has helped young people who might never have had the opportunity to express themselves find something that they love and learn how to work at it and excel. I'm hoping that my efforts will improve the funding for this program, which is truly inspiring to see in action.

 

[reagan]

Great stuff. Hats off to you guys.😀

Bobby married six months later.

Hey some guys are beyond help. . . whaddaya gonna do? 😉 Great photos comin' round this thread.

Any other ongoing projects? Raising awareness toward the preservation of natural areas or critters in your vacinity? toward pollution? poverty? homeless? abuse of persons, property or animals? elderly? youth? pesky photogs? 🙁 peskier RFF moderators? etc. 😱

Feel free to share something that you haven't done, but might consider doing. Any ideas at all.

 

[Pherdinand]

Hmm. Now you are asking, I might try to make a project: top photograph a representative of all the animals I have ever eaten. Just for any case 😀

 

[reagan]

>>> Notice: this is a 6 year old thread.

Since this thread was introduced, RFF has grown considerably. Lots more folks, lots newer equipment and alot of great work being done. So I thought I'd give these thoughts a bump and see if some added inspiring input / ideas can be offered ... *for the greater good.*

I read an old quote last week that might fit well here. "We must look at it. We're required to look at it. We're required to do what we can about it. If we don't, who will?" ~ James Nachtwey

 

[emayoh]

Sometimes a photo can connect me with a stranger who might have no other positive human contact that day. It can lead to a handshake and a name to a face. Or sometimes not. And, sometimes the real benefit of a photograph to our fellow humans is not known until many generations later.

Good thing I'm in no rush