We’ve come a long way. Our Dixie Memory Makers event will be a memory in 48 hours. I have (and I am sure you have as well) had my spirit lifted beyond anything I imagined at the onset of this project. Over the past few weeks, the atmosphere on our team has been electrifying. At every step of the way you see sparkle in the eyes of the volunteers; great ideas, going the extra mile, helping each other. At the very core, the beauty of this all, is the fact that we are able to directly interact with the guests we are assisting. There are not many charitable ventures that provide such a personalized one-on-one experience. I think that has been the magic. We have made new friends, established new acquaintances, and will continue along that path as the crowd pours in Saturday. Surely we are blessed to be able to be in a position to engage our beloved guests in this manner. Along the way we may pick up a few new skills, have more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and even enjoy being moved by sensitive stories of redemption. We expect about 100 guests (in groups or individuals). Our team strength is about 50 volunteers. The goal has never veered from the onset:

We want to make our guests see the beauty they have always possessed. We want them to realize that they count in this world.

Without going into more of a monologue, I wish to personally thank each and every one of you that has joined the team and shared in the planning, orchestration, meetings, running around, donations, labor, and the like. I think we are at the peak. Difficulties have been handily overcome to the satisfaction of all. It should be a breeze from here. I have never witnessed a more devoted group of folks than you have become. Hat’s off! Let’s git ‘er done!

Hey guys! Jeremy Cowart here. WOW. We’re only six days away from Help-Portrait. Crazy, right? I’m sure you all are wrapping up your plans. The hardest part is probably over by now hopefully. I ran a small event in LA a few weeks ago and was freshly reminded at how complicated these events are to pull off. Which is even more reason to be amazed at what an amazing movement this is. Many photographers think “Oh, cool, I’ll just go take some pictures of people” haha. It’s not NEARLY that simple, is it? But you guys have chosen to really pour your hearts into this and go the distance. And what an incredible, meaningful gift that is for the people you’re going to be blessing next week.

I just wanted to say that I’m here, rooting for you. I LOVE reading your tweets and Facebook/google plus posts about your plans and ideas for HP. My favorite thing about this movement is simply the stories. Stories from photographers AND the subjects themselves. In fact, I highly encourage you this year to take frequent breaks and just talk to your subjects and really dive into their story and who they are. That’s what I always enjoy the most. That’s what this is about anyway: loving, serving and getting to know our neighbors!

I also wanted to personally thank my main HP team. They are truly an amazing group of people. You wouldn’t believe how much time they pour into HP year-round. It’s really inspiring. They never cease to inspire me. In case you missed it, you can read about them all here: http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2011/archives/23020

Lastly, best of luck next weekend!! I’m so excited for all of you and I’m especially excited for all of you that are doing this for the first time! You have no idea what you’re in for. This day will truly blow your mind and will redefine what photography is all about. I can’t WAIT to hear your stories and see your images!

Jeremy

Frames

All plastic, wood, or metal frames are too expensive for us without a VERY generous community donor. The least expensive 5×7 frame is about $4 wholesale plus shipping. We will be sourcing some very smart-looking easel mounts that are available to us in the quality we need. We are looking at $1.00 each with free shipping. Total cost for 150 pieces is $150.

Paper

We will be printing borderless 5x7s. We will use 8.5×11 paper and trim down the 5×7 prints. For the sake of affordability, consistency, and compatibility, we will all be using Red River 68# Ultra Pro Satin 2.0. This is compatible with all dye and pigment printers. Profiles are available at the Red River website. We will buy 300 sheets of 8.5×11 ($0.33 each). With shipping, this should come to about $125.

Expenses

As a group, we dealt with the likely reality that we were going to be faced with cash expenses for this event that would need to somehow be subsidized. Here is an itemized list of what we will likely incur:

• Room Rental – $150
• Print Paper – $125
• Print Easels – $150
• Token Handouts – $175

That totals $600. We decided to accept voluntary contributions from the team members. $25 is the suggested target amount. If you give more than we need, some will be returned afterwards. Expenses and donations will be accounted for. You will be given a tax-deduction receipt. Already, some folks have stepped up and we have some donations. Please take this request seriously. If you can contribute, the need is immediate. Call Bob Kulon at 435-275-5975 or email at bkulon@hotmail.com to make arrangements.

Such shuffling is probably a good thing since we will all get a chance to meet new friends. Please be flexible in this respect.

Some team members may be more advanced than others. Let’s have to heavy hitters work with those that need to pick up a few pointers.

This is not about us. Actually, it isn’t even about the portraits. Over the last few years the Help-Portrait Movement has understood that the gift is much deeper than a mere photograph. We want to get to know our subjects as we work with them. Have fun; touch lives; share a joke; give a hug; compliment; smile. Make them feel the value of their existence in this world. That is our gift.

You really should see and listen to this inspiring video podcast on The Grid Live.

• Just released on 11/23/2011
• Jeremy Cowart
• Scott Kelby
• Matt Kloskowski

http://kelbytv.com/thegrid/2011/11/23/the-grid-episode-33/

This is the floor plan that suits the room we have. If you want to download a personal copy, the link is right here: Floor Plan – DMM 2011 [pdf]

This is a heartfelt message found on the Help-Portrait Facebook Site. We should all understand the implications of what we are attempting in this charitable event:

“Most of the time, when people see them walking on the road, they turn around and go the other direction. So to give them the opportunity to look them in the face and show them how beautiful they are, means a lot.”

Please keep that in mind as we interact with our guests. We are there to offer the love, warmth, and encouragement that can have profound meaning.