Gary S. Chapman, A Humanitarian Photographer for NGO's and Non-profits
A few weeks back, I was asked by Matt Brandon in an interview, why, if I cared for people so much, did I not also shoot local projects. He said, “You don’t have to be in Swaziland to help people. There are all kinds of people in your neighborhood you could help (with your photography).” His comments really got me thinking about the nearby Atlanta community. I know so little about the needs and problems here and the people that are trying to help.
In an effort to do something about that, my wife and I joined a downtown co-working network of social entrepreneurs and policy makers called The Hub Atlanta. Our hope in doing this is to rub shoulders with people in our backyard that are radically trying to make Atlanta a better place.
As a way to meet these people and learn of their projects and passions, we decided to do a portrait of each person in a style similar to our Visitors project that we do at our home. The results of the first shoot can be seen here. We have also included a behind-the-scenes time-lapse of the process.
The featured member photo below is of Akin Afolayan, the executive director of Hope Floats Initiative, “an Atlanta-based nonprofit with a mission to develop and deliver creative solutions in areas of alternative shelter and housing advocacy, accessible healthcare, environmental stewardship, and poverty alleviation programs.”
Behind the Scenes-Atlanta from gary s chapman on Vimeo.
This is fantastic. I love your portraits. But more than that I love that you learned something from your own interview and followed through. Most often I think interviews are one-way streets. It’s cool to know that you benefited as well.
Help Portrait is a wonderful project. But you’ve really illustrated that we don’t have to wait for a once-a-year event or special occasion of have an impact in our home community.
love the behind the scenes video and, of course the portraits.
what is the name of that white ‘collapsible’ backdrop?
Thanks gmcd. The background is found here http://www.lastolite.com/hilite-backgrounds.php
Thanks for the Behind the scenes. Great initiative that. Also wonderful guest blog on Scott Kelby’s website. That’s how I got the link as well.
Girish, Thanks for taking your time to read and comment. I value your time, so thank you.
Great post Gary, enjoyed watching the behind the scenes look into these portraits.
Thanks Jordan…getting ready to do another series of Atlanta portraits soon.