By Lasia Kretzel

Families in Saskatoon smiled for the camera

Dec 7, 2014 | 11:52 AM

A family portrait is a great gift to give at Christmas, and a Saskatoon group is helping those who can’t afford the cost of a photographer, experience the joy of a photo shoot. 

Volunteers were at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge Saturday for the annual Help Portrait event which helps Saskatoon families get the perfect family picture, free of charge. 

Families had their hair and makeup done by MC College before having their photo taken by a professional.

“This is a way for us professionals and amateurs alike just to give back to the community,” organizer Bruce Johnson said. “When they get that portrait you just see their eyes light up and they go ‘this is so cool.’ It’s that moment caught.”

May Konotopski had her hair and makeup done for her photograph.

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“I like it. I was like ‘ok, where can I get a picture done for Christmas?’ I want to send them to my kids,” Konotopski said after her photo shoot.

Help Portrait was started in 2008 by American celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart who wanted to use his talents to help others. 

In the last six years, 62,860 photographers and volunteers have taken more than 326,800 portraits in 67 countries. 

Since they began four years ago, the Saskatoon venue has handed out more than 500 portraits. 

All the funds for the event come through sponsorship and donations.

Members of the Bikers Against Child Abuse group were also on hand with a Harley Davidson motorcycle for portraits.

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