Volunteer Photographer

I almost didn't do it. I sent an "interested" response to the organization through a volunteer website (you click a button). The reason I did attend, actually, was because they really needed someone to shoot the event and the coordinator tugged at my heart. Since I had the day off, I went.

The event was a sleepover for "underprivileged" or low-income middle school children and the program was called Parks in Focus. The purpose of the program is to connect kids to nature through photography. Ideally, they wanted a semi-professional photographer...and I was the one that expressed interest (lol). After saying I didn't think I was a good fit for the job, the coordinator said that they just needed someone to document this event...hopefully someone with DSLR experience. Ok - that I had. 

The sleepover was at a Boys and Girls Club House. The kids were about 11 or 12, extremely well-behaved, and pretty adorable (the boys would say, "Miss! Can you help me with this?"). I ended up being quiet most of the time, fidgeting with camera settings and trying to be unobtrusive as the shutter swished loudly. However, I did talk to a couple of them and even shot hoops with a girl. Being around kids was refreshing, and I liked being the one not in charge. My job was to stay out of the way but be up-close and personal at the same time. It freed me from the pressure to socialize or to entertain verbally, and the kids ignored me (which allowed me take natural shots) unless I asked them to smile...and they were happy to oblige. 

I'd try to get to know the kids while I took photos of them, asking their names, what they were painting, or if they enjoyed their pizza. I could tell if someone was feeling self-conscious and I'd tell them to smile for a photo.

"I don't like to be in photos," one girl said.

"Why not?"

She shrugged, smiling sheepishly. I looked through the viewfinder. I saw a flash of large smile before it flew away.

"Oh come on...I know you have a big smile..." Her smile grew wider and you could see its genuineness in her eyes.

Click!

What surprised me most was how much the kids liked me being there. When I said it was time for me to go, several of them asked if I was going to come back later or the next morning (I wasn't). 

"You're going to go home and watch tv!" one boy laughed. Another girl asked if I was going to come see them again and take pictures. I said I would, but I didn't know when the next event was exactly. I realized I probably shouldn't have said I'd come.

Nevertheless, I had a good time and I'm glad I went. I had more fun than I expected. 

As soon as I get access to the photos again (I borrowed the foundation's camera), I'll put some of my favorites up.