I'll take an order of warm and fuzzy, extra large

I had the opportunity on Saturday to do some work for Cradles to Crayons, a local nonprofit that serves homeless and low income children.

It was their 6th annual "un-gala" event.  Unlike typical charity fundraisers where people get dressed up in tuxedos and ball gowns and pay thousands of dollars for a plate of food, this is an event where families volunteer their time and come dressed to work hard.  It's a brilliant idea actually.  Each family 'pays to play' (that's the fundraising part) and works for a couple of hours sorting donated goods, then eats a pizza lunch.  The result is this organization's single largest fundraising event of the year. A lot of work gets done in the process and everyone leaves feeling extra warm and fuzzy.

I have heard of Cradles to Crayons before, but experiencing this organization's mission first hand was such a treat.  The energy in the 13,000 square foot warehouse was inspiring to say the least.  I got to go on a tour of the establishment and heard stories about real people in need.  A mom at the hospital who can't leave with her new baby because she doesn't. have. a car seat.  Can you imagine?  I can't.   I was so happy to be able to contribute my time and my photography to such a worthwhile cause.

My job for the morning? Photographing all of the families that volunteered. oy!  It was a whirlwind.

I must admit the family photos are really boring.  But how about this?!  Up close and personal with the real mascot for the Red Sox! How cool is that??

and not quite as cool ( or in focus ) but still fun... Arthur was there, too!

And check this out. Top Spot!  ok I know it's alphabetical.  humor me.

And one of my favorite shots of the day. How cute are these tshirts?

Some candids from the warehouse:

toy shop

quality = dignity

little volunteer

Now I know what to do with all of the random pieces of toy laying all over my house....!

a solution, part 2

I had another shoot for Solutions at Work this weekend.  Unlike last time, this event was all kids.  I love how fun and energetic this bunch was.  Ready to create, and not afraid of my camera one bit.

These kids are children of families who are served by Solutions at Work.  They agreed to come together this weekend to make vases to be sold at a fund raising gala later this year.

Here's Doug, the owner of The Clay Room in Brookline teaching the kids how to get started on their masterpieces.

How happy is this girl?

Jessica wants to be a doctor when she grows up

Birthday boy Mohammed - total ham

Aishya's mom asked me to take a picture of her with her girls.  She is 45 and has five children.  Her youngest daughter Sara is 2.  You do the math.  a-ma-zing.  She was so sweet and warm. Within minutes of meeting her we were like old friends, discussing babies, sleep (or lack of) and breastfeeding.  I am so happy to be able to provide this awesome family photo for her!!

a solution

I had the unique opportunity recently to take some photos for Solutions at Work, a local organization that provides transitional services for homeless people.  My friend is the director, and she was looking for photos that demonstrate the mission of the organization, to be used in her marketing efforts.   Solutionswear, is a 'store' that provides good quality, gently used suits, to referred clients.  Suits are chosen, at no cost, by the clients for job interviews and ultimately, to wear to work.

Let's just say the lighting was less than ideal and the situation was not like any I've ever been in before.  Trying to capture an organization's mission in a few frames.  Photos of people shopping, but not in the regular way.  There was an unspoken awkwardness at first.  It's not like these people have had a lot of photo shoots in their life.  It's not like I've been taking photos like this for very long.  I was nervous and I felt they were, too.  It was a workout. Physically and mentally.  But I'm proud of how they turned out.  Putting myself out of my comfort zone like this can only make me better.  

These are some of my favorites:

love me some panorama

my favorite

Although it is no secret that I am crazy mad in love with photography these days, it came as a surprise to me that I would be able to use this skill to help others.  It feels so good to be able to share my growing skill behind the camera for a good cause.  The possibilities seem endless.  I don't want to get ahead of myself, but sometimes I get so excited thinking about my photography future!