Free portraits given to needy in Cape area

When Cheri Foster of Cape Girardeau first heard of a free photography event called Help-Portrait, she was excited at having a family portrait taken for the first time in years at no cost to her. When she and her family arrived at the Help-Portrait event Saturday morning, she realized that there was going to be more to the experience than a free 8-by-10-inch photo.

More than 60 volunteers, including professional photographers and hairstylists, joined forces in serving more than 400 families at the second annual local Help-Portrait event, held at the House of Hope, 1000 Ranney Ave. in Cape Girardeau.

What started as just an idea became a reality for Sheri Grippo, owner of Bella Bambino Photography, last year when she first heard of Help-Portrait and brought the event to Cape Girardeau.

"Help-Portrait is a global event where photographers and hair and makeup professionals give people a chance to have a quality portrait taken when they might not have otherwise," Grippo said.

By the time the event ended at 3 p.m., more than 400 portraits had been taken, Grippo said, up from around 200 last year.

When participants arrived, they were directed to the hair and makeup room, where they could have their hair cut and styled for their portraits. They were then matched with a photographer who took their portraits.

Jessica Richardson of Jaden Vee Photography knew that this day was going to be special.

"I've met some amazing and beautiful families and strengthened the camaraderie with other volunteers as well. I will definitely be back next year to help," she said.

Richardson came prepared with toys to entertain children and get the best smile possible.

After the photos were taken, families were directed to a waiting area while their portraits were being edited and printed. Chartwells, Starbucks and private donors provided snacks and beverages for the families, as well as an arts and crafts center keep children occupied.

Participants also had the opportunity to use the "experience table" where they could write on their photos what Help-Portrait meant to them. The photographers could then hang the photos in their studios.

"There are so many families that you get to know about their story and where they came from. It's an emotional day for all of us," said Chantelle Becking, a Help-Portrait volunteer from Cape Girardeau.

Foster came to Help-Portrait with her two daughters and a new addition to their family, high school senior Michael Fina. Since being disowned by his adopted family earlier this year, Michael is now living with the Foster family permanently, Foster said.

"We've taken on the responsibility of becoming a parent to Michael," Foster said. "Michael and my daughter were friends when he was going through this crisis and we've just been here for him and welcomed him into our home. We treat Michael as one of our own children."

Michael was the one who brought Help-Portrait to her attention and wanted to have the photo taken to show that they had become a family, Foster said.

Foster was hesitant at first to get her hair and makeup done for the portrait, wanting her children to have the opportunity before herself. With some persuasion by Becking and other volunteers, Foster agreed to have her hair and makeup done along with her daughters.

"Everyone here has been very positive and helpful through the process. We think this event is very beneficial," Foster said.

Businesses who volunteered their skills, equipment and time included Bella Bambino Photography, Goddard Photography, Danea Johnson Photography, Jaden Vee Photography, Misty Davis Photography, Love and Luxe Photography, Katie Parrish Photography, Zahner Photography, River Region Photography Association, Scott Slinkard Photography, Arevalo Photography, John Mark Photography, Halford Photography, Creative Images, Tisha Ganza Photography, Concepts Styling Salon, Eclipse School of Cosmetology and Salon Savvy.

For more information on the global Help-Portrait Project, visit www.help-portrait.com.

Pertinent address:

1000 Ranney Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo.