A student at the University of Rhode Island will bring the global charity Help-Portrait to Rhode Island on Dec. 10 to provide the gift of photography to those who cannot afford it otherwise.
The Help-Portrait charity, which began in 2008, brings together “photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists to use their skills, tools and expertise to give back to their local community,” according to its website.
Terry Rajsombath, a 30-year-old health studies major at URI, decided to bring this world-wide charity to the people of Rhode Island. Two years after he first had the idea to help put on this event, Rajsombath’s vision is now finally coming together.
“I had the idea two years ago, maybe late August,” Rajsombath said. “The problem was, I was burnt out. Maybe a month in, I realized it was too much.”
Attempting to take on such a personal project while in the midst of raising funds to enter the Ironman triathlon proved difficult. This led Rajsombath to put the Help-Portrait project on hold.
“I’m not really a quitter, so I knew I wanted to come back to it,” Rajsombath said. “Now, two years later, it’s finally coming together.”
As a photographer himself, Rajsombath wanted to do something to give back to the community. He and his friend Alex Saysithideth, partners at T&A Photography, set out making this vision into a reality.
“We have over 60 businesses volunteering,” Rajsombath said. “I think like 20 photographers, some makeup artists, hairstylists, and a DJ. New York System is even donating food.”
The event, which will take place at 370 Hartford Ave. in Providence, Rhode Island from noon to 5 p.m., will be free for all who would like to have a their portraits done.
“People think it’s about giving photos, but it’s not,” Rajsombath said. “It’s about giving people the experience. A lot of these people can’t afford these photos. We want them to be present with us in the moment. That’s why I got an inflatable T-rex costume.”
The event is relying heavily on social media as a means to get the word out. Rajsombath said that he has gone out onto the streets to hand out flyers and talk to people, but the plan is to continue the Facebook campaign and “blast it out on social media.”
Those who would like to volunteer their time to help, or would like to know more about getting a photo taken, can look for the Help-Portrait Providence page on Facebook.