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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Free portraits fine gift for less fortunate

By: Bill Redekop

Posted: 12/13/2011 3:17 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Professional photographer Bob Tinker takes a portrait of Barney Grey Eyes (sitting) and Beryl Bittern at Siloam Mission as part of the Help Portrait event. 111210 Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press

BARNEY Grey Eyes didn't just give up drinking when he met Beryl Bittern, he gave up smoking, too.

"She's my queen," he said.

On Saturday, their relationship reached another milestone when they had a portrait taken for the first time, thanks to local photographers who donated their time to a unique program called Help Portrait.

Started three years ago by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, Help Portrait photographers take portraits for people on low or fixed incomes who usually can't afford such services.

Bittern and Grey Eyes had their photo taken at Siloam Mission. Other locations were Agape Table and the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc in Win Gardner Place.

For Bittern and Grey Eyes, the portrait marked their commitment to each other. "He doesn't let me walk alone. He doesn't let me wait at the bus stop alone. He waits with me until I get on the bus," Beryl said.

Photographer Bob Tinker has lent his services all three years since the program started. "It's not like shooting a CEO of Investors (Group) and he knows how he wants to look," said Tinker.

"I think some of these folks are less self-conscious about having their picture taken. They may say they don't like having their picture taken, and then we have a really good time."

Don's Photo, Henry's and MyMacDealer donated printing materials and provided prints on site.

Gilbert Spence, 42, had his portrait taken. "Most wanted!" he cracked, pointing to his just-printed portrait. "I'm going to make a Christmas card out of it and give it to my best friend, Val."

Another man, named Frank, who described himself as "semi-homeless," said he would give his portrait to his mom, who is 82 years old.

About 120 people had their portraits shot by 4 p.m. at Siloam Mission, and the program ran until 6 p.m. Local photographers taking part included Tinker, Jon Adaskin, Jim Todd, Richard Ray, Jerry Grajewski and Ian McCausland.

The photographers stressed the photos are not for their own portfolios, websites or for sale. Worldwide, there were over 1,000 similar events in 56 countries supported by over 12,600 volunteers.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 13, 2011 A3

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