Free Photos Make Friends

Offering people a free souvenir photo is a great way for non-profit groups to make friends, recruit volunteers and maybe raise a little money.

On July 17, I took posed formal photos of people attending the “Jack’s Family Adventure” movie premiere. I learned a lot both by what was—and was not—done.

The Grace Foundation folks provided me with a great assistant, Lori, who took care of the folks and let me shoot. However, asking the subjects to write their own names down might have saved time and could eliminate any problems if we misspelled a name.

We both used two key approaches when dealing with the public: we smiled a lot and never refused a request. The goal is for people to have happy memories, not recall how rudely they were treated.

Among the aspects we did perfectly are:

· Our finished photos have the Grace logo plus the name and date of the event embedded at the bottom.

· Each subject gets a 4-inch by 6-inch print.

· We are including a fund-raising letter with the photos, though we are not charging for the pictures.

· A version of every photo will appear on our new web page. This lets people see not only their own photos, but those of their friends, too.

· Other photos from the event, such as shots of the producer, director and several dignitaries, are also going up on our web page. The event was Saturday night; these photos were delivered Monday morning.

· I’m requesting we include a note stating electronic versions of these photos are available. Just contact the photographer—me—and I will send them a digital copy of their shots.

When I do something similar again, I will also use what I learned this time to make it faster and better for everyone involved. Specifically:

· Designate a space for photos then rope it off using string or tape. This lets your people know where to go and helps other folks avoid it.

· Put a small piece of tape on the ground for your subjects to stand behind. The tape gives them a reference point, reducing their stress.

· Bring a clipboard, large notepad and several pens. Having the subjects print their names and a way to reach them eliminates misspellings and other problems.

· To see more photos, visit the Grace Foundation of Northern California. Contact me if you have any questions.