Portraits for a Special Group of People
Sep 08, 2009
(Douglas Staff) VICTORIA - Rebecca Kirstein and Anna Bullock take photographs every day in their commercial photography business, but a recent shoot at the Cridge Centre for the Family was out of the ordinary.
Members of 26 families dressed up in their best posed under the Garry oaks at the Cridge’s park-like setting along Hillside Avenue.
The occasion was the first “Portraits for the People,” a project they hope will spread far and wide, providing family portraits for people who otherwise couldn’t pay for a professional photo session.
Some have recently moved here as immigrants and refugees or had left behind an unworkable domestic situation.
“When you have escaped an abusive relationship one of the things you leave behind is the family portrait--the one that sits on the mantle with mom and the kids, and the abusive partner. When you have escaped war and political violence in Africa, Latin America or the Middle East, a family portrait is beyond a dream,” the Cridge Centre said in a news release.
The people who had their photos taken are all residents of the Cridge’s supportive transitional housing, where families can stay while putting their lives back together.
“It was fantastic, really, really great. It was a great kickoff,” said Kirstein, partner in Bullock & Kirstein Photography. The two photographers gave their time and professional skills, while Imaging Group is making the digital colour prints and Island Blue Print will frame them at no cost.
For Kirstein, it was the realization of a dream she’s had for some time, to start a nonprofit organization that gives families in need a picture that preserves the family history.
As for the next photo shoot, “we’re just kind of working on it,” says Kirstein. Portraits for the People is something she’d like to expand and draw in other photographers and suppliers for the cause. See www.bullockandkirstein.com