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Making the Most of Volunteering as a Photographer

Intro by Skip Cohen

One of the best ways to separate yourself from the competition is to be involved in the community. In fact, years ago I heard Jay Conrad Levinson (the father of Guerilla Marketing) speak and he talked about giving back to the community as one of the top items on every company’s marketing list.

Why? Because people like buying products and services from companies they perceive as giving back to the community.

Bob Coates shared the post below a few years back, but it’s the perfect reminder of things you should pay attention to when volunteering photographic support to any organization or event!


One of the ways to keep your name and face in front of your community is through volunteering your photography services to help in raising awareness for causes or raising money for charities.

Last Saturday night was a case of creating images from the Oktoberfest event put on by one of the local Rotary Clubs. Funds are raised and Oktoberfest will support many local causes – The Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks and their efforts within the community.  Our club offers Red Rock High School Seniors $1000 scholarships, supports the West Sedona School Summer Reading program, Teacher of the Year program, dentistry for qualifying needy children and we were instrumental in raising the funds needed to open the Sedona Splash Park.

Rotary International is the world’s largest charitable organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

Here’s a few images from the day…

Lots of people get into the spirit with the costuming. These are some of the volunteers and greeters.

Lots of people get into the spirit with the costuming. These are some of the volunteers and greeters.

 

People get into the spirit and come in costume to the event.

Things you should look for when volunteering…

  • Website link recognition.
  • Recognition as a sponsor of the event.
  • Make sure images used for publicity for the event are credited on posters, advertising materials and news releases.
  • Make sure you send an invoice for your services so the organization knows the value of your donation.
  • Don’t do this just for the recognition. You should believe in and support the organization’s goals.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and support your favorite charity!

Images created with the Lumix GH4