VOTE HERE...AZ Photog Portrait Lighting .....

[Kristy]

Okay guys... Here's the chance to vote on the 28th... It will be fun to see how the poll moves along.. :)

[azphotos]

I voted lighting -

Sorry folks - I can not go along with this. The mission statement is We extend a hand of love, compassion and hope to children facing life-threatening illnesses and life-altering injuries. Our main program is our "Special Wish" Program. We are unique in that we do not grant "last" or "final" wishes. Our work with these kids is long-term. Our commitment is to always have a special, highly anticipated event on a child's calendar to help them look forward to the future with excitement and renewed hope.

And I do not see anything in there that taking pictures would qualify as part of the mission. Taking the kids to the zoo, yes. Having a party, yes. Taking pictures, no.

Further, my research turns up no recent published financial statements. I found something from 2003, but nothing recent and nothing audited.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with this organization, but since they have refused to publish a fully audited financial statement in their website, I refuse to have anything to do with them.

Yes, my background includes in depth financial analysis of non-profit and so called non-profit companies and I have run across too many where they collect $500,000 and the expenses of collecting that and the party at the end of the period for the collectors ends up giving around 1% to the actual "cause".

So sorry, IMHO this group is hiding their financials...and taking pix has nothing to do with the mission statement that I can fathom.

Keep your eyes open folks. Are you going to get suckered into taking pictures and then spending hundreds of your dollars to provide prints for everyone? I notice nothing mentioned on who will foot the bill for the prints - will it be you? Guess it would have to be since I can not see that expense as being part of the mission statement.

[arizona85224]

I voted lighting -



Keep your eyes open folks. Are you going to get suckered into taking pictures and then spending hundreds of your dollars to provide prints for everyone? I notice nothing mentioned on who will foot the bill for the prints - will it be you? Guess it would have to be since I can not see that expense as being part of the mission statement.


this is the exact reason why I have to say no, as much as I like to help people something doesn't seem right. I don't know anything about their financial background, I see Geoff is on top of that one.

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Very valid points for sure... :)

[sassinak]

Not attempting in any way to invalidate Geoff's points, because he has valid ones, but just wanted to toss a link to the 2006 Annual report for those interested.
http://www.hopekids.org/annual_report.pdf

[Kristy]

I posted this in our other thread... Thought I should copy it here... Not sure where we should land at this point....

Really good points Geoff.... We are so quick to do some good in the world that sometimes we fail to confirm the validity of somethings... I haven't found a website yet, and have not gotten a response from my e-mail yet either.

I don't want to get stuck in the middle of a debate... and you raise some good
questions about who will be expected to pay for prints, etc.... We don't have details or specifics abou any of this.

There actually are a couple of organizations that connect photographers to families of terminally ill children and still births, etc..... Here's a couple of links..... http://www.nilmdts.com/ ........ and ....... http://www.acpcg.org/index.htm Maybe they have done the legwork to make sure the charities they represent are legitimate... I don't know.

I just wanted to acknolwedge Geoff's statement, and realize he has some good points to bring forward, that we may want to think about, or get answers for before we get all excited and crazy.

[Hatch1921]

All good points... I'm up for anything really. If we can learn a few things at Kristy's house... rock on. If we can help a legit (?)(hoping to know more later) organization...that is cool with me. I'm glad you brought the point up Geoff. I'm excited to photograph anything...so this did help me take a step back and think about things. No matter which direction this goes... I think we will have fun on the 28th.

Hatch

[Kristy]

Do you think they will have jello shots there?:rolleyes: ;)

[azphotos]

Not attempting in any way to invalidate Geoff's points, because he has valid ones, but just wanted to toss a link to the 2006 Annual report for those interested.
http://www.hopekids.org/annual_report.pdf

Thanks Hatch -

1. I did not see this in my cursory overview. It is not an audited statement. You can do anything with figures. I know.

2. This was included in the report you referenced and I will not support religious instutions, sorry. Had I seen this and none of the others, I would have bowed out...No flames please, just my convictions: Our program is motivated by
the love and life of Jesus Christ
and our desire to reflect
God’s love in our own lives
by loving and caring
for those in need.

[Adam B.]

After reading the info Geoff and Adam have found, I need to withdraw my support for this. Sorry.

[cntry]

PDF looked pretty good to me, wish there was a way to contact some of the celebs and see what they have to say about them.

[shuttermom17]

Just wanted to clarify a few things..... I too checked out the companies website before I committed to the project. As a Christian and as someone who has a dear friend who's 12 year old daughter is dying of cancer as we speak, this organizations mission resonated with me on a personal level. As a photographer the idea of tryng to capture some beautiful images of these kids completely hits home for me. I think it's fair to say that not all of the events that the organization plans on a yearly basis are spelled out in their mission statement. However, should this NOT be the event for you that is absolutely cool too.

As an FYI: The cost to the volunteer photographer is time alone. No post processing is expected; CD's are being provided to each photof for the purpose of burning images to disc for the families. Families will do their own printing. Each family is being provided with 3-5 images max. Mailing material is being provided to each photog so that they can supply the event organizer with the CD's and she will then distribute to the families accordingly. Because everyone felt that trying to download and burn onsite could cause some backlog, that is why the CD's are being provided as well as mailing materials.

As for the mission and financials on the organization, that is obviously a personal issue for some and I can respect that. As I stated earlier, this event absolutely resonates in my heart and I am very excited to do this. Not because it will grow my business but for other personal reasons. I fully respect your desire to not participate. I do thank you for your interest and hope that there are no hard feelings.

Best regards,

Barb