FORT WALTON BEACH — The last portrait of the Jackson family was taken about two years ago. With five children between the ages of 5 and 13, the family looks a lot different now, mother Angelique Jackson said with a laugh.
On Saturday, about 70 people got a chance to get their portraits taken, courtesy of the North West Section of Florida Professional Photographers and Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida.
“I’m loving what they’re doing,” Jackson said.
The two organizations teamed up to offer free portraits of individuals and families as a part of Help-Portrait. The initiative encourages photographers to donate their services to those in need.
When Cathy Catanese, president of the photography group, learned about the initiative years ago, she knew she wanted to bring it to the local community.
Something as simple as a photograph can mean the world to someone, she said.
“We want them to walk away with a memory that they can keep,” Catanese said.
Photographers, makeup artists and other volunteered spent the afternoon at Catholic Charities to ensure the portraits were perfect.
Seeing yourself made over can be inspirational, Catanese said.
“We take it for granted,” she said.
Photographer Marilou Wrann decided to miss her 7-year-old grandson marching in the Christmas parade in Niceville to volunteer at Help-Portrait. She wanted to ensure visitors left with “an awesome picture they can cherish forever.”
“These are people with stories and who deserve respect and dignity,” Wrann said.