The Portrait Project
Dignity, Community, Photography
Since 2007, The Portrait Project has provided quality portraiture to underserved communities in the Bay Area, creating a temporary photo studio on site, and then delivering framed portraits and several snapshots within two weeks of the photo shoot.
A portrait is a simple, but profound and tangible gift that can reinforce familial cohesion, enhance self-esteem, and will last for generations. It's truly inspiring to see people's expressions as they "step into the light." On the bus recently, I ran into a man I had photographed several years ago, and he told me, in very poignant terms, how the portrait had helped him through a time of illness and injury. It's a very potent experience for these individuals; at this point I have photographed more than 700 people via The Portrait Project. If you can make a donation (direct or tax-deductible) in any amount it will help me continue this work.
*The Portrait Project is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Click Here to make a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE donation to The Portrait Project via Intersection (a 50l(c)3)
**checks can be made out to The Portrait Project (direct contribution) or Intersection for the Arts (tax-deductible), sent to The Portrait Project, 528 Sanchez Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. merci!
"Can I, can I ask you a question?"
Sure, I said.
"Can I, can I hug you? Because you made me look so beautiful."
Natasha, S.F. Tenderloin resident
Terrence strolled in wearing a stylish blazer, black jeans, white turtleneck, shoulder length
dreads/hair extensions and some waaay shiny and expensive-looking shoes. "Wow -
where did you get those shoes?" I asked.
"Salvation Armani, baby! That's where I do all of my shopping!"
Communities/Organizations Served:
Veterans Administration (formerly homeless veterans)
Lyric Hotel (supportive housing for formerly homeless)
Tenderloin Neighborhood Development - Franciscan House, SOMA Dwellings (supportive housing - low income/formerly homeless)
North of Market Tenderloin Community Benefits District (low income families in Tenderloin)
Burnett Child Development Center (serving Bayview/Hunters Point low income families)
San Francisco Housing Authority - Bernal Dwellings (low income family housing)
Glide Memorial Church - CW House, Mason Street Dwellings (low income/formerly homeless housing)
Community Housing Partnership - (supportive housing for formerly homeless)
Arnett Watson Apartments (SF), Senator Residential Hotel, Treasure Island Family Housing
Institute for Indian Mother and Child, Calcutta, India (families in rural/poor areas)
Salvation Army, Santa Rosa (victims of Santa Rosa firestorm)
East Oakland Youth Development Center (serving youth/families from low-income neighborhoods)
Good Samaritan Family Resource Center (serving immigrant families with young children)
Livable City, Playstreets (Outdoor Event for Tenderloin Families)