Portraits For People I : The Aftermath
This one's long overdue, but worth the wait. A few weeks ago, I hosted a small but mighty initiative called Portraits for people alongside Club Sandwich, and thanks to some generous hearts, we raised $375! Not bad for a first go. Very excited about this! There are definitely a few things I’d fine-tune, but all in all, it was a win.
And in addition to that, it was fun. Genuinely fun. I met new people, shared stories, made friends, and left with a list of lessons and ideas for next time. Here are a few that stood out:
Note to Self #1 : Promote Earlier
Turns out, spontaneity has its limits, especially in the cold, WHO KNEW? People need time. Time to plan, time to commit, and time to hype themselves up. Next round? We're giving them all of that. More lead time. Fewer flakes.
Note to Self #2 : Post More. Then Post Again.
Even though I technically posted more than usual, it wasn’t enough. Instagram’s algorithm isn’t built for one-and-done energy. It rewards presence. Frequency. And, let’s be honest, a little bit of money. Stories and livestreams seem to work best, so we’ll be doubling down there.
Also, LinkedIn. I only posted once. Rookie mistake. What's hilarious about it is, I know better. That platform might be a bit stuffy, but it works. Multiple posts, thoughtful comments, quiet stalking (don't tell them I sent) it all feeds the algorithm. And unlike Instagram, people are actually there to read. That’s a win for people like us.
Note to Self #3 : Livestream on the Day Of?
Optional but powerful. If people can see the event happening in real time, if people can hear the music, watch the smiles, feel the vibe, it helps. FOMO is real, and if we can bottle that energy into a livestream, we just might convert some passive scrollers into active supporters. Tools and timing are key here, but it's on the radar.
There are a few more ideas marinating, but I’ll leave it there for now. This was a valuable A/B test and I’m looking forward to running it back, maybe June? We'll see. If you want to know for sure, keep an eye on the usual places. I’ll try not to be so subtle next time.
To everyone who showed up, participated, reposted, or simply asked what Club Sandwich was about, thank you. Here are a few portraits of those who made it what it was.
Until next time!
And don't forget, take care of yourself and each other.
portraits for people : The dawn of a new beginning
My first post in a long time, so why not start fresh? Not just in writing, but in how I approach myself, my photography, and my art.
Lately, I’ve been redefining what photography means to me by going back to basics. At its core, photography has always been about sharing stories—about creating meaningful connections that allow us to strengthen our communities. But somewhere along the way, that greater purpose became blurred.
During a period of deep self-examination, I found myself also reflecting on what’s happening on our big blue and green globe—geopolitically and socioeconomically, both near and far. I’ll save those thoughts for another time, but one thing is certain: I need to do more. And I figured I’d start with something that affects all of us.
Food insecurity.
So, here’s the project:
Portraits for People
What is it?
Right now, times are tough. Instead of getting caught in the never-ending cycle of negativity, why not do something we enjoy while channeling that energy into something positive? So, let’s start off simple: an opportunity to do some good. Pay-what-you-can photoshoots, with all proceeds going to charity.
How will I do this?
On February 21st & 22nd, 2025, I’ll be hosting a Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC) portrait photography event at nuZamuse, with 100% of the proceeds going to Club Sandwich—a fantastic organization providing meals to those in need. Here’s how it works:
30-minute photoshoot – Whether you need a new headshot, a portrait just for fun, or a fresh update, this is your chance!
Choose your 2 favorite shots – I’ll professionally edit them for you.
Pay-What-You-Can – Every donation goes directly to Club Sandwich to help feed those in need.
Spread the word – Even if you can’t attend, sharing this with friends helps make a difference!
Why Club Sandwich?
Because it’s an organization filled with kind people doing kind things. Started by Darryl Neilsen during the pandemic, Club Sandwich makes and donates sandwiches to eight missions around Toronto. No red tape, no bureaucracy—just direct action to help those in need. You can read more about how they started here.
I was introduced to them through an event called Food For The Record. This event brought folks together to enjoy food and live music, typically spun by an excellent lineup of DJs, alongside a record sale. The records are donated vinyl, and a portion of the sales goes toward making sandwiches via Club Sandwich. Amazing work done by an amazing team of volunteers and I’m hoping to mimic a fraction of their success.
Until next time—stay amazing, folks.