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by Steve Dreiseszun
The Phoenix, Arizona Chapter of ASMP is pleased to continue to partner with the Phoenix chapter of "Flashes of Hope" which is a national non-profit organization that works with commercial photographers to provide free portraits to children battling cancer and other life threatening illnesses.
The organization established a new chapter to serve Phoenix in early 2007. Carie Frabotta, past Phoenix Director of Flashes of Hope, approached
Phoenix Children's Hospital, who enthusiastically agreed to be the site
of the ongoing project. Photo shoots have been conducted approximately each month since.
Carie is now Chapter Director of Camp Rainbow near Prescott. Current Phoenix Director is Lisa O'Brien. We are fortunate to have two such dedicated Directors in Arizona and look forward to continuing our support of the Flashes of Hope mission.
Background:
Allison Clarke, founder of Flashes of Hope based near Cleveland, began the organization after a personal experience. She reached out to the National office of ASMP to help support her vision. She writes, "Thanks to our strong partnership with the national office of The American Society of Media Photographers, the best photographers in the world create powerful images of strength, beauty and dignity in cities across the U.S. We are currently in Philadelphia, Boston, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Denver, and Northern Virginia. Last year alone (2006), we reached 1000 children. Ten additional cities will open in 2007 and 25 cities are on our waiting list."
Past Projects:
Since the Spring of 2007, 25 "AZ/ASMP" photographers have photographed 26 projects including 2 summer camp retreats at Camp Rainbow.
We are honored to share their work below.
April 2007 - Inaugural Phoenix Project:
The first photo shoot in Phoenix was conducted on April 5th, 2007. General Member Jeff Noble did the honors on behalf of the Chapter. As usual, Jeff brought his unique talent for creating natural and personal portraiture while remaining sensitive and placing his subjects at ease. One observer noted that "as a nurse or doctor, he might be a little... 'energetic' -- as a photographer, he was perfect."
Nice work, Jeff!
We asked our "FOH" photographers to describe their experience photographing the kids and their families. In their own words...
May 2007 - Mark Skalny:
"When Flashes of Hope contacted me about this project, I couldn’t sign up fast enough, and when I told my photo-assistant, Holly Hampson, what I was doing and would love some help, she didn’t hesitate to climb on board for a day that would change our lives
As a photographer I have the chance to capture life many different ways, but when these kids entered this boardroom-turned-to-studio, their eyes lit up faster then my strobe lights
Their courage and determination to fight the battle that was being waged through their bodies was a pure heaven sent blessing to witness. And to capture their life through my lens was a honor and a joy not to be forgotten."
Well spoken, Mark!
June 2007 - Scott Farence:
"I decided to participate with this project because I have had friends and family members who have gone through a lot of the same illnesses as these children have. I wanted to try and give them something fun and enjoyable that they could share with their loved ones through all the hardship they are dealing with. I think we were able to do that. The hardest part for me was editing the images. It really tugs at your heart to look at the images and decide which ones to use.
I brought with me Carlos Mandelaveithia (digital artist) Julie Koeth (make-up) Lynne Ernst (studio manager/child wrangler). Much thanks to all three along with Carie Frabotta and the nurses at Phoenix Children's Hospital that helped.
As all in my group felt, we came away with a lot more than what we put into this. My thanks to AZ-ASMP along with Flashes of Hope for allowing us the privilege of working with these special children and their families."
Much appreciated, Scott!
July 2007 - Art Holeman:
"On the morning of July 17, 2007, Mike Taft (an assistant that also donated his time to the program) and myself went to Phoenix Children's Hospital and set up a small "studio" in one of the rooms that were available on the floor.
Carie Frabotta (then Flashes of Hope Phoenix Chapter Director and an oncology nurse) took care of all the logistics. We would photograph the children by themselves and then with a parent. Only one of the children didn't have any parent there with them at the time of the photo shoot, so we photographed her with two of her nurses that she wanted to be in her portrait with her (Carie was one). In all, there were 8 children.
What a unique opportunity to try, in our own way, to show the support, caring, concern and love for these very unfortunate children and their families. I can't wait to go and be apart of it again!!!"
Flashes of Hope is truly a remarkable experience to be involved with. I feel very fortunate to have been asked."
Thanks, Art!
August 2007 - David Moore:
Thanks, David!
August 2007 @ Camp Rainbow - Martin Christopher:
"Photographing the kids at Camp Rainbow was a truly wonderful experience. I found myself humbled by the powerful courage that lives in each of these beautiful young people.
This Flashes of Hope portrait session was a little different from the others. It was held last August at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott, Arizona. The summer camp setting was a great environment for capturing the personality and joyful nature of each camper. Their happy smiles and playful personalities make it difficult to comprehend the enormous challenges facing these kids and their families.
I feel blessed to have been given this opportunity. I commend Carie Frabotta and all the great people at Flashes of Hope for organizing this beautiful program."
Well done, Martin!
September 2007 - Dean Stevenson:
"I had the opportunity to photograph the children in the Oncology wing at the Phoenix Children's Hospital September, 2007.
As Phoenicians, we are very fortunate to have PCH and their amazing Doctors, Nurses and Staff. They have my deepest respect. For the parents and family of these beautiful children my heart aches for them. May they find the courage and strength to succeed in these extremely difficult trials.
As a photographer, I am truly blessed and thank God I am able to give the gift of photography and thankful to Flashes of Hope for their vision. Now, as a parent, I have to go hug and kiss my kids... again!"
Very nice, Dean!
October 2007 - Dan Delaney:
"When I first heard about Flashes of Hope I immediately wanted to participate. My nephew had a brain stem tumor at an early age and the support he and his family received from the Make-a-Wish and Camp Rainbow programs was truly wonderful. He went on to work as Camp Councilor as a way to give back on his part. As a “thank you” from me, I wanted to be able to give back with my photography and Flashes of Hope was a perfect opportunity to do just that.
The most amazing thing about photographing the kids that morning was how much joy they still have in them while dealing with something as draining as cancer treatments. They still laugh and react the same as any other child when you make funny noises and act like a clown. I am not sure I could say the same thing about myself if I where in the same situation.
I want to say thank you to Carie Frabotta and Flashes of Hope for letting me do these portraits. I am looking forward to the next time it is my turn, meanwhile I will be praying that it won’t be needed. I would also like to thank Dori Randall (stylist) and Chris Boyle (assistant) for donating their time to help me out with the shoot."
Good work, Dan!
February 2008 - Geoff Reed:
"Flashes of Hope offers a deeply rewarding experience to all involved.
The children, their families, the nurses and the volunteers: everybody feels vulnerable. Yet the sentiments of mutual care and respect create an atmosphere conducive to the making of fine, sensitive portraits. Despite the sad circumstances, the situation is remarkably up-beat.
With or without hair, the kids themselves are simply beautiful. All of them exude a surprising inner strength and resilience. This makes me hopeful that they will triumph over their disease.
I am grateful to Flashes of Hope for the opportunity to create something meaningful for these spirited children and the ones who love them.
Many thanks to everyone who unhesitatingly volunteered their time and talent: stylist Mary Wright, stylists Jenna Pottle & Melanie Estrada (both from Taglio Salon) and photo assistant Paul Wollam."
Thanks, Geoff!
March 2008 - Paul Reklaitis:
"I was selected to participate and I instantly knew I wanted to help. I lost my wife and the mother of my four young children due to Melanoma cancer. Plus, my youngest daughter was born four months premature and spent her first three months in the hospital. But, so many people were there to support me and my family during our time of need. In fact, I became a professional photographer due to these life changing experiences.
The hardest part of this project for me was the night before the shoot. I thought that seeing the sick children would make me break down emotionally. But once in the photoshoot, the children actually brought up my spirits. They were so grateful, so special and so full of life. They actually brought a lot of love and hope into my heart.
Taking pictures of these children for their families is just a small way that I can give back to the community.
A special thanks goes out to Lisa O’Brien. She is the Flashes of Hope Phoenix Chapter Director. She organized the shoot. She stood in as my assistant and also volunteered as stylist. Thank you Lisa!"
...and thank you, Paul!
August 2008 @ Camp Rainbow - Florine Duffield:
These images were made at Friendly Pines during August of 2008.
In fact, it was on my mother’s birthday (she passed away several years ago)
The photographers, staff and volunteers were at the entrance of the camp to greet the two buses filled with happy campers as they arrived. It was amazing to see all the excitement of more than 100 children as they were getting off the buses. I must admit to a wave of great sadness and helplessness when I saw the tiny wheelchairs with balloons tied to them. The staff had the shoot extremely well organized so we photographers were able to concentrate on making portraits.
This project stayed with me for a very long time. I was moved by what I observed:
These children were so happy - they looked forward to this camping trip all year. They were able to see many friends from the previous year – some did not make it.
I was touched by how normal these children were in the sense that they wanted to have a good time and hang out with friends. The young girls wore make up and wanted to look glamorous. They were not camera shy by any stretch. There was humor evident everywhere. One young man was making cross eyes for the camera. One young girl had a comment about her hair style and she remarked, “This isn’t a hairstyle – it’s a wig, a big one!”
Projects like this always remind me to be grateful for what I have. I look forward to being a part of this project at future events.
Thanks, Florine!
August 2008 @ Camp Rainbow - Penny Ann Dolin:
Shooting at Camp Rainbow was exhilarating and fun. It was wonderful meeting all the children and shooting with fellow ASMP photographers. The staff was professional and caring and made the day run smoothly.
While shooting I would have the most wonderful conversations with the campers. They looked forward to their time at the camp so much and many had funny and sometimes poignant tales to tell. It was also a very difficult and sad day when considering the prognosis some of the children may have. I am so pleased that I was able to give them and their families a gift that I know will be treasured long after my time with them. Thanks to AZ/ASMP and the Flashes of Hope staff for making the day possible.
We appreciate your contribution, Penny!
March 2009 - Dan Delaney:
I was recently lucky enough to have a chance to shoot for Flashes of Hope again. This time the shoot was a little different from the first. We did portraits of the kids and their families, and we had two of the Phoenix Coyotes as well. The Coyotes were generous enough to give the local chapter of Flashes of Hope a donation to help them run their chapter for the year. Martin Hanzal and Captain Shane Doan joined us along with a video crew from FSN Arizona. Both Shane and Martin did a wonderful job working with the kids and the kids had a lot of fun with them. If you would like to see the video FSN did during the shoot follow this link, http://coyotes.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=159&id=35922.
As for me, I had another great experience too. Once again not all of the kids were feeling so well, but just like the first shoot I did for Flashes of Hope, they all stepped up and made the best of the time they had to spend in front of the camera. All of the kids had such great attitudes which make photographing them a real joy, despite the circumstances for which they are there.
I would like to thank Lisa O’Brien and Carie Frabotta from Flashes of Hope for all the work and effort they put into this and for allowing me to be a part of it again. I would also like to say “thanks” to Ryan Nelson for volunteering his time to assist for the afternoon.
Great job, Dan!
April 2009 - Nancy Crase:
As a newly reinstated member of the Phoenix Chapter, it was exciting to hear about the creative outlet offered in photographing the kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital through Flashes of Hope.
Most of the children were very young, and it was amazing how old they behaved, even the toddlers. Some approached the conference room, converted to a studio, wary of yet another medical procedure, and parents had to calm them that there was no ‘ouch’ in what we were going to do.
The kids were great fun, and it was delightful to photograph them and their parents. Once I showed them what happened when I clicked the shutter, and to expect a flash of light, they were inquisitive to find what was hiding in the lens, to play with bubbles, and just ham it up for the camera.
Thanks to Kari Green, a Child Life Specialist at PCH for corralling any wayward child and making valuable suggestions on how to distract even the littlest patient long enough for a portrait. I packed up my gear after a long morning of shooting and was delighted I could be, even for just one morning, a welcome alternative to the worries and concerns of the parents, siblings and youngsters who were facing so many medical uncertainties.
Glad you were there, Nancy!
June 2009 - Art Holeman:
On the morning of June 26th, 2009, David Moore (another photographer who also has donated his time to this program) and myself went to Phoenix Children's Hospital and set up a small "studio" in one of the rooms that were available. A different one this time.. Before I was in an actual patient room on a floor.. This one seemed a bit smaller.. a lot smaller.....
Lisa O'Brien (Flashes of Hope Phoenix Chapter Director) took care of all the logistics. We photographed the children by themselves and then with a parent, parents and or family. We did a total of 7 children and their families...
Last time only one of the children didn't have any parent there with them at the time of the photo shoot, so we photographed her with two of her nurses that she wanted to be in her portrait with her, Carie Frabotta (then Flashes of Hope Phoenix Chapter Director and an oncology nurse) was one. I asked Carie how the little girl was doing that we photographed her with last time.... I was expecting Carie to say that she was doing really good.... Instead she had mentioned that she had passed away... It really hit me..... Such a pretty little girl... It is another reason the we are doing this .... To give the parents and family something else to remember them by...
What a unique opportunity to be part of, in our own way, to give back, pay it forward, to show the support, caring, concern and love for these very unfortunate children and their families.
Flashes of Hope is truly a remarkable experience to be involved with. I feel very fortunate to have been asked. I look forward to the next time.....
Thanks, Art!
August 2009 - John Covington:
“When Steve from AZ/ASMP asked me if I would be available to volunteer for Flashes of Hope, I didn’t hesitate for a second to give a resounding yes! My 89 year old mother passed away 2 days before this shoot. On the way to the hospital I was thinking about how wonderful it was for her to live such a long wonderful life, and how courageous these kids must be that are fighting for the opportunity to experience just another day.”
I feel eyes are the gateway to the soul. The eyes of these children speak clearly of their individual attitudes during a very difficult time in their lives. It was truly an honor to share this time with them.
I had less than a week to find an assistant and make up artist to volunteer for the project. I’d like to thank Bethany Shehorn for assisting and Nicole Seller, MUA. They both put their hearts into making the shoot roll smoothly and helping the kids, their families and the nursing staff comfortable during the fast-moving emotional process of capturing these images for Flashes of Hope.”
...and it's an honor to share your images, John!
Why are we doing this?
Phoenix, Arizona ASMP Chapter President, Steve Dreiseszun noted, "Before we were approached by Flashes of Hope, our
Chapter had been discussing ways we could give back to the community
doing what we do well. This relationship came at a perfect time for us. Our Members continue to show how committed we are to providing
photographs to the Flashes of Hope families. I'm very proud of the
response from our photographers as we support this project."
For more information, please visit Flashes of Hope Web site at: http://www.flashesofhope.org
All photographs appearing on this page are Copyrighted by the noted photographer and Flashes of Hope. No use of any kind is conveyed by their appearance here. Any infringement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent available under the law.
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