Katie Clarkson is combining her love of photography with raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
For the second year in a row, the 18-year-old is offering Photo Shoots for Cancer during May, donating the proceeds of her work to Relay for Life.
For $20, people can sit for a photo shoot of 30 minutes to an hour, and they will receive all the photos and edits.
The money Clarkson raises will go toward her team's Relay for Life donation.
Clarkson started the fundraiser last year, and she raised almost $300.
Clarkson came up with the idea because she couldn't think of another way to raise money for Relay for Life, and her father suggested she do something with her photography.
"It helps me build my photo portfolio, people were having fun with it and liked getting their photos, and Relay for Life also benefits, so it's a win-win," she said.
Clarkson has been taking photographs since 2008.
"I like seeing people's reaction to them and making people happy from it," she said. "It's a lot of fun to do it as well."
Clarkson will do all kinds of photo shoots, including portraits, family photos, head shots and glamour shots. She has a variety of costumes people can use for dress up or glamour shots.
This year, the local Relay for Life takes place June 24 and 25 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the track near Georges P. Vanier Secondary School and the Comox Valley Sports Centre.
Relay for Life is Canada's biggest cancer fundraiser, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Funds raised help the Canadian Cancer Society invest in outstanding cancer research, offer caring cancer support services and leading prevention initiatives.
This will be Clarkson's third time participating in the Relay for Life.
"It's a really neat thing to do because you get to be around all these people who are supporting the same thing," she said. "You are there having fun and fundraising at the same time."
Anyone who is interested in a Relay for Life Photo Shoot for Cancer can call Clarkson at 250-334-2208 or e-mail her at katies.address@hotmail.com. Visit her website at www.wix.com/clarksonphotography/home for more information.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com