Comox Valley residents can experience a photo shoot with a professional photographer, and donate to Relay for Life at the same time.
Young Valley photographer Katie Clarkson is now booking appointments for her fifth annual Photo Shoot for Cancer fundraiser, which happens throughout the month of May.
The 20-year-old photographer says she does the photo shoot fundraiser for a number of reasons besides a need to raise money each year as a Relay for Life participant.
"The fundraiser … helps me grow as a photographer every time I do it. I feel like I gain more knowledge," says Clarkson. "And I really like giving all the families … an affordable option to get their family portraits done, for people who can't normally do it."
A $40-donation will give the donor one photo shoot, which takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes five edited images. The donor can do whatever they choose with those images whether that's print them out or simply post the photos on Facebook, says Clarkson.
She raised $600 last year, and hopes to raise more this year.
Participating in Relay for Life is important to Clarkson, who notes her family was touched by cancer before she first signed up to join Relay when she was 15.
"My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she's fully recovered from it now and everything's fine, but I feel really connected to (Relay for Life) that way, as well," explains Clarkson.
Clarkson offers a selection of photo shoots, including portraits, family photos, head shots and glamour shots, through her business Clarkson Photography.
She says she enjoys photography because it allows her to be creative.
"But, my favourite part is seeing how happy it makes other people," continues Clarkson. "Especially when I take portraits of — usually it's young girls — and seeing how much their confidence gets boosted from it. It just makes me really happy to see that."
To book a session during Clarkson's Photo Shoot for Cancer, (which happens throughout May), call 250-334-6539, e-mail Clarksonphotography@hotmail.ca or visit Clarkson Photography on Facebook.
Relay for Life is scheduled for June 7 in the Comox Valley.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com