Moms get first-class treatment, free family photo shoot
Some single mothers and their children took advantage of a rare opportunity in St. John's on Sunday — they had their pictures taken by a group of professional photographers for free.
It was all part of the Help Portrait project in which photographers, hairstylist and makeup artists lend their skills to members of their local community.
Dozens of families took part in Sunday's event at Choices for Youth.
Jeannie Piercey is a program facilitator for Momma Moments at Choices for Youth — a support group for low-income moms and their children.
Piercey helped organize the shoot and says the event sends a powerful message to individuals who might otherwise feel forgotten.
"Come and getting their hair done, their makeup done, their nails done, it's very empowering for a lot of these women who have come through horrendous backgrounds," said Piercey.
"[Those] who have experienced a lot of trauma in their lives and who have never felt worthy that they deserve to have their portraits done."
Khadija Emily Butler of St. John's got a portrait taken with her four children.
"Honestly, you can't capture a moment like this very easily — especially with as many kids as we had in the picture. It's a very real moment, which is awesome," said Butler.
This is the ninth Help Portrait event that's taken place in St. John's.
The group of volunteers has photographed more than 300 people in the past four years.
Scroll below to view some pictures from Sunday's event.
