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Hope – the eternal truth

This is about GIVING the pictures not taking them .. when I read this for the first time I definitely had my attention shifted to these words and the  post carrying these words in Facebook . It was Mid November 2013 last year,  while flipping through my Timeline on FaceBook I saw this post from my dear friend Suddhyasheel Sen.

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We have an attitude

Founded by Celebrity Photographer Jeremy Cowart, Help-Portrait is a community of photographers coming together across the world to use their photography skills to give back to their local community.

In December, photographers around the world come together with their cameras, finding people in need and taking their picture. When the prints are ready, the photographs get delivered.

Yep. It really is that easy.

This is about GIVING the pictures, not taking them.

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Stories in my eyes

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The smile will take me miles

As an aspiring photographer I could not let this chance go off and grabbed the opportunity with both the hands . I was assigned HOPE Kolkata foundation ( http://hopechild.org/contact-us.aspx)  a part of International body . I went to the Girls Home where they look after and give shelter to girls between 13 to 22 years of age .

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Destiny is looking at us

Truely, I was little anxious worrying about my subject , light available (those days I didn’t even have a flash gun) and how to tackle such a project ( remember everyone starts from somewhere) . Once I reached the center , met the teachers I was guided to the terrace . On reaching there , I saw these bright faces with sparkling eyes with a hint of mischief, but just as apprehensive as I was . I only needed to break the ice ( a golden rule of taking portraits) , next one hour was a thunderstorm when I didn’t mind getting drenched in their love, warmth , smile and innocence .

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We carve our own path

When you look at the pictures you can rarely make out that behind all these faces there is a sad story . A story of deception , poverty , ill treatment , humiliation .. . Most of them would not have faced camera in their lifetime .

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I see the world through your eyes

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If I show you my eyes will you read the story ?

The purpose is not to remember the stories behind but to look into their faces and experience the HOPE, after all its HOPE what makes the world a better place to live in.. In case my post inspires you to get involved in this noble movement -December is not far off ,so whats holding you back to click the shutter for another pic – this time give the picture dont take it .

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One Smiles the other sees

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Its not the face but I hold entire world between them