How to volunteer as a photographer

"Do something good. Find a way to be productive." is what I tell people when they say things are "just very slow right now".

With my downtime, between jobs and under quarantine, I am helping raise future service dog Ruby for America's VetDogs - Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. Ruby has taught me a whole variety of new skills, and not just how to raise a dog. Skills such as how to be more patient and never being afraid to ask for help. Raising a future service dog can require a lot of patience, it certainly requires some time, and it definitely requires a great community of other raisers who are always willing to help.

As an individual I am volunteering my time to care for and train Ruby, and as a professional photographer, I am volunteering my photography to create countless photographs. My work will be used in the organization’s marketing and advertising pieces. However, most importantly Ruby will go on to help a veteran.

Binghamton University Global Day of Service

The Binhamton University Rowing Association (BURA) and members of the vast Binghamton University Alumni Association cleaned up the East River Park. Volunteers cultivated planting beds along the East River by weeding, mulching, planting native plants and removing invasive plants. The Ecology Center provided all the needed tools and supplies, including gloves. Volunteers should carry snacks and water as there are no food concessions in the park. 

Later on in the day, I joined the Alumni of Color Network at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe located on New York City's Lower East Side. There volunteers worked on a series of projects and tasks, such as painting, cleaning, landscaping and organizing.