It has never been more clear who the helpers are in this world than right now. Who the people that will make sacrifices for others are. We can see it on their faces, a mask means community.
When you step out of your house wearing you mask you’re making a declaration to the world and everyone around you, “I care about you, I hope you care about me.” You also have an opportunity to share a little bit more about your personal style by choosing from many, many super cute mask options. You can choose fun slogans, happy floral prints, sport teams, even political parties.
While some people have turned masks into a political opinion, many of us are ready and willing to put the needs of others before ourselves. We don’t have to be told to wear our masks when shopping for groceries.
We have stayed inside, we have cheered for our health care workers, we have begun washing our hands like a religious ceremony. Most importantly, we have put our masks on.
The Masked Portrait Project was started with a simple goal in mind. Photographer and founder, Emily Vance wanted to find a way to use her skills to give back to the community.
Vance describes herself as a strong supporter of wearing masks to protect others.
When the pandemic started Vance went from having a vibrant photography business to struggling to find a way to use her skills in the rapidly changing new pandemic world. That is when she was struck with a brilliant idea. Vance started by offering to take portraits of people wearing their masks She wanted to normalize the mask. She wanted to bring joy to putting on a mask.
The portrait session are scheduled through the www.themaskedportraitproject.com website. People pay what they during the session. Donations go to the three primary local charities, The Navajo Nation COVID relief fund, The House of Refuge, and Winged Hope. They will gladly also accept donations for any other local charity of the clients choosing.
The Masked Portrait Project has gained traction in Arizona with many local lifestyle photographers joining into to help. Across the country photographers are partnering with their communities to support local and sharing those photo sessions with the project. Events are being planned to have local drop by photo shoots at some of the East Valleys’ favorite spots including Agritopia, the Riparian Preserve, the community mural locations, and many more.
Well known influencers and politicians are also taking part in this project. Mayor of Phoenix Katie Gallegos recently posed for her portrait. She was one of the first Mayors in Arizona to advocate for mandatory mask policy to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Mayor of Gilbert Jen Daniels also joined in to promote masking up. Corey Woods, Tempe Mayor also was one of the first Mask-up Promoters. Mayors from across the metro area have been leaders in keeping our families safe.
Masks protect the people around you. The CDC says that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to wear a mask. The pandemic could end within 4-6 weeks if every single person simply wears their masks when they go outside. A recent study released from the Harvard School of Medicine reveals that if we increase our mask usage across the country from the current level of 55% to 90% usage, it would save over 70,000 lives before the end of the year.
The Masked Portrait Project as has begun sell masks the with the slogan, Spread Kindness, Not Germs from their website. The sales of the mask are raising additional funds for the charities from anyone that would like to help but might not be ready to have this masked time memorialized.
Gilbert Lifestyle has joined in the project by connecting our local photography team and small business partnerships with the project. Gilbert Lifestyle will be actively involved in the upcoming photo events throughout the East Valley. All sessions will be maintained safely and follow current social distancing guidelines. For upcoming portrait events, please check www.themaskedportraitproject.com or on Instagram @themaskedportraitproject.com
If you would like to share your masked portrait selfies those can be send directly to us at Gilbert Lifestyle either by email or through any of our social platforms.