Philadelphia Beekeeper’s Symposium : Photographers and Pro Bono Work
Pro Bono, Latin, meaning “for good.” When it comes to shooting for free, you need to do what feels right for you. If there is an organization or a cause you believe in and you want to donate your time and expertise, that’s up to you.
In my case, I volunteered to document the 7th annual Philadelphia Beekeepers Symposium held at Temple University. Everyone working the Symposium was a volunteer. I had also donated several beekeeping related photos to be included in the program, one of which appeared on the cover.
My wife, my son and I are beekeepers and we have benefited greatly from the educational programs offered by the guild. We have become friends with many of the guild members and I have been photographing them for my Beekeepers of Philadelphia series so it was good to see previous subjects and to meet new potential ones.
I got to a attend a Symposium that I would have paid to go to otherwise. I received photo credit in the program and on social media as well as links to my website. Both the president and the communications coordinator thanked me at the event and again later, by email. I received the satisfaction of knowing that in a small way, I am helping other beekeeper’s and maybe the honey bee population at large.
