wired’s running a piece on skateistan that should get us all thinking. solid film work + undeniable subject matter. can any of us even imagine a childhood without freedom of fear? if only more visual media was put to such proper use.

one thing that keeps me charged on photography + filmmaking is the good that it can do + the access most of the public has to it. if you have an idea, if there’s a cause nearby then get out + support it. your skills can often do much more good then your money.

you can find more @ skateistan. or simply find a venue near you that needs your talent + time. help portrait is just around the corner.

if you haven’t heard of first descents here’s a great intro. they are a non profit founded by professional kayaker brad ludden to teach kids with cancer how to kayak and get outside. brad’s a personal friend of mine + one helluva person + we’ve been lucky enough

proud to see first descents and america’s most eligible bachelor (according to cosmo magazine) brad ludden getting some attention today in USA Today. fantastic work brad + his group do for cancer patients – get involved if you haven’t. and thanks to colin at giant noise for putting it together in mere minutes.

we’re welcoming in 2009 with arms wide open.

with the new year dawning and an ever increasing sense of squeeze all around us i’m proud to announce that we’re offering up challenge to photographers, visual media professionals and creatives everywhere. reading recently i came across this bit from tom parker’s book rules of thumb: a life manual – brilliant guestimates, shortcuts and a few shots in the dark.

“You are wealthy enough to give some money to worthy causes when you can buy all the groceries you need.”

with that in mind, my staff and i are will dedicating a full week of creative firepower over the next year to a non-profit cause that needs the help. this will include a fully produced shoot of nearly any nature and all the fixings. i’m really looking for a cause that may be needing a boost due to a lack of recent donations or simply has a powerful issue that needs attention. we will be working with the selected group to complete a full project featuring still images, motion clips and perhaps even some of our new hybrid work.

i’m not limiting the causes in terms of geography, size, etc but will need details as follows:

• a cover letter describing the work, history + goals of your organization
• a detailed statement of why your organization needs a new visual face + what you hope to accomplish with it
• send the above two pieces along with a link to your website to info@heathkorvola.com for review
• deadline for 2009 Project HELP is 2.15.2009 with a decision to be announced 3.31.2009
  spread the word or pass along recommendations directly if you know anyone that fits the mold
• keep an eye out here and on my site heathkorvola.com for more info.

as a potential additional feature, if the cause is one that requires medical attention my wife could be joining us. this too will be in a donated capacity.

so put your thoughts into those around you and let us know what you come up with. i’m excited to make this happen and look forward to making 2009 a truly memorable one.

happy new year.