Fall/ Winter Mission:
THE LIGHT PROJECT
Continuing our initiative to raise the visibility of mental health, this fall/ winter HFTD is focusing on the theme of LIGHT; inspiring individuals to break the silence of stigma through photography and story-telling.
Join us in participating in a portrait and story series that sheds light on individuals impacted by mental health and suicide.
The Light Project, co-created by photographers, Jamie Parker and Chris Callen in collaboration with Hope For The Day, aims to inspire as many people as possible to share their mental health experiences and showcase how they’ve overcome darkness in the most challenging moments of their lives.
Through black and white photography we will feature the diverse faces of mental health and teach one another that darkness and light exist in all of us.
When we talk about our mental health along with what gives us hope, we can proactively move towards the light and help guide others to resources and support.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE LIGHT PROJECT MISSION
The Light Project involves capturing your facial expressions in TWO separate photos as you contemplate and answer two questions:
How has mental health impacted your life?
What gives you hope?
You can take your own Light Project portrait, or have a trusted friend, family member, or photographer complete this mission with you!
PROPS NEEDED:
Camera/phone camera, black backdrop, a ring light or other source of soft even lighting, notebook/recording device
STEP BY STEP GUIDE:
Hang your black backdrop behind you to create your set
Angle your light source so it casts a shadow on a single side of your face. This will create the dark/light contrast
Have your friend/photographer ask, or ask yourself the question: How has mental health impacted your life?
Take your time to think about and answer this first question. While you answer the question out loud, have your friend/photographer snap a few photos of your facial expression and record your response in writing or on a recording device/in a voice memo. OR take a selfie while you contemplate this question and then write down your answer.
Have your friend ask the question: What gives you hope?
If you are anything like us, your facial expression should naturally change as you think about and answer this question. Have your friend/photographer take your photo while you respond and document your response. Or take another selfie and then write down your answer.
Repeat the same process with your friend if they are willing to participate!
SHARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The Light Project is designed to be a black and white photo series. To ensure this project is recognizable and impactful please apply a black and white preset or filter to your portraits before posting to social media. We recommend using the following presets/filters:
Lightroom Preset:
-light_studio
Photoshop Template:
-soft_black
Instagram Filter:
-Moon
SOCIAL MEDIA POST GUIDELINES:
THE PHOTOS:
On Instagram include both photos in one post using the slide format.
On Facebook and Twitter include both photos in one post!
THE CAPTION:
Include your answers to both the questions in your caption!
Tag @hopefortheday and use hashtags #LightProject and #ITSOKNOTTOBEOK
FINAL STEP: Fill out a self report form to track your completion of this mission!