january 2007 - Professional Photographer Magazine

good works |
Art therapy
PHOTOGRAPHER JOE CRAIG VALIDATES HIS SUBJECTS
THROUGH IMAGES OF TRIUMPH AND TRANSCENDENCE
rt as therapy. That’s the idea behind a
program of philanthropic photography
conducted by Joe Craig, Cr.Photog.,
of Missouri. Charged by his belief
in the healing power of photography,
Craig has spent the last
decade creating portraits of people who have
experienced a trauma of some kind. Some of
his subjects are fighting cancer, others have
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Images wield the power to effect change. In this new feature,
Professional Photographer spotlights professional photographers
using their talents to make a difference through charitable work.
©Joe Craig
lost a child or spouse. The sittings are complimentary,
and Craig donates the images
to his subjects.
“These sessions are based on the fact that
these people are going through a huge trauma.
The images try to reflect them as they
are, with all their emotions,” explains Craig.
“You can see the anguish, but also how they
triumph and transcend. We do these photo-
graphs as an encouragement, to give them
validation and hope.”
Craig uses simple lighting setups to create
poignant, black-and-white portraits that
explore the essence of the subject’s character.
He assembles assortments of images based on
each subject, usually providing at least one
11x14 portrait. Craig tries to do one complimentary
art therapy session for every 10 paying
sessions. Referrals come from churches
and hospices, as well as clients and other
individuals who have heard about his work.
Craig doesn’t want accolades, doesn't even
allow his special subjects to purchase anything.
“I tell photographers all the time, never
pull at the heartstrings to get at the purse
strings,” he says. “Anytime you’re seeking to
do your finest work and then give it away,
you’re probably at the best place in your life.”
Craig considers these portraits to be a
visual legacy. The images tell the subjects’
stories, help them connect with their feelings
and feel hopeful about the future.
When it comes down to it, Craig feels
that we all share many afflictions. We’ve all
had trauma in our lives. We’ve all had problems.
Craig’s images seek to form connections
along these common bonds by showing
that in our suffering we are all the same;
we are all human. ■
—Jeff Kent
For more about Joe Craig, visit his Web
site at www.joecraig.com. Craig presents
“Soul Dance” at Imaging USA 2007 in
San Antonio, January 14-16. For more
information, call 888-260-0016 or visit
www.imagingusa.org.
Share your good works experience with us
by e-mailing Cameron Bishopp at
cbishopp@ppa.com