A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine introduced me to one of her co-workers who recently launched a wonderful startup called Project Picture Day. The idea behind the startup is to foster emotional development of students in underserved communities by providing organized school picture days. Essentially, the mission is to provide meaningful and educational experiences for students of all ages. Pretty awesome stuff.

I love learning about new innovative projects and ventures that are working towards making the world a better place. With all of the sad news we hear about daily, it’s comforting to know that there are so many people out there who really want to make a difference in this world and who are putting their ideas into action. I was super impressed with the idea of Project Picture Day after looking through their website and decided to interview the two co-founders, Jules Alonzo & Jennifer Campos, to learn more about what inspired them to do this kind of work.


Hey Jennifer & Jules! Tell me about the mission of your project. What’s Project Picture Day all about?  

JENNIFER CAMPOS (Co-Founder, Vice-President, & Head Photography): Project Picture Day supports educational achievements by providing tangible memories in underserved communities around the world.​

That sounds like an awesome cause, what inspired you to start this project?

JULES ALONZO (Co-Founder & President): I've been working for a media company in the heart of Manhattan for 2 years and during the fall of last year, I started getting really unhappy with what I was doing. There was something missing, I felt my day-to-day was unfulfilling. I found myself in a routine of wake up, work, go home, and sleep when I should have been following my dreams. So, I took a mental health day from work and asked myself what truly, genuinely makes me happy? My two passions in life are in photography and humanitarian work. Photography was a hobby that I quickly fell in love with and the power of giving always left me with an uplifting feeling. The following weeks consisted of trying to find a way to combine both passions into one project. I reached out to Jen Campos (who I had met a few months back at a wedding that she was working, as a photographer) and we brainstormed ways to bring our love for photography and helping people into one. As a result, Project Picture Day was created.

What is significant to you about a picture day photo? Something I’m sure many of us take for granted.

JA: I couldn't get over the deeper meaning behind what photography really is. The idea that a particular moment is significant and important enough to us that we would want to photograph it in order to let that present feeling, moment, setting last a little bit longer...if not forever. And what really stuck to me was the inability for people in underserved communities to have this luxury. I wanted to share that with them too and what better way than through education? Project Picture Day wants those student portraits to symbolize hope and inspire students to never give up.

JC:  When I look back at my own school photos, a million things go through my mind, especially when I look back at graduation portraits. Those pictures inspire me, still today, to go forward and never give up.  Hard work pays off and I’m proud to be holding those diplomas. That feeling is exactly what gives me the drive to work with Project Picture Day. I want each child to look at that portrait and feel inspired to continue with their education because it will be worth it in the end.

Where have you brought the project to so far and where do you hope to go?

JA: We recently completed a trip to Santiago, Dominican Republic. It was really a test trip to see if what we have envisioned for the organization would work and it was turned out to be a huge success. It opened our eyes to a lot of other opportunities and places that could benefit from our services. We are planning an August trip in a Central/South American country and we are going to Kenya, in a village called Mtwapa, in July 2016.

Can you describe what it's like to be on site and interact with children coming from impoverished communities?

JC: For me it is a freeing and an in the moment feeling.  When I am with those children nothing else really matters.  They have my full attention and I become absorbed in their world. Children, photography, and traveling are my truths in life and when they all come together I cannot do much more than smile and be grateful that I am educated and have the ability to do this in my life.

JA: It's really an indescribable feeling. I'm usually taken back by how happy and appreciative the children are by our presence alone. As soon as we stepped into the school, they gravitated towards us, giving high fives or exchanging smiles. For me, it just feels right knowing that we're adding a little bit of hope and positivity in this world. I get a sense of fulfillment and peace of mind knowing that I'm exactly where I need to be. And, if I ever have any doubt, the children's smiles and eagerness to interact with us are a quick reminder that we're on the right path.

Why do you think education is important?

JC: Knowledge is power.  For me it is that simple.  Without education one does not have the tools to better themselves or their situation.

JA: There are endless amount of opportunities an individual has, coming from an underserved community, if he/she has an education. Even knowing how to read opens so many doors. It's something we take for granted and we assume that everyone is literate, but that's not always the case. In an underserved community, education isn't guaranteed and it's one of the key elements to positive change.


I think this project has a really powerful message and I’m excited to see how they expand and grow. It’s inspiring to see every day individuals who are committed to making a difference in the world.

Editorial

Demand Equity

Project Picture Day

By Natalie Prolman