LOGAN SQUARE — In an era of selfies and cellphone pics, the significance of a family or self portrait cannot be lost.
This weekend, a group of professional photographers is inviting anyone and everyone from Logan Square and beyond into a makeshift studio for a free professional photo session.
"For me it’s a small way to communicate with someone very vividly, you matter. You have worth. You are a valuable thing in this world and we are taking pictures to let you know that," said Anthony Barlich, the head photographer of the project.
Everyone is invited and pets are welcome.
Saturday's event is seventh year of Help-Portrait in Chicago, a global movement of photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists who come together for free photography events to give back to those in need.
Last year 330 people came through the Logan Square pop-up photo studio.
"People tell me, 'I don't remember the last time I had my photo taken,'" Barlich, a 29-year-old professional photographer, said.
Saturday's event will be held at 2747 N. Milwaukee Ave. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
As much as it's about getting a professional photo taken, Barlich said the entire process is what makes it special. There are three photo bays, a professional studio setting and hair and makeup stylists who are all volunteers.
"Our goal is that they are going to have something that they will have forever," Barlich said.
In previous years attendees have included people from all walks of life, including some who are homeless. Attendees receive a 4-by-6 printed photo and a number of professionally edited photos on a disc to take home.
Between 30 and 40 people typically volunteer at the yearly event as well as a number of local businesses and groups, including Bang Bang Pie Shop and I Am Logan Square.
I Am Logan Square hosted a charity gallery that raised about $1,500 last weekend that will go toward Saturday's event.
"One of my key philosophies is we, as creatives especially, take so much from the city and what it has to offer, so it's an opportunity for us to give back to the city, give back to the neighborhood, give back to our neighbors," Barlich said.
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