Last year around this time, Philly photographer Richard Wah saw a few high school graduates on the bus, rocking their caps and gowns. Even though it was their special day, no one else was around to support them.
It sparked an idea for Richard: he would take free graduation photos for any student in Philly that couldn’t afford them. Last year, only two took him up on his offer. However, a Facebook post the photographer shared about the offer just this Monday has gotten over 16,000 shares and close to 20,000 likes. Now, he has 12 kids lined up for free pics this year!
Richard even has a team of four barbers and three makeup artists to have the kids looking amazing for the photos! “They’re memories; they’re priceless,” he said to Philly Voice. For Richard, not being able to afford pictures to celebrate this special day is something he knows all too well. He didn’t have graduation pics himself because of it. Now that he’s made a career out of photography, he’s able to give back to the youth of his city using his gift! “I don’t know who they are or what their stories are. I just want them to know somebody’s there,” Richard added.
So, if you’re in Philadelphia, the photo session for 2017 grads will take place June 17. For details, contact Richard Wah Photography at 215-800-3529 or by email at rwahphoto@yahoo.com.
Richard is also accepting clothing donations for graduates to get their pictures taken in.
Graduation pics can definitely hit your pockets hard, but it’s nice for families to have those memories to look back on. Glad that he is using his talent to help these kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to swing it!
Imperfectly B 