Free Wedding Photography!

Andrea "Andy" Lane

In 2008 a rather remarkable photographer called Andrea Lane was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully the disease was successfully treated, but these events always have a profound effect on those closest and the experience lit the blue touch paper on Andrea's subsequent quest.

As an active member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and a prolific writer on their forum, she asked if any of the other professional wedding phtographers within SWPP would consider offering their services freely in order to raise some much needed funds for cancer research. The overwhelming support from this group of magnanimous people has ensured that Adrea's work was cut out in the months that followed her request. We're now on track to ensure the series of events goes to plan and makes enough money to make a difference. So - how can you help?

Do any of you know anyone who is planning to get married in the UK in October, November or December 2009? Particularly anyone who has been affected by cancer - which is actually most people at some time in their lives. What about a mate with a really tight budget who needs a decent break?

So far over 100 photographers from all over the UK have volunteered to help. They have donated a day's photography to the couples in exchange for them pledging to raise at least £300 for Cancer Research UK. The bride and groom (or both partners in same sex unions) don't have to do this by themselves and even if they only have 30 guests and each guest makes a token donation of £10 then the minimum target will be met. Tim at TPS Photos is amongst the volunteers for this venture.

There's a great incentive to make more though. The couple who raise the most for the charity will also receive a beautiful album in their prize.

Anyone interested in applying on behalf of themselves or their friends and families, should in the first instance apply to their most local Liaison Officer (the details of which are on the website at http://www.photographers4charity.co.uk/ ). The closing date for applications is 30th June 2009.

Not interested, but know someone who might be? Please pass on this information to them. Just 3 months to the closing date, so don't delay.