Flint Teens Matter recruiting photographers to help high school seniors

Posted: Sat 1:03 PM, May 20, 2017

FLINT (WJRT) - (5/20/17) - Calling all photographers who'd like to help out some local students affected by Flint's Water Emergency while also adding to your portfolio.

The project is called Flint Teens Matter, and any Flint High School senior in need can participate.

Founder and photographer Charles Ruggles hopes to capture their individual essence during a senior picture photo shoot.

"There's a lot of kids that are being overlooked. A lot of parents don't have the money to provide this service for their kids."

With pretty Stepping Stone Falls as the backdrop, Ruggles photographed Flint Northwestern High School honor student Leilani Clay Saturday.

"It's expensive for senior pictures. I wasn't really looking forward to senior pictures because we didn't have the money for it," Clay explained. "And it was kind of nerve-wracking seeing everybody else's, and I didn't have any, but I'm glad I got this opportunity to take some."

It's now the second consecutive year that Ruggles has done this free of charge with just a handful of other photographers to help. His work has been honored by Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint) for service during Flint's Water Emergency, but Ruggles wants the spotlight to be on the students.

Clay is a Flint-trained dancer and singer. She'has also performed for former President Obama, among many other accomplishments.

"The performances that got me many opportunities was tap. It got me a $25,000 scholarship. I went to New York, D.C., New Jersey for performances, especially for the Flint Water Crisis."

Soon she will be auditioning in New York for the stage show Stomp. Meanwhile, Ruggles will be finishing up the rest of his sessions in Flint. By the time he's done, he will have had around 25 sessions. He's already planning ahead to next year.

"Looking for local photographers that want to spotlight their ability, their talent and give back to the community," Ruggles said.

Photographers will receive photo credit on the Flint Teens Matter website.

You can click here for more information.

Source: Flint Teens Matter recruiting photographers to help high school seniors