March 9 Update: Thank you for your interest in 30 Strangers. The strangers for this year have been picked. But hey, there’s always next year.
Good things are about to happen.
…………..
It’s time for a big announcement! Year FOUR of the 30 Strangers Portrait Project and fundraiser is about to begin. Once again, we’ll be doing portraits of mothers and daughters (2, 3, or 4 generations) and raising money for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis.
To be selected all you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post. We’ll pick 30 of them. You have until March 8, 2011, at midnight. Most participants will be selected at random and then we’ll hand-pick a few just to spice it up. If you are selected, we’ll email you and you must respond to my email within two days.
Please, please, please read the the next few paragraphs before you leave a comment. We want to make sure you understand the guidelines and that you have all the info you’ll need. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
We welcome out-of-towners! Last year about half of the participants came from outside Utah. Howdy, stranger.
What is 30 Strangers?
A Justin Hackworth Photography project. It works like this. For the entire month of April 2011 I will make a portrait of a mother and daughter every day. 30 portraits – 30 days. The $250 session fee is waived. Instead, we’ll be collecting a $45 donation per session for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, in Provo.
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! How do I get picked?
Hold on, tiger. I’d love to pick you, so please leave a comment on this blog post. Keep in mind, there are some guidelines. Please read carefully.
- It’s not called 30 Strangers for nothing. To participate, you and I must have never met. Although we’ll be strangers when I photograph you, I certainly hope we don’t remain that way. Part of what makes this project great is the new friends I get to meet.
- Also, we’re looking for people that are age 6 to 108. Why not under the age of 6? Too fidgety. Why not over 108? There are some stairs to my office.
- When you leave a comment on the blog, be sure to include your email address. Don’t worry. Your email won’t show up for all to see, but I’ll be able to see it and get a hold of you if (when!) you are selected. In your blog comment, if you’d like to mention 3 days that will work best for you, that will really help me out. Remember, this is for April 2011.
- All portrait sessions will take place at 4:00pm each day at my studio in Provo.
Now, those are the essential details so feel free to post your comment. And if you’re dying to know more, keep reading.
What do I get out of it?
I’m glad you asked. You’ll be part of this historic project and donating to a good cause. You’ll experience an artistic, professional portrait session with the most important people in your life. I’ll create something personal and unique that will become more important to you over time. Your portrait will be part of an exhibit that will take place in September 2011.
Each session will receive one signed 8×10 fine art print and further prints will be available for purchase.
Why are you doing this?
There’s something about a project with structure and tight parameters that fuels the creation of an expressive body of work, in this case, exploring the relationship between mothers and daughters. I love being a portrait photographer. Making images that move people and offer a sense of the subject’s personality is deeply fulfilling.
I’m also looking forward to raising money and awareness for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, an organization founded on protecting these vital relationships.
I can’t wait to see who walks through the door and the images we’ll make. This is my fourth year doing the 30 Strangers project and I look forward to this from the time I finish the last one until it begins again. I absolutely love working on this.
Can I see what you’ve done in the past?
You sure can. Here is a gallery of 30 Strangers from 2010. You can also check out 2009 and 2008. And here’s where you can see more of my portrait work.
What type of person are you looking for?
A mother and daughter combination. What would be even better than that would be a grandmother, mother and daughter. What would be even better than that would be a great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, daughter. What would be even better than that would be any of those groups I just mentioned, but when they came to the studio, they brought me a pie or a Henry Wienhard’s vanilla creme soda.
Can I include more than one of my daughters?
You’re welcome to bring them and if there is time, we can photograph you all together. For this project, however, I am looking for one person from each generation. That is the focus of the project and I can’t guarantee that we’ll have time for anything beyond that. (But we’ll probably have time, and come on, what am I going to do, turn away your other two daughters? Look at them. All dressed up and that one is wearing make up. She never wears make up.)
How long do the portrait sessions last?
Usually about 1 hour. Sometimes less, sometimes a little more.
When can I see the photographs from my session?
In the studio, one to two weeks after your session. We’ll schedule an appointment and together we’ll view your images. I’ll also update the blog daily with favorites. If you are coming from out of town and are unable to return to the studio to view the images, we have an alternative for you.
I am extremely beautiful. Will you be intimidated by my good looks?
Probably not. I’m married to a very beautiful girl, so I’m used to being around lovely people.
Do you like cheese?
Well sure–who doesn’t, but what does that have to do with this project?
Do these pants make me look fat?
Are you kidding me? You look fabulous! I wish I had a picture of you.
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I am so fortunate to have two beautiful daughters especially because i have a mother to whom i never speak; i put that ghost to rest.
What a beautiful project and a privilege to be part of….and a treasure to have forever. I LOVE it! I hope hope hope I get picked to go to SLC with my mom (OR & WA). The best weekend would be conference weekend (4/1-4/3). Here’s to hoping we win!
These are beautiful photographs! It would be so amazing to be part of this project. I have 4 generations available, but the youngest is under 6, so I guess that makes it 3 for you.
Almost any time but Tue. or Thurs. would work, but 3 best days? April 11, 13, 15. I really, really hope I get to be part of this with my mother and grandmother. It’s a special thing that you are doing here. Thanks!
My name is Eliana. I have a mother and a sister, who are both really important to me. I would really love to get picked though. I especially like that it is for a good cause to. the age range is 52-12. So I guess we’ll fit the limits. Most days would work for us, but you would need to give us a heads up on the date.
I hope I get picked so I may share these pictures or keep them safe to show other people and remind myself of how important families are. Especially the mother and daughter relationship.
My daughter (9) and I live here in Utah. My mother-in-law lives here too…Although if picked and photographed near the middle/end of April I may be able to get either my Mom, my daughters Birth Grandmother, or her Birth Mother to come…It would be sweet. Oh, I’d love to have my daughter and her 3 grandmothers…but maybe that’s not what you are looking for…but we can work something out!
Love your work, I’m a huge nienie fan and love what you have done for her and cjane!
We are strangers… but not for long!
I would love to do this. We have 4 beautiful generations of women. 80 years- 6 years.
The end of April works best, but we are of course flexible. I think this idea is exceptional!
How fun. We live in Salt Lake, but could be down in a jiffy. My mom, myself and my oldest daughter (16) are all the oldest in our families of origin. I also have a 9 year old daughter as well. My oldest has had mono and been home for 5 months. This would be something that would boost her spirits. She would love it and she has the best smile ever! Whether we are chosen or not good luck with this wonderful project. KellyO @ kelberology@gmail.com.
I have taken many pictures of other people and their families, but seldom get to be on the “visible” side of the camera lens. My daughter is 8 and an aspiring photographer, too, though her equipment is a bit less sophisticated presently.
I would love to share this experience with her. There is a possibility that I could get my mom to come down from Idaho as well.
Would love the chance to bring my mom and my daughter to do this. It would give my daughter a huge self esteem boost I think she needs right now. She is 13 I want to teach her the most important things in life is where she came from her heritage. Thank you.
Camille
Pie and cream soda? I’m in. Will you photograph my mother Rebecca Knudsen, Me, and my oldest (6-year-old) daughter Lucile Fae Mangum? We live all the way over in North Carolina but could be in Provo (where I am from) April 16-21, 2011. Beautiful project. Beautiful cause.
Hi! My name is Nicole and I am the bonus mom to a wonderful little girl named Daphne, who is 10. The last four years have been a journey of getting to know and bond with Daphne- and I would be so honored to have our picture taken. Plus, I will bring you a pie and cream soda!! heehee…
And any weekend in April works for us, except the third weekend.
I love the thought process behind your strangers project and that you focus on giving. I have never had pictures taken with just my mom and the thought of that is extremely exciting! I have come to love her especially on my quest to have my own children…which hasn’t come yet. We live in Northern Utah and if chosen I could recruit my grandma to come with us but not until the end of April. Good luck with your project!
Hi! I have and amazing Grandma, Mom, and identical twin daughters that I have wanted to do this with for a long time!! 4 generations, wow. What an oppertunity this could be…and we love H.W. vanilla creme
PARTY! I can be available the any of the first three Fridays in April…happy wishing to me.
Alright, I’m going to do my best to contain myself while writing this but PLEASE pick me! Well, not me exactly, but PLEASE pick my mom and sister(s). (You know, only if there happens to be time for my other sister…oh, but actually, she is quite a few years younger than my older sister so we could always pretend she’s a grandchild if need be! Just kidding. Kind of.)
ANYWAY, my reasons for wanting my family to be involved in this project are three-fold.1) I love your work. You might think this is flattery, and it definitely is, but I have always been enamored by your photography. I feel like I personally know C. Jane and NieNie not just because of their writing, but because of the photographs you’ve taken of them that allow me to peek into their lives a little. Your photographs tell stories. 2) I want this for my mom and my sister. I recently returned from a year and a half in Peru and they sustained me. Their letters, packages and prayers brought me such hope, joy, happiness and peace. I could never begin to repay them for all they’ve done for me. However, this would at least be a small way to show my gratitude to them for being my family. I mean, not that they have a choice in the matter or anything, but they do way more for me than even familial responsibility requires. Plus, my sister will be turning 27 on April 2 and my whole family will be in Utah from April 1-5. I can’t think of a better way to surprise my big sister (and my family) and to celebrate. And 3) I want to make my mom cry. She has always begged us to write her something or make her something for Christmas and birthday gifts. I used to do this when I was younger but it always ended up making her cry! Obviously I felt bad for making my own mom cry so I started to gravitate toward store bought gifts instead. You know, fewer tears. Now that I’ve gotten older though, I know that gifts that make her cry are the best gifts I can possibly give her. They’re the gifts that really mean something. And let me tell you, if we get the opportunity to participate in this amazing and project my mom would bawl like a baby!
Sorry for the novel, but thanks for undertaking such a cool project and contributing to such a worthy cause. We’d be honored to be a part of it.
P.S. I just found out that Grandma, who deserves her very own post because she’s the funniest person I’ve ever met, will be making the trek from Nevada to Utah with my family as well! The cruise she was planning on taking with her boyfriend in April got cancelled so she’ll be hanging with us instead. So, I guess that means my little sister won’t have to pretend she’s a grandchild after all. Great grandchild isn’t out of the question though…
I would love to be part of this project and not for me but for my mom, she is turning 50 in April and this would be an amazing gift to her, she is the mother of 11 children, 8 of them girls and 6 of them still at home so what a great way to celebrate that accomplishment than by a photo to remeber it. her Mother lives near us here in Provo.
What a great project!!! I have 2 daughters (6 and 9), my mom (63), and myself. This would be a fabulous lasting gift for all of us. We would be honored to be part of your 30 Strangers! Our gang is in Tucson and anything mid-week in April works for us. No weekends, please!
I have one daughter, who apparently, looks so much like me sometimes we walk down the street together and strangers look and giggle. (And I check, my zipper is not down.) This I would love. So please pick me, and mini-me, who acts totally not like me, and everything like herself.
Oh my goodness, I so would love love love to participate in this. My mom (63), me (39) and my 8 year old daughter. (My 5 year old daughter will feel bad, but she’ll get over it). We’re local and available most days at 4 – and we’re flexible almost always.
Once you pick me, I’ll convince my mom that she does want her picture taken.
I never really enter these giveaways, but something about this made me a little emotional and I instantly wanted to do it. My girl is seven, just making the cut off for the age. She is struggling a little, and it would be nice to do something special and fun for us that also benefitted others. Any days in April would work for us, except for the 1st and the 2nd.
Hey there! My cousin told me to do this, so here I am. =) My Mom and I can come in any time during the last two weeks of April.
My daughter (10) and I would love to be part of this amazing project and charity. Mother/daughter relationships can be so tenuous, but are so vital and I would love a beautiful photograph documenting ours. We will be in UT the first week in April and I’ve always wanted to meet you! My sister, Steph Brubaker, speaks so highly of you.
My mom is absolutely beautiful inside and out. I’m the oldest of six girls and two boys and my mother sewed each one of our wedding dresses and all of our bridesmaid dresses (six dresses and over 60 bridesmaid dresses). I think that’s more impressive then the movie “27 Dresses”:) Just two years ago we had three weddings in one year. My mom would be so excited to do a photo shoot and will be in town from Seattle on April 22nd and 23rd. The last time and only time I entered a drawing I won a trip to Italy so why not and most importantly its such a great cause. I would love to meet you.
Hey! I would LOVE to be part of this project. My good friend did it last year with her mother and said it was a memorable and moving experience. I have my mother and a sister that would love to be available. I also have our family momma dog (she is 16 in people years so 112 in dog years) and her daughter (10 in people years so 70 in dog years) available. Not sure your opinion on dog duos, but I thought I would throw it out there. We could do the pics any weekend in April being we all reside in this great state. Thanks!
I love this concept! I would love to be photographed with my daughters (6,8,10) and my mom or any combo of that! After years of infertility we adopted our 10 year old from China when she was 10 months. 2 years later, we adopted our 8 year old daughter when she was 1. 1 month after returning from China, I found out I was miraculously pregnant. My 3 daughters do not share genes but they are thick as thieves! Together, they personify HOPE! We would love to be part of your project!
I have always heard about you from my oldest daughter (who has had you photograph her and her family). I love your photos. This seems like a great project! I have two other daughters that I don’t think you have met, though….so it would be cool to be picked. It would be a good excuse to go out there to visit.
My daughter told me I had to do this, so I am.
We are both between the ages of 6 and 108. We will be in Provo April 28 and 29 but live in nearby Idaho.
I love my mother! I look like my dad, but people always tell me and my mom how our mannerisms and expressions are the same.
My grandma died young, but I was lucky enough to have a wonderful Japanese grandma step in and fill her shoes. She’s been the grandma I needed, and is as much a part of my family as those I share blood and noses with!
My Mom, sister, and I would love to have the opportunity. We know you would prefer three generations, but think you should hear a little about us. My sister and I are 15 years apart (she’s older) and our Mom’s only daughters. Now this might sound like the typical Mormon family where there’s a huge gap between the oldest and youngest children, but here’s the deal – there are no children between the two of us. So, even though we are very far apart in age, we are as close as any sisters have ever been. My mom lives in New Mexico, my sister in Arizona, and I in Utah and, due to tight finances, don’t get to see each other more than two (or three, if we’re lucky) times a year. But we would figure out a way to be at a session with you for this once in a lifetime opportunity. My sister even has an eleven year old daughter, so there’s your three generations if you want ‘em!
I would love to do this for my mom. She had 4 daughters, and I’m the third. My older sister Dianna passed away 11 years ago, and I know it would mean the world to my mom to have a portrait with her remaining 3 daughters. I know that’s more than you are looking for, but I think it would be a wonderful experience for us.
I have a daughter who is six and a mother who would probably like her age left out- but I can say for sure it is under 108. We live within 5 min. of each other and I can say that her grandparents are a couple of my daughters best friends. April is the month of my birth and would love to be a part of this to celebrate- turning 31!!! The 7th is my official day and that would work great but any day that week would also be lovely. What a great cause- and perfect because I am not sure I have any pictures with my mother since I was in diapers.
This would be an amazing gift to give my mom to celebrate her 75th birthday. My favorite memory from last year was when her and my 6 year old daughter were watching A Christmas Story for the first time and I could hear them both hysterically laughing while we were cooking our holiday dinner. I am my mom’s one and only. However, I feel so lucky that I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters and that she is such a significant part of all our lives. We would truly be honored to be considered for this project and I would love to thank her for all she has done by giving her this timeless gift. Best days include April 15-17.
I can’t even tell you how much I would LOVE to be one of your 30 strangers. I signed up last year with high hopes. Even though I wasn’t chosen, my dear friend Marta was and seeing the beautiful pictures you took of her and her mom only made me want it more!
I would love to meet my mother at your studio (as your studio is a half way point from each of our homes). We live 8 hours away from each other, but distance doesn’t get in the way of us being the best of friends. My mom is a beautiful woman, inside and out. She is always putting others before herself (especially her 4 children and 3 grandchildren). She is the truest example to me of what a woman should be. I would love to have this as an opportunity to celebrate her beauty.
I would also love to bring my grandma along. She is 84 years old, but doesn’t act a day over 60 (she still works out in her garden and walks on her treadmill every day). My mom got her selflessness from this woman. She is as close as you get to having an angel here on earth.
I would love to meet you, but more importantly I would love for you to meet my mom and grandma!
Hi,
We haven’t met. I would have remembered. Any day is good for us. I have a mom & a step-daughter (that I have “earned” & love). For bonus points, I could run down to San Diego & bring back my awesome grandma too! The only pictures of us together involve someone in a wedding dress!
I have three beautiful daughters, but I think a portrait session of me and my oldest would make her feel super special. The other two girls are twins and usually take the spotlight. Plus, both her and I celebrate our birthdays in April!
If I get picked, Mondays work the best for us. Any Monday in April and we will be there….
My grandma and aunt both live in Orem and I’m pretty sure I could talk my sister and mom into flying in if we got picked. It’d sure be a beautiful family memory.
The last two weekends of April are really the only time I think we could pull it all together. Thanks!
Hi – my sis out in Cali said I should try to get to be a part of this. I am part of a three-generational shot which would include my mom (63), me (39) and one of my daughters (almost 12, 9, almost 6). I have a soft spot for the Women & Children in Crisis Center, as well, and just finished up our school’s “Caring Campaign” to help collect items for first-aid kits, personal hygiene, and crafts for the kids there. Kim Kowallis was helping me out (my kids attend Rocky Mtn. Elementary in Lindon, UT). http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/north/lindon/article_5ed5c248-386f-11e0-b333-001cc4c002e0.html
So, if you think that great minds that think alike also might deserve a great photograph — well, then I’m your girl! But more to the point, I would love a chance to have this moment for my daughter/s memories! We will be out of town for Spring Break (April 9 -17) but most other times we can probably work it out — SCHOOL-SCHMOOL!
I get to check in on your photography from time to time through mutual friends we share. This cause is truly special. I know so many people who benefit from these special campaigns. So far this year has been amazing for the women in my family. One of us is now, finally, cancer free. Another just received top honors in her field. Another will reach a very special age and graduate in to a new part of life. And, the last will continue to be the finest woman I know. We can deliver four generations plus one wild blondie, super chilled Henry Ws, and the KING of pies. And, we’d all love to be a part of your project.
I think your stuff is simply beautiful. I have come to your shows and would be honored to be a part of one. Not too sure of my schedule in April, but I mostly have nothing.
Thank you!
I’m an admirer of your work. I have a daughter and a mother within your age parameters– so 3 generations. I’d love to be part of this project.
I have enjoyed this project of yours for the past couple of years (because that’s when I heard about it)! It really is such a great cause and you take beautiful photos. Can’t wait to see this year’s!
What a wonderful and unique experience! I would love to participate with my mother and my daughter.
We would be honored to be chosen to participate for such a worthy cause. I would love to have me, my mom, any of my 5 sisters, or any of my own daughters (I have 4) be a part. I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer this last Aug. 2010. I have been through a double mastectomy, chemo, which ended in Jan., and have just started the radiation process. It’s been a doozy of a ride. My mother, sisters, and daughters have been valiantly by my side through all the good and horrible times. They have made me feel beautiful through the loss of my hair (Yes…I am a baldy- just starting to grow back). They have strengthened me through every difficult change. I would love to honor any of them and any woman who is a survivor. That is how I feel. We all live in Utah County and are available any day. And we sure like to CHEEEESE! Bless your heart for doing this.
What a fabulous way to give to so many people.
I have to admit I am a little jealous of all the ladies who have extended family around to take photographs with. My mom lives so far away and I miss her a lot. Anyhow, I have a special and crazy 9 year old daughter who I would love to share this memory with.
I LOVE your work and would be honored to be a part of this wonderful project with my mom and grandma!
I would love the opportunity to be a part of this amazing project of yours. You and I have never met and I would be more than happy to supply you with a pie or two and a case of Henry Wienhard’s vanilla creme soda if I were chosen.
I currently live in Connecticut, just moved out here from Utah last October. And boy do I miss my family terribly {especially my mom}!! But luckily for me I am going to be visiting UT next week through the 20th of April!! Perfect timing for your project, wouldn’t you say?!!
My mother’s birthday is the 15th of April and I think this would make a lovely gift for her because we don’t have a lot of photographs together. She will be 49. I am 28. I have two sisters {one 29 and the other 22} that could show up for the shoot too {both are EXTREMELY photogenic}!! I wish we had more generations to offer you but my mom is a first generation American and would be nearly impossible to get my grandma here since she lives in Cambodia. My sisters and I don’t have any children yet. But this is still something we would love to participate in.
Saturdays are probably best, so the 2nd, 9th or 16th maybe?!! Or whatever day that might our chances greater for getting selected!
Hello Justin, You do not know me but I have admired your work on the ever so lovley, lispy cjane. Let me introduce myself: My name is Shauna and I live in West Jordan. I am a 33 year old wife of 11 years and mother to one girl, one boy and one boy due April 9th. I would love to be a part of your project. Not only have I wanted a generations photo with my daughter and mother, what a better way than to help out others. I have to admit that my daughter is only going to be 5 in June, so she is one year shy of 6 but she is excellent at posing for pictures. You wouldn’t be dissappointed. My mom is going to be visiting for the entire month of April from the booming town of Twin Falls, Idaho (or we like to call it Twinkie Falls) to help with the baby. So what perfect timing!! As far as to what days would work, I would say that any day after the 11th or 12th or closer to the end of the month would be perfect. You tell me the day and we’ll be there! My birthday is April 22nd, I would love to welcome year 34 in with a portrait with my sweet daughter and mother. And ,Do I like cheese?? I am glad you asked, I LOVE cheese. If a recipe has it, I’ll make it and if it doesn’t, I’ll add it. To quote my brother “Cheese is good.” Thank you for giving all us moms and daughters to have a chance to have a generations photo taken by you for a good cause.
Who wouldn’t love to do this. I am a mother of triplets and twins and out of those 5 I have 3 girls. My 2 girls are triplets with a brother and my daughter is a twin with a brother. I always do my kids pictures, but never me too, so this would be fabulous. Best times would be Fridays the 8th, 15th or 22nd.
pick me! pick me! would love to participate with my mom and sister. What a wonderful project!
As I’ve been looking for a wedding photographer, I found you! I love your site and your fresh perspective on media without it being too “Utah Cutesy” aka furniture in a field. Your eye is impressive and I would love the opportunity to capture a moment in time with my mother and even grandmother while giving back to a cause. Weekends work best for me.
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