On Saturday, Dec. 1, the local photo group, Photography Connect Murfreesboro held a Help-Portrait event in Murfreesboro.

With the assistance of the Rutherford County Boys and Girls Club, volunteer photographers, photo assistants, and more, free portraits were offered to members of the Boys and Girls Club.

"This was our first year hosting so we decided to keep it small," explained Amy Barbieri, the event coordinator. "We wanted to figure out how to organize it all. If we do it again next year, we will plan to open up participation to the larger community."

Along with Photography Connect Murfreesboro, many community organizations came together to make the event happen. Jessica Wright Homes provided gift bags for participants and food for volunteers, Pizza Inn donated lunch for the volunteers, and Georgia Career Institute provided hair and makeup services for participants.

"It was amazing to see everyone come together in service to the community through our shared talents and resources," said Jessica Nelson, Photo Connect Murfreesboro founder. "Amy Barbieri did a wonderful job organizing and Michael Loyd, Emilie Vest, and Al Gorden were invaluable to the event."

Though the event attracted fewer participants than were planned for, "all the volunteers made it a fun event and learning opportunity." Barbieri explained. "We are hoping to do more community outreach in the future and have had some wonderful opportunities suggested by the community."

For more information about Photography Connect Murfreesboro, find the group on Facebook or email photographyconnectmboro@gmail.com. For more information on Help-Portrait, can be found here.