New Lifestyle Work - Giving Back to the Community

Earlier this summer, I decided to pursue a personal project by photographing an amazing program called Green Plate Special. Located in Seattle's Rainier Avenue District, the program teaches youth ages 9-14 the importance of growing, harvesting and cooking food through hands-on activities offered throughout the year.

I first learned of Green Plate Special when my daughter took part in their summer camp last year, and I was immediately impressed at how unique their mission was for its young participants. My daughter loved it so much she came back this summer - this time, as a member of their produce stand crew. She and her colleagues were charged with everything needed to run a produce stand: planning, harvesting, marketing, pricing, setup, running the cash till, customer service, and everything in between.

In my mind, I became more and more of a believer and supporter of what they were doing, and was moved to help them through my photography - all on a volunteer basis. As I was literally typing my proposal to Laura Dewell, the director of the program, I actually received an email from her asking if I would consider donating my skills to Green Plate Special - this was beyond coincidence and it was then that I knew this personal project was meant to be.

My approach was simple: to treat this as a commercial assignment where I was tasked to tell the story of my client through the photography.

The imagery would be used to market their program on digital and print platforms.

It was really fun to mix it up and use my documentary and lighting/portraiture skills on this personal project. Knowing that my work will benefit a program that I already believed in made it all the more fulfilling and refreshing.

More information about Green Plate Special can be found at: www.greenplatespecial.org

All photos copyright John Lok/photographer, and may not be used without permission.

John Lok is a commercial and corporate photographer based in Seattle, who specializes in people and food. His work can be viewed at: www.johnlokphoto.com