I am a member of the Morgan Hill Library, Culture & Arts Commission and when an event needs a photographer, I often get the gig. These are volunteer assignments, but I gain experience and exposure. I only ask that if my photos are published, I get credit. The Community Foundation, which provides support to non-profit organizations and programs, sponsored a dinner to recognize local volunteers and to award a $10,000 grant to one organization. Over 250 people, including many community leaders, attended the catered dinner. I spent the evening wandering through the crowd photographing individual volunteers, couples, and small groups. People like having their pictures taken when they are dressed up. For me this was way more fun than sitting at a table and eating dinner. My only "assignment" for the night was to photograph the winner of the grant holding the $10,000 check for the Morgan Hill Times. I got the photo and it was published.
I posted the photos on Flickr and sent a link to key people in the organization and also emailed photographs to select individuals and organizations, like the one below, for use in their newsletters.
AAUW (American Association of University Women) had quite a contingent of members in attendance to support the three who were honored for their volunteer efforts. I particularly like this photo because within this group are so many friends; some from the Friday Writers Group, Golf, the Wildflower Run Committee, and the Garden Club.
I took this last photo because Jessica, who works at the CCC, looked so relaxed and pretty. Where'd she get those shoes?
You can see more photos from this event on my
I haven't put up a tree or decorated my house in 6 years; not because I'm a scrooge. I'm just usually gone. This year I decided to stay home. I pulled down all my storage bins, unpacked my Christmas Critters, bought a live tree (re-planted into a big red pot), and prepared my house for Christmas. 
