Carole Edrich Weblog

the best shot

MoblogUK is a fantastic international community whose denizens share and discuss photos. It's a privilege to be part of it and share glimpses into the way fellow Mobloggers see the world.

As with any community very different attitudes, jobs, life experiences, socio-economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds are represented. Members are a whole range of ages, some are healthier than others and even live in different countries. Sadly one valued UK-based member passed away after a heroic battle with leukaemia. Another, Heather (YourHermione to us), is in remission from Hodgkins disease.

Everyone knows that US health services aren’t provided for free. Heather has health insurance but it doesn't cover her expenses. Bronxelf discovered that her fight with cancer was excaberated by the stress of the struggle to find money for treatments, attendant bills and prescription costs. To help her friend stave off financial collapse she approached a number of us with the same question “Who wants to get naked to help Heather lick cancer” and coordinated the creation of the Lime Suckers Calendar doing much of the work herself. That calendar, featuring 14 normal women in various stages of undress is now available. Find out more about it here.

Another twilight lesson at the Crypt
(c) Carole Edrich, 2006

Others wanted to help as well. JokerXL, Boet and ColaXL decided to ask Mobloggers to join in with another project to help Heather. They’re sending disposable cameras to volunteers around the world. At each stop a randomly selected recipient takes one photo of something outstanding before sending the camera on. The results will be turned into a book, all proceeds of which will go to Heather. I was lucky enough to be the first recipient of one of the cameras and took my best shot to help her.

Just one shot. It was quite a responsibility. Deciding on appropriate subject material took quite a while. In the end I decided on an image of dance, leaving iconic views of London for others. Taking the shot was surprisingly difficult as well. You can’t check the image quality because the disposable’s not digital, and even with practice shots (using another camera) it’s difficult to be sure you've done well. I hate using flash but decided that washed out colours would be better than blurry dark images. If it works it will depict a twilight tango class. Twilight is lighter and seemed safer than an atmospheric evening milonga where the moves are faster and less predictable. The books will be published towards the end of this year. Keep an eye on my blog or here if you’re interested in learning more.

Calendar front cover
design by Culfinglin, 2006

We've not yet achieved this year's target for Heather. There are less than 60 calendars left but sales have slowed right down. Please visit the site and order a calendar or make a donation. This is a real appeal on behalf of a friend in need. The money goes direct to Heather via PayPal. In case it helps, I’m on the back cover.

Give Heather the best shot at recovery - buy a calendar or donate now.

Posted by carole at February 22, 2007 04:55 AM