Alex Orrow snaps up volunteer work
Cambridge photographer Alex Orrow is going the extra mile by volunteering his services to local charities and organisations who haven't got any budget for marketing imagery.
Alex, who is a professional photographer with over 10 years experience, believes his volunteer work presents a great opportunity to get to know the local area, having just moved to Cambridge.
He added: "I also wanted to do something positive while updating my portfolio with new images and hopefully developing my skills. I approached Cambridge & District volunteers who circulated my details and forwarded requests back.
"The response I received was very positive with many interested groups hoping for a photographer to help take images for websites, brochures and reports, ranging from animal rescue shelters, sports charities for the disabled to emergency services and medical charities."
One project which held some interesting challenges and proved to be lots of fun for Alex was CAMSAR - Cambridgeshire Search & Rescue. CAMSAR relies on volunteer help and charitable donations, so their budget for PR is non-existent.
CAMSAR provide support and relief to local constabularies when a child, adult or elderly person goes missing and the police do not have the resources to spend the time searching for someone.
Using the latest Nikon wireless flash technology, Alex was able to use off-camera flash effectively in difficult terrain, poor and unpredictable weather conditions.
The result is a punchy and dramatic documentary portrayal of the overlooked but vital work CAMSAR do.
Alex learnt a great deal from the experience. He said: "The challenges of working on location under poor weather conditions and limited time to set up and pose every scenario provided me with greater knowledge about my equipment and technique."
More of his volunteer work can be see at http://alexorrowphotography.blogspot.com or visit www.alexorrow.co.uk.
