Montana State University will offer free holiday portraits to about 45 local families during its annual Community Portrait Day on December 6. The event, organized by the School of Film and Photography, is intended for families who may not otherwise be able to afford professional portraits.
The Visual Communications Building at MSU will serve as the venue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring holiday decorations, snacks, and activity stations for children while they wait. Each portrait session lasts 15 minutes and is managed by students enrolled in an advanced lighting practices course. Families will receive both a printed photo and a set of digital images after their session.
“To capture lasting memories for people from this community that they can keep with them and cherish for years is meaningful,” said Matt MaCoy, the course instructor. “Not a lot of people have the luxury to get family photos every year. It makes me feel like I’m welcoming them into this community where I was welcomed as well.”
Community Portrait Day has been held since 2009 and has become an annual tradition for many area residents. According to MaCoy, one family has participated every year for over a decade, documenting their daughter’s growth from age six to eighteen. The event was started by photography professor Alexis Pike.
In addition to photographs, participating families will receive gifts such as toys or art supplies for their children. Each family will also get a $50 gift card provided by MSU and the Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company.
To fund the event’s expenses, including prints and gifts, eleven students in the advanced lighting class raised $3,270 through outreach to local businesses and campus groups. Organizing these efforts offered practical experience beyond photography skills. “Thinking about all the bits and pieces that go into an event like this has been super interesting,” said Abbey Reinicke, a senior student involved in planning and execution.
Reinicke noted her involvement includes various roles throughout the day: taking photos, assisting with children during sessions, greeting attendees, and editing images.
“Students leave with an immense sense of gratification for having done this,” MaCoy added.
Families interested in attending must complete a registration form; space is limited to those who would not otherwise have access to professional portraits.
