Non-Profit and NGO Photography

Looking for a photographer who knows how to sensitively represent the work of your non-profit organization?

The Scott Mission social mediaMy images, taken during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, are being used on The Scott Mission's social media channels to show how they are adapting in order to continue serving Toronto's vulnerable homeless population. Images that I made made for The Scott Mission at the beginning of the pandemic.

I have over 15 years experience working for local and international non-profit and non-governmental organizations, and many more years since then, providing engaging images and words that bring to life the impact of their work.

Some of the organizations I have worked with are:

• A Rocha Canada
• Canadian Bible Society
• Children First Canada
• Evergreen Brickworks
• The Institute for Canadian Citizenship
• Matthew House Toronto
• Metcalf Foundation
• Photographers Without Borders / Raising Voices Uganda
• The Neighbourhood Group Community Services
• The Scott Mission
• The Woodgreen Foundation
• World Vision Canada
• And others

Documenting Work of Two Indigenous EldersIn October 2021 I had the privilege of accompanying Dr. Jeff Green of the Canadian Bible Society and documenting the work of two Indigenous elders who are helping preserve language and culture by translating the Bible into Mohawk (Harvey Gabriel in Kanesatake, Quebec) and Inuktitut (Jonas Allooloo in Iqaluit, Nunavut). Images and words were published in Bible & Society Journal. Images I made in Iqaluit, Nunavut for The Canadian Bible Society. Featured in an international publication, Bible & Society.

How will strong images help your non-profit organization?

Pictures speak louder than words - strong images even more so.

Institute of Canadian CitizenshipCaptured a Canadian citizenship ceremony in High Park for the Institute of Canadian Citizenship. An image I made for The Institute for Canadian Citizenship, featured on their website.

Photos reveal people in action - whether it is your hard-working staff or the enthusiastic participants in your programs.

Do You Hear What I Hear? - Hot DocsDo You Hear What I Hear? is a new documentary by Cat Mills that is part of the 2023 Hot Docs Citizen Minutes series of short films. There will be a free screening of it on May 4 at 7:45 PM. Click here for Tickets!
Very happy to have my behind-the-scenes images used on the Dot Docs website and elsewhere in promotion of this meaningful documentary. A photo of anti-noise activist Ingrid Buday that I made for a documentary featured in the Hot Docs film festival.

Additional images I captured of Ingrid may be found on the No More Noise Toronto website.

Showing programs in action elevates your website or printed materials and reveals how vital your organization's work really is.

Oakville Beaver front pageI'm pleased that this image of former World Vision Youth Ambassador Rosemary McKee made the cover of the Oakvile Beaver. I took this photo during one of several youth leadership trips I led to East Africa (in this case to Rwanda) while working with World Vision Canada from 2004-2012.

My image of World Vision Youth Ambassador in Rwanda on the cover of The Oakville Beaver.

What I offer:

• A unique vision that ensures a fresh perspective on your programs
• Lively images that reveal the heart of your organization: people in action
• Sensitivity - I respect and care for people. I am sensitive to, and work within, the unique context of your organization.
• More than just images - I enjoy seeking stories and quotes, which work together to help tell a larger story

National Post feature of The Scott MissionMy image was given a lead spot in a sponsored feature about The Scott Mission in The National Post.

An image captured for The Scott Mission in The National Post.

Here are a few kind words spoken about me and my work...

"It's a pleasure to work with Henry! The quality of his work is exceptional and he's very accomodating in terms of schedule. A big plus is the rapport he develops with people in the photos. This is particularly important for us, since some of the people who use our non-profit services may be hesitant or uncomfortable. The connection Henry builds with them allows him to engage people and you can see that in his work. Henry also understands our mission, which makes it easy for him to capture the essence of what our organization does and how it helps people in need."

- Edward Akler, Marketing & Communications Officer, The Neighbourhood Group

“Henry was able to capture important moments at The Scott Mission at the very beginning of the pandemic. He was a kind presence with our clients and staff as our world was shifting.  His photos are compassionate, clear, and compelling and we have used them in many print and online applications.  We’re looking forward to working again with Henry!”

- Christy Morrow, Chief Development Officer, The Scott Mission

"Henry VanderSpek delivered strong documentary photos for us. They were beautifully lit and composed. Moreover, he was terrific to work with - friendly, attentive to our needs, and sensitive and respectful of our event participants. I would highly recommend him."

- Catherine Annau, Communications Manager, Metcalf Foundation

We are so lucky to have had a photographer like Henry to capture the story of Raising Voices in Uganda. Henry's work and connection with the project and his subjects exemplifies the calibre of photographer we aim to keep in our company and is a testament to the objectives we are striving to achieve. Henry is an asset to any project he is a part of."

- Danielle DaSilva, Founder of Photographers Without Borders

Send me a message to discuss how I can help tell your organization's story! Or call me at 416-655-9922. I'd be glad to help.

(c)Henry VanderSpek culturesnap.ca Image made for Photographers Without Borders and Ugandan non-profit Raising Voices.