ABC7 Unite: Photographers offer free headshots to 10K unemployed Americans
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Portrait photographers are taking headshots of 10,000 unemployed Americans on Wednesday, free of charge.
The single-day initiative, called 10,000 Headshots, is taking place at various locations across the country and is open to anyone who is currently unemployed.
The professional headshots are can be used with resumes and to post to job sites such as LinkedIn.
"The goal of this is to put a skip in their step when they walk out of here, so they can be confident when they go out into their next job interview," photographer Peter Hurley said.
He is hoping the act of generosity will help Cat Henry, who was laid off because of the pandemic, get through this very difficult time.
"I'm looking to have a vision of the next path I take in life," she said.
According to LinkedIn, people who include headshots receive 21 times more profile views and nine times more "connection" requests. And this type of session would normally cost $250 or more.
More than 200 headshot photographers are participating across all 50 states, creating pop-up studios at Brookfield properties retail locations.
There are four locations in New York, three in New Jersey, and two in Connecticut.
For photograher Leslie Kahan, it hits close to home. Years ago during the mortgage crisis, her husband lost his job.
"It was tough on our family," she said. "And I can relate to that and it's part of the reason why I put my hand up."
All headshots are being taken with social distancing and safety measures observed.
Anyone who wanted to take advantage of the initiative must pre-register before showing up.
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