Just wanted to mention a photographer’s move to give back and the domino effect it seems to be having. Philadelphia-based Michael Albany of Magick Michael Photography will be offering free business portraits to those looking for work.

Because of the competitive nature of the job market, many recruiters are suggesting employment seekers include a picture on their resume or beef up their social networking profiles on Facebook and Linked-In with more of a business professional look and feel with a portrait. As you troll through profiles, it’s pretty obvious that most people do not have a professional portrait of themselves. I will add that the free offer could also benefit small businesses, struggling with the extra costs of publicity staff shots either online or in print materials, including business cards.

Michael was laid off from a large Philadelphia firm in February 2009. Up until that point photography was just a part-time venture. But the bad job news has allowed him to pursue his photography passion full time. His business has just begun to take off and he wants others to have a fair shake at employment. Says Michael:

If a simple headshot is going to do that then everyone should have the chance to get one done.

The beautiful thing about a giving heart? Others will follow. On Michael’s blog  www.zhounder.com, photographers from New York, California, and Pennsylvania talk with him in the blog about making it a nationwide effort.

If interested if either donating your time or reserving your spot for a free portrait, email Michael at bizshots@magickmichael.com. His free portrait session will be held August 26, 2009, from 10-4 p.m. in the offices of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, 200 South Broad Street, suite 700, Philadelphia, Pa 19102.   —Alysha Sideman