BEHIND THE SCENES: MY EXPERIENCE AS A LOCAL NONPROFIT PHOTOGRAPHER AT ELAINE CLARK CENTER’S PEACHTREE ROAD RACE QUALIFIER
As a photographer near me, I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to give back to my community through my lens. Recently, I had the privilege of being the designated photographer for the Elaine Clark Center’s 5k race in Chamblee, GA...a Peachtree Road Race qualifier event. It was not just a race; it was a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the human spirit.
Being a charity event photographer is more than just capturing moments; it's about telling stories. As I arrived at the venue, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation. Runners of all ages and backgrounds gathered, each with their own reason for participating. Some ran to challenge themselves, others to honor loved ones, and many simply to support the cause of the Elaine Clark Center, an organization dedicated to helping children and adults with special needs thrive.

My role as a 5k event photographer was to freeze these moments in time, to immortalize the determination and passion etched on the faces of the participants. From the starting line to the finish, I moved through the crowd, capturing every step of the journey. The joy of crossing the finish line, the high-fives and hugs exchanged between runners, and the sense of accomplishment radiating from every corner of the event—it was all there, waiting to be captured and shared with the world.
As a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, the event attracted seasoned runners and newcomers alike, all united by their love for running and their support for a worthy cause. But beyond the athletic achievement, what truly stood out was the sense of community that permeated the event. Volunteers cheered on the runners, spectators lined the streets with signs of encouragement, and participants pushed each other to reach new heights—all in the name of making a difference.
Being a local nonprofit photographer comes with its own set of challenges, but it's moments like these that remind me why I do what I do. Through my lens, I have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by organizations like the Elaine Clark Center and to inspire others to get involved in their own communities.
As the sun set on another successful race day, I packed up my camera with a heart full of gratitude. Being a part of events like the Elaine Clark Center’s 5k reminds me that no matter how small our actions may seem, they have the power to make a big impact. And as long as there are stories to be told and moments to be captured, I'll be there, camera in hand, ready to document the beauty of the human spirit in action.











