What is the “Shine For Him Project”?

The Shine For Him Project provides an opportunity for all young people to be photographed in a spiritual theme to show others a visible glimpse of their faith, and wallet-sized images are also provided for them to give to friends and family. The Project also hosts this website as a forum where they can share their testimony and the hope they have because of their relationship with God, and be a source of encouragement to others who may be struggling with their faith or looking for a reason to have hope in this life.

What are the goals of the “Shine For Him Project”?

The goals of the project are to

1)Encourage others (young and old) to be bold about sharing their faith and hope
“...for I am not ashamed of the gospel , for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:162.

2)Tell the world about the good news of grace and hope through Jesus Christ
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, not of yourself, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:83.

3)Set an example of what it means to live for God and have a personal relationship with Him
“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather, in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourselves an example of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Can I Be a Part of the Shine For Him Project?

If you are a young person age 7-21, you may be photographed for the site and give your testimony to share with others. The portrait session may or may not be free, depending on the season and the photographer’s policy. The Graphic design or message or scripture in your image is free. The 24 wallet images are free and the web posting is free. You will be required to submit your testimony in written form either on paper or by e-mail, and have you or your parents sign a model release. (parents sign if you are under 18 years of age.) Your first name, age and state you live in will be listed with your image, along with the year photographed and the name of the photographer. Your obligation is just to be honest about your testimony, and “walk the talk”. (take this seriously)

How is the Project Funded?

The Shine for Him Project is sponsored and funded by Suzette Allen, photographic artist. She donates her time and materials to photograph each young person, create the graphic design, and produce wallet-sized images. When additional images are purchased from the sessions, this helps to offset costs. Of course we hope the referrals will inspire families to schedule a regular family portrait session for Promise Portraits*. Additional funding may come from the sales of various items being developed and marketed featuring the SFH images on cards, posters, t-shirts, etc.

Will Suzette travel to photograph me in...?

Suzette will gladly travel to your area and photograph you (and hopefully your friends, too) wherever you live. Ideally, when traveling to a location, it is good to be able to photograph a few people while at a location, rather than just do one session.

Her vision is to be able to visit other church youth groups, share the vision of the Shine For Him Project, and stay a few days to photograph the young people of that congregation! If your youth group would be interested in doing something like this, please have your youth pastor contact Suzette about arranging a time to visit your area or church!

 

What if my parents won’t sign the model release?

Then you won’t be able to be on the site. It’s the law. If you cannot be on the site, that defeats the purpose of the project. You could still participate by having pictures taken and share them with your friends, but it would not be funded by The SFH Project (free).

Can I take pictures with my friend(s)?

The SFH Project is meant to share a personal statement about you and how you feel about life and hope in God. It is something only you can say, therefore the Project is designed for young people by themselves. However, I often allow my clients to bring a friend or brother or sister for a few images together just for fun. Most of the images are of the individual, though. I DO encourage kids to bring a friend who also wants to participate in the SFH Project and do a dual session, though! That doubles the fun and both of you get pictures taken at the same time!

Do I get to pick the picture?

Of course you may. And we also encourage you to choose your verse. Many choose their “life verse” and some choose a verse that “goes with” the picture or just one they like.

Do I get to pick the verse?

Yes, we encourage you to personally (and prayerfully) choose your verse. Many choose their “life verse” and some choose a verse that “goes with” the picture or just one you like. It’s totally open, as long as it has a hopeful message. (see the gallery for ideas)

What if I run out of wallets and need more?

You may contact your photographer and see what their policy is. They may give you more or you may have to purchase them. That is a policy that is open to each photographer to decide.

Do I have to purchase images?

If you would like to purchase additional wallets or enlargements of your SFH image, you may, but are not obligated to do so. I encourage parents to purchase a larger image for 2 reasons. First, to help offset the costs of the photographer who has volunteered his or her time in design and provided free wallets, and second, to maintain a photographic record of a child’s statement of faith. A tangible evidence of a commitment can often reinforce faith in times of uncertainty.

If this is all free, who pays for it?

At the present time, the SFH Project is funded by Suzette Allen through profits from her photography business, Portraits with a Purpose. (the purpose is the SFH project).

However, as the Project grows, additional resources will need to be generated. The plan is to offer Logo Gear and Products for sale on the SFH site. Primarily t-shirts and miscellaneous logo items will be offered, but a yearly calendar of the most popular images is also being considered. Posters, greeting cards and possibly small books are also in the plan, all bearing the SFH logo, with 100% of the proceeds funding the SFH Project. Photographers are asked to allow the SFH Project to use their images, (if they are selected), to be reproduced on SFH Logo Products and promotional materials. Of course, photo credits will always accompany the images and any proceeds will also fund the SFH Project. Images will also be used for promotional slideshows and printed material to promote the Project.

Participating photographers are asked to provide the session, the art design, and the 24 wallets at no charge (they would donate their time and cost for wallets). Some sessions may not be free, depending on the photographer’s workload, and the graphic design may be done by Suzette’s Staff if the photographer prefers.

This project is not a financial venture in any way—it is designed to be a tool to empower young people to be bold with their faith!

Will my picture be used for posters or anything else?

The SFH Project is funded by Suzette Allen at the present time, however, as the Project grows, additional resources will need to be generated. The plan is to offer Logo Gear and Products for sale on the SFH site. Primarily t-shirts and miscellaneous logo items will be offered, but a yearly calendar of the most popular images is also being considered. Posters, greeting cards and possibly small books are also in the plan, all bearing the SFH logo, with 100% of the proceeds funding the SFH Project.

hotographers are asked to allow the SFH Project to use their images, (if they are selected), to be reproduced on SFH Logo Products and promotional materials. Of course, photo credits will always accompany your images and any proceeds will also fund the SFH Project. Images will also be used for promotional slideshows and printed material to promote the Project.

There is no guarantee that your image will be used, but if it is, you will be contacted so you can be sure to get a few copies for yourself and your family!

Will I get paid if my picture gets used for a poster or calendar?

No, the proceeds from any published images will go to fund the SFH Project and no one gets paid, not even the photographer. This project is not a financial venture in any way—it is designed to be a tool to empower young people to be bold with their faith!

Can I use any picture I want for my SFH image?

All entries will be accepted based on approval by Suzette Allen. Of course we will try to accept all images submitted, however there may be occasional reasons to reject an image for the site. While it would be nice to accept any great photo of a young person, we need to limit it to images that have a message of faith or hope. The purpose for this site is to promote a Christian perspective and honor God and encourage others. We will also not publish inappropriate images, immodest apparel or suggestive poses. All images will be modest and representative of the moral standard that a young person should attain to if they are professing to live for Christ and be an example to others. I understand that modern styles often push the limits of modesty, but it is important to maintain a high standard.
A Question for you: ”Would you be proud to give this photo to your pastor?”

What if my photographer doesn’t deliver my pictures like promised?

The Shine For Him Project, Suzette Allen and all employees thereof shall not be held liable for any misrepresentation, fraudulent entries or offenses resulting from the SFH site or it’s content. All measures have been taken to assure confidentiality and safety, as well as anonymity, honoring the requests of the

applicants.

The SFH Project accepts no liability or responsibility in regards to delivery of photographs or costs or quality from the photographers. All photographers are screened and interviewed and have signed an agreement to uphold a high ethical standard and honor the SFH policies, however, we have no control or contact with them regarding these activities. If you have a bad experience with a SFH Photographer, please submit your complaint to the SFH Project so we can avoid misrepresentation and help resolve issues. (contact Suzette at (916) 485-3460 or suzette@suzetteallen.com)

How can I support the Shine For Him project?

To find out more about supporting the Shine For Him project, please contact Suzette Allen. Cash donations are welcome of course, and the Shine For Him Project is a Non-Profit organization. Other creative means of support are also welcome, such as travel expenses, printing services, accounting services, etc or just by purchasing various SFH products: t-shirts, greeting cards, mugs, etc. A new product line is being developed called The Art of Worship. Click the Online Store to see more!

 

What if my question is not in this list?

Merely e-mail Suzette and she will answer personally (and maybe add it to the list too!) suzette@suzetteallen.com or Suzette@ShineForHim.com