Fundraising galas often walk a delicate line between celebration and solemnity. The American Cancer Society's 2024 Hope Gala at The Benson Hotel masterfully balanced both, creating an evening where determination met joy, and where Portland's community showed up in their finest to support a cause that touches us all.
I watched these folx work all year to kick cancer’s ass and remind people impacted by it that there is not only hope, but joy and that ultimately, we will come together to beat this thing for good.
The evening sparkled with intention — from the thoughtful speeches that acknowledged both struggles and breakthroughs, to the moments of unbridled celebration on the dance floor. What makes these events meaningful to photograph isn't just the glamour (though there was plenty), but the genuine connections between people united by a common purpose.
Behind every fundraising total is a story of personal commitment. My approach to capturing these events focuses on finding the quiet determination in a volunteer's eyes, the relief in a survivor's smile, the fierce joy of those dancing like nobody's watching.
Here's what they had to say about the experience:
"Nick has a very fun personality and did a great job with the photos at the American Cancer Society Hope Gala. They sent the link with photos quickly and was a pleasure to work with."
Plus, Marilyn Monroe was there 😍
The images I delivered became tools for future fundraising, social proof of the organization's impact, and tangible memories for everyone who contributed to making the evening successful. Good event photography doesn't just show what happened; it helps fuel what happens next.
