Fighting Hunger With Portraits: A Fundraiser Powered By Elinchrom

Elinchrom ambassador Aaron Aubrey set out to use his craft in service of a greater cause. Over the holidays 2024, he designed a fundraising portrait initiative powered by a multi-setup studio built for efficiency and creative flexibility. Relying on ELC Pro HD and D-Lite RX heads, Rotalux modifiers, and the Elinchrom Transmitter Pro, Aaron created a technically precise workflow that allowed him to focus less on setup and more on raising funds—proving that the right tools can support both artistic intent and meaningful impact.

I’ve always believed that photographers should find some way to utilize their cameras for the greater good of society. While sustaining a successful business is essential, it is equally important to recognize our privilege and find ways to give back to the community.

Last Christmas, I set out to address food insecurity in British Columbia (Canada), where 20% of children experience hunger. To support this cause, I launched a fundraising initiative offering 10-minute portrait sessions in exchange for a minimum $25 donation to Backpack Buddies, a local charity that provides over 1.65 million meals to children each year.

“Photographers should find some way to utilize their cameras for the greater good of society”

Since 2012, I have relied on Elinchrom equipment for all my lighting needs. I’ve found their strobes to be extremely reliable, color accurate, fast, and versatile. The distinctive quality of light from their Rotalux modifiers, with their pebbled silver interiors and silky diffusion material, sets them apart from anything else on the market. Paired with the Elinchrom Transmitter Pro, this system allows me to focus on creativity without technical distractions, making it the perfect choice for this project.

The Studio Setup

To create valuable experience for participants and provide them with a variety of images, I designed two distinct sets with three unique lighting configurations. Upon arrival, clients could choose which setup(s) they preferred, with some opting for all three.

Setup 1: Classic Portrait Corner

This setup featured two painted canvas backdrops arranged as a corner. The key light was an ELC Pro HD 500 fitted with a 39” Rotalux Deep Octa, complemented by a D-Lite RX4 boomed overhead with a 53” Rotalux Octa for fill. To further enhance the lighting, I added a large white fill board on the right side and a small white fill board below, clamped to a floor stand.

Setup 2: Vibrant & Creative

This configuration utilized a cream-colored backdrop with bold, colorful lighting. A D-Lite RX4, modified with a 70cm white beauty dish and a red gel, served as the key light. A D-Lite RX ONE with a 35x100cm strip box and a cyan gel acted as the second light, creating a striking two-tone effect. To add even more dynamism, I experimented with slow shutter speeds to incorporate ambient LED lighting for an artistic, motion-blended effect.

Setup 3: Professional Headshots

For clients wanting a ‘LinkedIn’ type headshot, I designed a clean, professional lighting setup. The key light was a D-Lite RX4 inside a 59” Rotalux Indirect Octa, using only internal diffusion, positioned camera right. Behind me, I placed a D-Lite 4 with a diffused 64” umbrella to create soft, even fill. Since the older D-Lite 4 lacked a built-in receiver, I activated it manually as needed, using its photocell to sync with the primary strobe.

Streamlined Workflow

Thanks to the Elinchrom Transmitter Pro, I could seamlessly switch between setups by adjusting the groups on-the-fly, allowing me to maintain focus on my subjects. Shooting tethered via a Tether Tools cable further optimized the process, providing real-time previews for both me and my clients. This not only ensured precise lighting adjustments but also allowed participants to get an immediate glimpse of their portraits.

A Rewarding Experience

This project was a lot of fun and extremely rewarding. Together, we raised $635 Canadian dollars for Backpack Buddies, helping to provide meals for children in need during the holiday season. Beyond the fundraising success, I had the opportunity to meet incredible people and create meaningful portraits with them. I’m already looking forward to running this initiative again next year!