Tom Vance – Central Iowa Shelter and Services – Photojournalism

Can I Get A Hand?

For 2 years I have covered the Des Moines Area Zombie Walks. I have never been paid for my photographs of the Zombie Walks. Because of my background in Photojournalism, I just wanted to see what they were about, have some fun, meet new people and make some interesting images. In October 2010 the Second Zombie Walk was gearing up and I decided I wanted to do something extra special. Thanks to Erin Bollman of Finders Creepers, I had some space to work with. Finders Creepers was the Zombie Walk Staging Area and perfect for some special portraits.

I was able to set up a make shift portrait studio in the basement of the store. I worked for a few hours before the Walk taking portraits of Zombies. Later, I found out that donations were being accepted for the Central Iowa Shelter and Services Program. I decided that I would donate my print profits to the Shelter. Several people have bought prints, but one of my favorites was the family that used their shot for Christmas cards.

Zombie Family

A few months later in 2011 it was time to make good on my donation so I stopped by the Shelter. Tom Vance, Development Coordinator, gave me a tour of the building. There are separate dorm rooms for Men and Women, along with a cafeteria and computer labs. I respect Tom and the other people who work for the Shelter for being able to deal with the never ending hardships that people are experiencing that cause them to come in for help. I am fortunate have never been in a situation in my life that I found myself without a home.  The Central Iowa Shelter and Services is working hard to help struggling people in the community.

Tom Vance in the Food Pantry

I will continue my pledge to donate any profits from the Zombie Walk to the Shelter. You can see the full gallery online. Find more information on the Central Iowa Shelter and Services.

Zombie Santa (Tom V)