Happy faces as top snappers work for free to help our cystic fibrosis sufferers

The Irish Professional Photographers' Association (IPPA) hopes to collect €100,000 to fund badly needed isolation facilities for people living with CF.

Emma Phelan of Three Rock Studios in Kilcoole, Co Wicklow told the Herald that she was delighted to take part in the nationwide campaign.

All 65 participating photographers and studios have offered their professional services for free, while members of the public are asked to make a €25 donation for their desktop portrait, which will go entirely towards the fundraising effort.

"It's a great opportunity to give back to the community -- although I don't know anyone living with CF personally, you can't help but feel involved," she said.

"Ireland has the highest prevalence of CF in the world [one in 19 carry the gene] so it is bound to affect someone we know at some point.

"Dermot Byrne will be taking photos on the day for us, he won the IPPA award for Best Fashion Portfolio so he's excellent and it's a great opportunity for families and individuals to do something for charity as well as have a lovely, quality memo of their day."

Happy Faces Day takes place this week across the country, details of participating photographers, dates and time of the campaign can be found on the website www.irishphotographers. com.

The Three Rock Studios will take part in the campaign this Saturday March 19 from 11am to 6pm. Booking is recommended.

hnews@herald.ie