John Paul Henry didn’t bring all his equipment to Easter Seals last winter just to take a few snapshots. The Paducah-based photographer was working with the non-profit organization to tell a story for a cause.

“(The project) entails a photographer following someone around, getting the story, instead of just asking questions,” said Stephanie Benjamin, a case manager and administrative assistant at West Kentucky Easter Seals. “(The photographs) tell people what we do, how it impacts different parts of a person’s life, not just the time they spend with us here,” Benjamin said. Easter Seals used Henry’s photography, which he provided at no cost to the organization, for brochures and web pages highlighting their employment program.

Henry has shot photographs for other local non-profit organizations, such as EntrePaducah and the St. Nicholas Family Health Clinic, as well as national organizations, such as Liberty’s Kitchen in New Orleans. “Working with them is very interactive. They’re open about their mission, and very passionate,” Henry said.

How photographers can team with such organizations to create social change will be the topic for the discussion Henry is hosting at his gallery and studio at 614 Madison St. in Lower Town on Saturday. The event coincides with the arts district’s Second Saturday where each second Saturday of the month local artists extend gallery hours, open exhibits and welcome visitors to their studios.

The talk will provide a historical overview of documentary photography dating back to its infancy, Henry said.

He will show landmark images considered to have affected the world, then discuss how contemporary photographs have helped non-profit organizations relay their messages to the public.

Henry said his background in photojournalism informs his work. “Journalism lends itself to storytelling, documentary photography, and working with non-profits. The vast majority of my work revolves around humans and how they interact with one another.”

“It goes beyond people who are smiling and looking at the camera. The goal is to bring people into reality, and to teach and share real experiences,” Henry said.

Call Laurel Black, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8641.