The third annual Pablove Shutterbugs Gallery Show at Kopeikin Gallery in Los Angeles recently celebrated truly beautiful photography by children living with cancer across the LA area. Numerous supporters contributing to making it happen, including the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. But to help raise money for future projects that encourage photography programs for pediatric cancer patients, the Pablove Shutterbugs Gallery Show hosted a special fundraising event May 4 full of work by big-name photographers like Herb Ritts, Piper Ferguson, Jeff Antebi, and many others.
Jeff Castelaz welcomed everyone to the celebration — he and Jo Ann Thrailkill co-founded The Pablove Foundation after losing their son Pablo Thrailkill Castelaz to a bilateral Wilms Tumor in 2009 when he was only six years old.
“Seeing our students’ beaming smiles on the red carpet never gets old,” Thrailkill says. “This event not only celebrates our graduates, but it helps us keep the program going strong here in LA while bringing it to new communities across the country.”
By hosting both extended and immersive workshops, summer camps, mentorships, group classes, and more, Pablove Shutterbugs encourages children living with cancer to focus on their own creativity, not just their illnesses. The kids of Pablove Shutterbugs get their own camera equipment, which is theirs to keep after they complete the program. So far, participants include 150 pediatric cancer patients from places like Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Right now, the Pablove Foundation is recruiting students and volunteers for their Pablove Shutterbugs Summer Camp in Los Angeles, June 24-28.
Images by Pablove Shutterbugs graduates are available for purchase online in editions of ten, with 100% of the proceeds going directly towards the program. Check out their awe-inspiring work below, courtesy of the Pablove Foundation.
“Little Sister”, Photographer: Akari, Age 13, Los Angeles
Cover image of Pablove Shutterbugs Winter Class of 2013, photo credit: Onur Armagan.
“Lake of Monsters,” Photographer: Anthony, Age 7, Los Angeles
“Milk and Magic,” Photographer: Catherine, Age 8, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Davis, Age 11, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Chymanee, Age 9, Los Angeles
“An Adventure,” Photographer: Edna, Age 15, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Diana, Age 8, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Emily, Age 16, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Erick, Age 7, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Estrella, Age 14, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Gabriel, Age 15, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Gustavo, Age 17, Los Angeles
“Being In The Laundry,” Photographer: Hany, Age 9, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Jaden, Age 6, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Jessica, Age 12, Los Angeles
“Lion Love,” Photographer: Joaquin, Age 13, Los Angeles
“Lego Man Falling Lava,” Photographer: Jose, Age 11, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Lesly, Age 12, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Lino, Age 10, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Marcos, Age 12, Los Angeles
“Rhinosaur,” Photographer: Matthew, Age 6, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Matthew, Age 6, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Viviana, Age 7, Los Angeles
Untitled, Photographer: Alejandro, Age 21, Los Angeles