FAQ and Information
Frequently Asked Questions: UPDATED JANUARY 2ND 2012
- The website has changed, does that mean your emails changed as well?-
YES! Our website has been updated for a fresh clean look for the new year. There are many new features installed making navigation easier and faster! With the new website came the update of our contact addresses. You can contact us at info@inspirationthroughart.org for general questions, applications@inspirationthroughart.org for questions regarding your application, and to contact Felicia directly you can contact felicia@inspirationthroughart.org. The email address inspirationthroughart@gmail.com is still in use but only for gathering old emails and information.
- My child won a prize last year but never got it, where did it go?-
Last year we hosted a Hero Contest on our facebook page and prize boxes were made for our winners. With the shuffle of the new website and closing session for 2011 some emails were lost with the heroes mailing addresses. If your child won a prize box and you have not received it please contact info@inspirationthroughart.org with your child’s name as the subject and your address in the message! We will get your package out ASAP! Thank you for the patience and understanding!
- When do your sessions run?-
Our sessions take place from March-October. The winter months are spent revamping the website, updating information, and accepting applications for the next year! We understand that most families would like outdoor sessions and with winter setting in around November we feel it’s best to give everyone a little break for the winter and holidays. This time of the year is also “cold season” and we don’t want our photographers and families sharing any germs!
- What happened to The Littlest Heroes Project?-
“The Littlest Heroes Project” still exists, just under a new name! Because of our expansion, we now offer more then just photo sessions for our heroes! We now offer programs and volunteer opportunities for children, teens, and adults who also want to give back, but don’t do photography. Inspiration Through Art is also now offering special traveling art sessions for children who are currently in treatment in various participating hospitals. Information about our new programs and services can be found on the Programs page which is coming soon.
- The website was down for some time, where did it go?-
No where! The website was just in “limbo” back in 2010 as we were preparing and rebuilding Inspiration Through Art! There are now 3 amazing people behind the scenes ready to answer emails and get our sessions back up and running for spring, summer, and fall 2012.
- How do I get in contact with a photographer?-
Finding a photographer to set up a session with you is easier then it seems. Each photographer in our network has provided a contact e-mail and location to where they are located and where they can take clients. You will get an email instructing you to do this step after your child’s application is sent in. Families now contact their photographers directly to set up their sessions.
-Do you only offer this to people in the United States?-
Heck No! … Disease and sickness doesn’t limit itself to the United States, so we don’t limit our effort and services either. We are accepting applications from photographers around the globe and if there is one in your neck of the woods, we’ll hook you up.
-Does my child have to be in the hospital to have their photo taken?-
No! Unlike other foundations that just offer photo-shoots only in hospitals, we like to travel and work with our heroes! We understand that all of our heroes are all at different stages with their various treatments, while some don’t ever even have to be hospitalized at all! Each child and case is different. Our photographers are ready to work with you to set up a comfortable session where your child can feel safe and that works for both them and your entire family.
How long does it take to hear back after I submit my application?-
Generally it takes 3 days- week to hear back with your child’s acceptance email. Once you are accepted you can now start contacting your desired photographers right away. Starting July 2011 Inspiration Through Art now does “direct communication”. Families no longer need to be matched with a photographer through us! This will make things faster for everyone.
-I keep emailing, but am getting no response, what is going on!?-
Participants and photographers need to understand that we get anywhere from 100-200 new applications in daily for sessions, programs, and joining photographers. We do our best (with the 3 people behind the scenes) to send out emails and answer questions as quickly as we can. Applications take first priority, and all of the follow up questions and concern emails come after. Please be sure to review our website FIRST before emailing us asking questions that could probably be answered right on this page!
-Where is the best place to have my session?-
Wherever your hero will be the most comfortable to be themselves is where your session should take place. We want to catch their inner beauty at it’s best … while having fun and smiling during our sessions with your child! If its inside the comfort of your own home that works out just fine. If it’s outside and his or her favorite park with the family dog, thats an option too! If you want more of a documentary sort of session while your child is at the hospital, let your photographer know and something can be worked out to meet there as well. We are very flexible when it comes to locations for your session!
-My child is all done with treatment, are they still eligible for a photo session and your programs?-
Of course! Survivors are just as important as warriors and have stories to share as well. We welcome survivors and their families to also participate in any or all programs to help spread hope to other families and children out there who are currently fighting the same fights.
-Are siblings welcome to participate?-
As long as there’s no tugging on hair then of course super siblings are welcome to participate in our programs as long as they have a sibling signed up too!
-My child has already passed away, is my family still able to participate?-
Yes, we still allow families of our “fallen heroes” to participate in our special photo sessions. Families eligible for a “fallen heroes” session must have a child 18 or younger who has passed away within the past 3 years from a serious illness or accident. All that we ask is that you bring with you a framed photograph if your angel for the session, we want them to be present for the session as well, as they are always with you in spirit but their face in your special photos will bring another aspect of their story and bravery through the photos to life. Immediate family members only allowed for these very special sessions.
-What should my child wear?-
You know your hero best, whatever speaks for them. We want to really get to know your hero and their personality. If they don’t want that button up shirt and pants, then don’t force it! Jeans and their favorite t-shirt works just fine for us! If they have any special t-shirts for any benefits, foundations, or wrist bands, please bring those items along as well! Those types of things make very powerful and special photos.
-My child has a close friend who is also eligible for the project, can they do a session together?-
Yes! Two times the fun! If you know of other families who would like photos done as well setting up a session for two or more children at the same time is actually a lot easier for us. We have had photographers travel to local hospitals and end up doing 4 or 5 sessions in one trip! It works out well for the children to be with friends while photos are being snapped, and it saves us some gas! Meeting up for photos with other warrior families is also an option. Just be sure to let your photographer know when you contact them that they will be photographing more then one little hero.
-How much does it cost for our photos or one of your programs?-
Nada, nothing, zilch, zero! This is our way of giving back to YOU. Because of generous donations from supporters around the nation…and from the heart of each photographer and volunteer your session and any other program you participate in, is free of charge!
-What are the chances that I will get a session done through Inspiration Through Art?-
There are many factors needed to determine this answer. We do our best to match every single child who is eligible for a session with a photographer from our team, but sometimes it’s not possible. With the growing popularity of our program and the number of applications coming in, the demand for sessions is growing and growing. Right now for every 10 applications sent in and accepted 8 of those will be completed. If there is not a photographer on staff to conduct a session when asked, then your child’s application will go directly onto our waiting list which is reviewed again at the end of every month. Unless your child is terminally ill or in a very critical state then there is a good chance your application may end up on our waiting list, but that does not mean we have forgotten about you! Families also need to remember that what we do is on a totally volunteer basis. Photographers are donating their time out of there own paid sessions to make room for the special families that we meet and take care of here at Inspiration Through Art. Respect and understanding is needed from post participants and photographers during the entire session process for our organization to work together to make this a totally positive experience for everyone. If you are needing photos of your hero immediately then it might be best for you to hire a photographer to take care of your photographic needs as we cannot guarantee 100% that you will have a session at the time indicated on your application, or when you desire.
-How long does it take to hear back about an application?-
All families need to understand that it can take anywhere from a few days to a month to hear back about your application. As the growing popularity of our organization has soared, it means that it takes that much more time for us to get back to everyone! Your applications are ALL read and are all very important to us. General emails sent to the applications or information account can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month to return as well, depending on what your email contains. We rarely respond to “Am I going to get a session, I have been waiting two weeks” emails. Patience and understanding are crucial for everyone involved in the session process. Thanks for your understanding!
-Where do I send my child’s story/information?-
The other half of our project is to help spread awareness and share the stories of our little heroes. By joining our project you are helping to spread hope to others. On the Meet the heroes page you will find all of our heroes stories.
-Can I use your photos on my site?-
All of the images displayed on the website are copyrighted to Inspiration Through Art and their respective photographers and they cannot be used or re-posted without permission. All families who get photos from Inspiration Through Art via there photographer are allowed to post and distribute photos as they wish. If you are not participating family with us and wish to use photos from the Littlest Heroes Project site, please contact us with your request. So long as an agreement can be reached with the respective photographer and the photo will contain a link to this site, we will do everything we can to get you the appropriate licensing for the photos you would like to use. Photos used or re-posted without permission will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
-Scam information – We’re on the lookout-
Please be aware, there have been some problems recently with people trying to request photo sessions and online web banners for fake children. We are sure you can imagine how sickening and hurtful it is to other families to become attached to a sick child via our website, or for a photographer to travel to photograph a child, only to find out that the child’s story was fake. As a result, we have introduced a rule that your site must show regular activity on it for at least a couple days-weeks before we consider finding you a photographer to work with. Or we will review your child’s website and if it has valid proof that your child is or was indeed ill then we will move ahead with the session process. We are hoping that genuine families will be happy to wait a little longer to protect others from the threat of fake sites.
