CINCINNATI, Ohio—Photographers from all across the United States came together this week to offer free headshots to those that lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One photographer says even after struggling herself, she’s happy to help those who need it.

​Kim Dalton has been in the photography business for ten years with her business K Dalton Photography. But Dalton still saw some trying times the past few months.

“I was shut down like everybody else," Dalton said. "I actually drew unemployment for six weeks, something I never thought that I would have to do. But I really feel like I’m one of the lucky ones because I didn’t lose my business.”

And that’s part of the reason she wanted to help out in the 10,000 headshots initiative, where photographers all over the country aim to take 10,000 headshots of unemployed job seekers. In Cincinnati, four photographers were able to give 200 free headshots in a day.

“There’s 200 different stories coming in and throughout this whole pandemic we have heard we’re all in this together," Dalton said. "And we are. Every single person has been affected in some way or another and I think it’s really cool to be together in a different way across the nation, giving hope.”

One of those people is Jason Karew. He brought along his five year old daughter to his session after unexpectedly losing his job last month.

“For me it came as a shock, complete shock," Karew said. "I understand the circumstances are challenging all the way around. But yeah it was a shock all the way around.”

Karew hopes a new headshot will help him stick out to employers. He’s trying to make the most out of this time to re-brand and spend time with his daughter.

“The last month has been a little challenging but I’m trying to look at things as one door closes another door opens," Karew said. "My wife, we’re fortunate that she’s still working full-time. And I get to spend all my time with my little one Sylvia here.”

Dalton says a headshot can be a difference maker for candidates, and she’s happy she can give that to job seekers.

“It shows confidence, approachability, it shows capability," she said. "It conveys to the viewer that you care enough about yourself, that you’re going to care for the company that you work for.”

While it’s been a difficult time for many, Dalton hopes people draw inspiration to help others right now.

“There’s different ways to use the talents that we have to help other people," Dalton said.