Photographer uses skills to fight cancer

Pierce Perdue, 2, posed playfully for the camera.

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He is one of the many children Appling photographer Andrea Smoak photographed to raise money for cancer research.

Smoak is a member of the Harlem Relay for Life team, The Energizer Bunnies, and is using her photography skills to benefit the American Cancer Society.

She is setting appointments and shooting photos of children from newborn to age 12 through the end of February.

The cost per child is a $10 sitting fee, which will be donated to the cancer society.

A 5-by-7-inch picture will be displayed at least through the end of March at the IGA grocery store in Harlem. For $1, the public can purchase a vote for the most photogenic child.

The child receiving the most votes will receive a $100 savings bond from Regions Bank. A panel of judges made up of professional photographers will select the winner from several age divisions, with prizes for each division winner.

Harlem's seventh annual relay is scheduled for April 18-19 at the Harlem High School football field and track.

Smoak said she has a special motivation to do well at this year's relay: Team founder Terrie Helmly lost her battle with cancer in December.

"She's an inspiration for all the team members," Smoak said.

Photos will be taken through the end of February. To make an appointment, contact Smoak at (706) 556-2135, (706) 832-6199 or smoaks@jeffersonenergy.coop.

For more information, go to www.andreasmoakphotography.com.