VIDEO: Young Photographer Turns Used Cameras Into Creative Futures
JACKSON HEIGHTS — Photography has become more than a hobby for Michael Katz. It is a form of expression — and one he believes should be accessible to everyone.
Katz, a parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Church, has spent the last several years developing his passion for photography and capturing moments that tell a story.
“Photography is something I will never let go of,” Katz said. “It is my form of expression, and I love it.”
But as his interest in photography grew, Katz realized that not everyone who shares that passion has access to the equipment needed to pursue it.
RELATED: Catholic Photographer Reaches Milestone in Goal to Shoot all U.S. Cathedrals
“That form of expression should be open to everyone, you know, who has an interest in it,” he said.
That idea led Katz and a school classmate to launch “Second Shot NYC,” a nonprofit project that collects used cameras and other photography and video equipment, repairs what can be salvaged and works to get the equipment into the hands of people who otherwise might not be able to afford it.
The project has received donated equipment from businesses and individuals, including used video cameras from DeSales Media, the parent company of NET-TV.
Katz said many of the cameras simply need minor repairs before they can be put back to use.
“A lot of these cameras aren’t even that broken,” he said. “They just have minor repairs that need to be done.”
For Katz, the project is also connected to his Catholic faith.
When asked how his faith motivated him to give back, he pointed to the Acts of the Apostles and the words of St. Paul.
“In Acts, the Apostle Paul said it is more blessed to give than to receive,” Katz said. “And so that’s kind of what inspired me.”
Father Christopher Heanue, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church, said he was impressed to see a young parishioner using his talents to help others.
Father Heanue also connected the project to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls for greater care for the environment.
“I find this project to be also inspired by maybe Pope Francis’ encyclical of care for the environment,” Father Heanue said. “This is an idea of really reuse, recycle; trying our best to also give to those less fortunate.”
Katz hopes the donated equipment will help someone discover a passion of their own.
“Anything is useful,” he said. “And anything can really fuel someone’s passion.”
For more information, you can visit the Second Shot NYC website.