Robbinsdale Resident Runs Print the Love

This fall, Ceallaigh Anderson Smart will take her charity work to Cambodia. Smart takes pictures of residents in third world countries and gives those pictures to the people. Sometimes, it’s the only photo those people have.

What is “Print the Love”?

Ceallaigh Anderson Smart’s forte is creating snapshots in time.

“I can’t imagine not having photos in my life,” said Smart. “I mean if your house is burning down that’s what you grab. That’s what I would grab.”

Smart is the founder of “Print the Love.” The Robbinsdale resident has traveled to 25 countries around the globe, snapping photos with her Fuji camera.

“It’s just been such a joy and such a journey,” Smart said.

Smart gives the pictures away because most of her subjects have no access to photos.

“It’s really incredible to be able to do this random act of kindness that says that you matter, that you are important to the world,” Smart said. “That you’re here, that you count.”

In today’s selfie-obsessed world it’s hard to fathom people not having their own photos.

But in some countries that is reality and Smart’s pictures can be incredibly uplifting.

“It’s just joy,” Smart said. “It just turns around a whole hospital room. Or it turns around a whole market. Or even just a little part of a market.”

Taking pictures, giving them away

Most people are thrilled to get the photos, but occasionally some are skeptical about Smart’s motivation.

“We just give away photos to people that don’t have access to them,” Smart said. “When they realize that were not just taking a photo, that we’re giving a photo it just lights them up.”

Print the Love is a nonprofit that Smart started a few years ago after a trip to Africa. For Smart it’s a picture-perfect way to make an impact.

“The joy that it creates,” said Smart, “is what I love about going and continuing this work.”

Smart and her team of volunteers are going to Cambodia in November and have future trips planned to Haiti, Zimbabwe and the Solomon Islands.