The aim is to help people with criminal records find jobs

Fort Myers, Fla. – Fort Myers photographer Alma Bruffy knows how to make people look at their best.

Now she wants to help you be her best.

The Fort Myers photographer explains to the Stephen Pimpo of Fox 4 how the right head shot can change the life of a person:

“Fine photos of Headshots” in Fort Myers wants to help people with criminal records to find jobs

“Unfortunately, the judicial system turns,” said Bruffy, founder of SWFL Headshots. “These people, who cannot get employment, cannot feed their children, that could lead to the same thing that initially brings them into the system.”

This inspired her to create search shots for head shots, an event in which people with a criminal background get a free professional headshot to help them find employment.

People like Iain Ocasio.

“Seems like I am applying for a position, I'll be put back to court,” said Ocasio, who traveled from Port Charlotte to take his photo. “Although it was 40 years ago.”

In cooperation with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Bruffy and business partner Bob Ahrens held the free clinic in the Alliance for the Arts on Thursday. They had makeup artists, resources for building up a curriculum vitae and even provided free business clothes that the participants could take home with them.

“It is the first time that I did (make -up) and I feel fantastic,” said Hiedi White, based in Fort Myers. “I feel like Cinderella. For me it is hope from Dope. “

The clothes were either donated or bought with part of the Grant Bruffy in the amount of 8,500 US dollars received by the city of Fort Myers.

“We want you to feel incredible from head to toe. We want you to look beautiful, ”she said. “We want them to be dressed for the part.”

But it's not just about helping people find a job. It is about helping people to see themselves in a new light.

“It surprised me,” said Ocasio and described his reaction to his head shot. “Because I saw what I looked really good.”

White felt the same way.

“I can't believe that what I am,” she said with a smile. “I am, that's Hiedi!”

Bruffy and Ahrens said that they wanted to hold further events that move forward and hope to expand beyond Lee County and throughout the state.