Ugly in Collingswood: Tacky Photo Sessions Benefit Local Charity

It’s back there. Way back in the shadows of your closet. It might have a blinking reindeer or a family of off-kilter snowmen. It’s so bad it’s good. 

It’s the ugly Christmas sweater. And you can wear it with pride, say cheese and make some money for charity this December in Collingswood.

In the spirit of “Awkward Family Photos,” Collingswood photographer Kathleen Roseboro will host “Ugly Christmas Sweater" portrait sessions. For just $30 families, pets, couples, siblings, kids -anyone!- can sit for a 15 minute session on Sunday, December 1. Participants receive two high-res digital images for unlimited use and 100 percent of proceeds go to Collingswood Cares for its Children in Crisis. 

‘Cares’ collects money for Borough families with children who are chronically or terminally ill. The charity is run by Collingswood Mayor James Maley and his wife, Mary Kay. Even the Mayor will be pulling out the old ugly sweater to raise funds for families. 

Of course, extreme cheesiness is not only encouraged but almost a requirement.

“I’m bringing the ugly,” said Maley. “It’s for a cause close to me and Collingswood so you have to go all out, right?”

Frugal Resale in Collingswood is also teaming up with organizers for the event. The Collingswood boutique will offer ugly sweater rentals and some ‘loaner’ sweaters for the charity portraits.

“Spots are filling up fast,” said Roseboro. “People are really enthusiastic about looking so corny. They’re going all out. It’ll be funny to see everyone’s poses and sweaters but at the end of the day it’ll be wonderful to give back.”

Roseboro’s studio is located in The Factory, Collingwood’s makerspace at 13 Fern Avenue. Sessions are expected to go extremely fast. Email Kathleen Roseboro Photography at kathleen_roseboro@yahoo.com to book a session.

“We can’t wait to see the Christmas cards coming out of Collingswood this year,” said Maley.