I spend my time as a photographer focusing (pun intended) mainly on people in my day-to-day work, covering weddings, theatre and portraits among other things. Quite the opposite of a key worker, I’m now doing none of this, and this got me pondering on ways that I could be making a difference, offering my services to contribute to the community in some way, whilst photographing people and doing what I love.
Through a friend and fellow photographer, I came across the Front Steps Project – a growing global community of photographers offering five-minute family photoshoots on your very own doorstep. It’s not my idea – it was started by a photographer from Massachusetts called Cara Soulia before it took off globally, and I thought I’d like to try it here!
The idea is simple – if you’re interested, you’ll get in touch via Facebook, my website or email for us to arrange a time, and I’ll pop over to the house with my camera and my longest lens. I’ll send you a message to let you know I’m there and stand well back, and once you’re all out and ready, I’ll spend five minutes taking a photograph of you and your family/household on your doorstep. I won’t come anywhere within 5 metres of you – social distancing will of course be observed.
It’s a great opportunity to have a lovely relaxed photograph taken, with as much or little dolling up as you would like. It could be a chance to just relax in front of the camera in your pyjamas, but equally a rare chance to put on your Sunday clothes if that’s what you’re missing! Bring props if you like, and have some fun – it’s your photo! Families, couples, individuals and pets are all welcome.
Once I’ve taken the photographs, I’ll email a couple over to you and I’ll pop one in an album on here, and on my photography page and Instagram, with the hashtag #thefrontstepsproject, (as long as you’re comfortable for me to do so).
I won’t charge you anything for this. It’s very important to me that we all stay within our means at this time. I’d encourage you to instead, if you are able, make a donation to MFR Cash for Kids, or any charity close to your heart – I’m sure many charities could do with a helping hand just now.
As a wee side note – I am by no means wanting to make light of the situation. I feel that it’s important to try to keep the community spirit up by doing little things like this, and if this is a way that I can help, I’ll be pleased to do so. It’s a big moment in history and I’d like to help in documenting it – the little things count to keep our spirits up!
Please note – I’ll only be doing this within reasonable distance of my home, so I’ll initially be sticking to Tornagrain, Croy and surrounding areas.
So if you’re keen to get involved, please get in touch!
