E-Mail StefanieThe Front Steps Project was created by a fellow photographer from Needham, MA. The purpose of the project was to bring us together virtually when we might feel isolated due to the Coronavirus pandemic. I decided to join #thefrontstepsproject as I felt it was a great way to give back to my community as well as spread a bit of happiness in such an unsettling time in history.
The response I received was overwhelming & I was able to capture 115 families in the 2 weeks that I was able to go out & photograph. There was no charge for the service, but instead a “Pay It Forward” suggestion of making a donation to the Upton or Mendon Food pantries to help the most vulnerable in our community. I don’t have a total that was donated yet but hope to be able to get that information to share with you all.
Social distancing precautions were followed, where I’d beep the horn when I drove up & I stood at least 10 feet away & directed the families for the photograph. I loved driving up & seeing small children looking out their front door waiting for me to arrive. For many it gave them a reason to get up, shower & feel “normal” again if even for a moment. Others embraced the PJ mentality and were photographed “as is”. Either way the families were amazing and embraced having fun with some of the photos. I’d take a smiling family photo & then ask if they wanted to show how they were truly feeling about the shelter in place order & being isolated from others. Some wanted to be silly, some bored, frustrated, angry, it ran the gamut.
Overall it was a wonderful uplifting experience for me, the families AND the townspeople who were able to view the images on social media. Thank you to everyone who participated!
