Door Step Photo Project

A couple of weeks ago, inspired by the Front Step Photo Project in America, I decided to try something similar with the houses and families in my road. Thankfully, lots of my neighbours were enthusiastic and keen to join in.

So, 17 door-steps, 17 families, and lots of photos later, I have completed the project!

So what is it?

While we are in lock-down because of Covid-19, family photoshoots can’t go ahead as usual. So the idea instead is to photograph a family on the door step of their home, keeping at least 2 metres away of course.

So why do it?

Many reasons actually!

Initially, I was drawn to the idea of trying something different and working creatively at a time when my normal work has had to be put on hold.

Quickly, the other reasons became more important though…

Community

We are incredibly lucky to live where we do - our road is already a very friendly and welcoming place; holding a summer and Christmas party every year. But since the Covid-19 outbreak, that sense of community and friendship has truly gone from strength to strength. From sharing shopping and food deliveries, to offering tips on activities for keeping the kids occupied and gardening! Every Thursday, when we step onto our driveways to clap raucously for the NHS, it’s also a chance to wave, smile and check-in with our little community and it always makes me happy to see them.

So, I loved the idea of making something which would represent our neighbour-hood, capturing it exactly as it is now, in the strangest of times.

Our Homes

I’ve always loved taking photographs of families in their homes. It’s actually my favourite place to do my family photo shoots. Homes are a part of us, they are the places in which we feel most comfortable and which hold so many memories. So I was really drawn to the idea of incorporating the place which has become even more important in these challenging weeks. It may feel claustrophobic and suffocating at times, but it is also our sanctuary, our safety and the memories we make in it will soon be overflowing.

History

One day, we will be able to look back these dark days and be able to tell our children and our grandchildren what life was like during lock-down. And wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to show them a photograph depicting the people with whom we spent so many days and the home which kept us safe? A historical document to keep forever.

While there are many things from this difficult time which I would quite happily forget, the sense of community and camaraderie we’ve found in our little neighbourhood is something we will treasure forever. And that’s what this project has been all about.