(Photo of the Iurato Family by Kristin Moore.)
When the “stay at home” orders began in mid-March, local photographers suddenly found themselves without their usual creative outlet (not to mention a lack of income!) Soon after, photographers all over the nation started various projects such as Front Step Photos, Porch Portraits, or “Porchraits.” Whatever you call them, the sentiment is the same – photographers are able to use their photography skills to document families (from a safe social distance) during this completely unique time in their lives.
Our Associate Publisher here at Happenings Media, Amy Iurato, recently had a “Porchrait” session with Doylestown photographer, Kristin Moore. We talked with Kristin about why she started taking these photos, what her experience has been like, and how she's using the project to do good in the community:
I was really inspired by this idea as I saw friend photographers from other states participating in them, and thought that doing something similar here would be a really powerful way to tell the story of our town in this time and, especially, that as we saw photos of our neighbors in quarantine, we'd see that even though we are isolated, we are all in this together and that our shared experiences could be a source of hope and connection. – Kristin Moore
Kristin asks each family she photographs to share an unexpected joy they've found during this time. By gathering the photos together in a gallery-type space (her Instagram page), it creates an uplifting story of joy and gratitude.
Like many of the photographers taking these types of photos, Kristin is using this project to make contributions to the community. “All of the photos have been donation-based – I really was more interested in the documentary aspect of this project and wanted to be able to photograph as many people as were interested, regardless of their ability to pay.” Kristin is giving 50% of the profits to varying non-profits in the community such as CB Cares, Bucks County Housing Group Food Pantry, and Love Grows CSA (to support a farm-share for a family in need.)
In addition to photographing families in front of their homes, she has also photographed several small business owners in front of their businesses.
It's been wonderful to share the message of supporting local by helping people connect a face with the business they are supporting – that, for example, when you buy take out from this restaurant you are supporting this incredible family, or when you buy a toy from our local toy store this is the wonderful person who's dream you are investing in. And it's given the businesses photographs that they can use for their own social media and online marketing needs in this time where online presence is so important.
If you're interested in booking a session with Kristin, contact her on Instagram. The sessions are “pay what you wish,” include approximately 10-15 minutes of shooting time and 3-5 downloadable high resolution images.
“As a photographer I am always trying to think of the “story” that I'm telling in my images, and it's been so powerful that even in this uncertain and crazy time, the story of our town is one of support, connection, resiliency, & hope.”
~ Kristin Moore
(Photo by Kristin Moore)
We Are Supported By:
Join Our Community. Click here to learn more
