The Front Porch Project | Bedford, NH

“The purpose of this project is to bring us together when we might feel isolated.  I aim to highlight the faces of our community during a time when we might not see them in passing at the grocery store, coffee shop or at the gym.  Participating in this project is also an opportunity to step up to help those who need it most right now in [Bedford].These days are challenging for every single one of us. As we stay at home to hopefully limit the spread of COVID-19, we lose the unspoken connections we shared by simply being out-and-about in town.But even if we are separated, we are together.”- Cara Soulia

With all that has been going on in the world right now, we have been trying to keep ourselves busy with a schedule. No not a schedule, a check list. I’ve attempted the schedule and it just did not work for us. So, since I love me some paper and a sharpie marker, I’ve been making us check lists daily.  Things that have been on our check list include: checking in with Ethan’s class on google classroom, ABC mouse has offered 2 free months of their program, so the boys have been enjoying that, science projects, walks, bike rides and scooter rides, nature walks, scavenger hunts and of course, crossing off my list of to do’s for my business and let me just say, crushing those goals!

After seeing all of the breaking news about the Coronavirus I have been wanting ways to get out of the house for fresh air and some social distancing since it definitely helps break up the days. We have participated in a town wide shamrock scavenger hunt, a bear hunt and sidewalk chalk messages in our neighborhood and the Front Porch Portrait Project. The Front Porch Portrait Project was started by a photographer in Newton, MA  and since has been traveling around the world bringing joy to many photographers and families. When I saw this project was taking place in different states, I knew I wanted to bring it here to Bedford, NH.

I posted in our neighborhood facebook group about this project and I could not believe the positive feedback I had received from everyone! I opened it up to start with my neighborhood and my bible study group from our church, Bethany Covenant Church. I started a private Facebook Group for everyone who expressed interest in joining me in this project and from there, chose a few dates from the past week and got busy creating my routes and travel times. I had captured photos of over 35 families in 3 days!  I had everyone provide me with their cell phone number so that I was able to text them when I was on my way and when I was out front of their home. I used my 70-200mm lens and I stayed close to my car / at the edge of the lawn with more than 6ft. distance from one another. I am telling you that this project made me so excited. I put jeans on and make up each day I had these planned and I felt more awake than I had in the last 2 weeks of staying home. The boys came with me for the ride to visit the families but they did not get out of the car. Ethan even did some video and photos of me behind the scenes working from a distance and I am so proud of his skills!

This brought me so much joy. I absolutely loved seeing how creative people were and I loved getting to see them and talk to them all from a distance. I am excited for the time when we can have family sessions that are longer than 5 minutes and I can get a little closer to capture those special details, but this brought joy to me and everyone involved. Thank you Bedford!! Stay Safe! xoxo

** If anyone in the BEFORD, NH area would like to join this project with me, please let me know! You can fill out a contact form here or send me an email alibphotography.info@gmail.com**