I hope this Blog post finds you healthy and safely at home enjoying your family while we are social distancing or in some case, like here in Michigan with Shelter in Place Orders for the entire state during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

If you are an essential worker, may God Bless You for your service and keep you safe. Anyone that is working right now is making a great sacrifice and I want you to know how much you are appreciated.

WHAT IS THE FRONT PORCH PROJECT?

I have been contacted by lots of people interested in a family portrait session on their front porch. It is a cool new trend out right now. It was born amidst all the chaos and uncertainty happening with Covid-19. It's called the Front Porch Project or #frontporchproject.   It started over a month ago, it's origin unclear but most likely in a state that became heavily affected early on.  Photographers in states that began social distancing sooner than we did in Michigan,  started taking pictures of families on their front porch with a telephoto lens. This kept them at the suggested 6ft range of social distancing, which was considered to be safe.   

This idea started with the best intentions and morphed into what each area and photographer saw could fill a void. Ideally, the entire family was home, which we all know is a rarity these days.  Some photographers charged a  fee and then donated it to support a local charity , while others drastically reduce their normal fee to keep an  income.    

Most photographers, like me, are self employed, so a Shelter in Place order meant cancelling upcoming appointments. That means no paycheck on Friday like most people.  Being self employed also means we aren't eligible for unemployment, (under normal circumstances).  We still have families to support and mortgages to pay...somehow.  There is no doubt the Front Porch Project began with the best intentions for everyone involved. Love, family and a way for a photographer to support their community or to pay the mortgage and keep food on the table.  I feel the intention is still pure, the timing for safety however has passed. 

FAST FORWARD...

Fast forward 30 days. Our State of Michigan is now in a Mandatory Shelter in Place ordered by our Governor.  As Michigan climbs in the numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths, and on the US charts of most infected states, staying in your home is more important than ever. The initial guidelines of Social Distancing/6 ft apart don't seem to be making as big of an impact as originally hoped.  Whether that is because people aren't taking it serious enough or the virus can infect others from more than 6 feet.   A global pandemic of this scale has never happened in our lifetime, all guidelines are best guess scenario/protocol.  

Maybe you don't have many cases of Covid-19 in your area. That is awesome!  But it's coming. You can't stop it unless you Stay Home.  All it takes is one trip to the store or a stop to pick up a prescription or even a walk in the park to be exposed.  Whether you feel I am over reacting or not, my intention is to support flattening the curve because I don't want my loved ones or your loved ones affected.  

MAKING A RESPONSIBLE DECISION

I am choosing not to participate in #thefrontporchproject at this time because my intentions are to be proactive as aggressively as possible.  Instead, I will be offering Family Sessions similar to The Front Porch Project, but not until the danger has passed for all involved.   I am looking forward to capturing some great memories in the near future with you & your family. I appreciate your support in my decision.  

Until then, stay safe my friends. May God Bless You and your family. 

Support Your Photographer#BRINGBACKTHEFOCUS