Photographers are implementing unique ways to chronicle the long days of social distancing through a term new to most of us, “porch photography.” Using telephoto lenses and creativity, photographers are serving the community and giving people and their families a break from the routine of doing nothing.
Photo by Ashley Murphy
Photo by Ashley Murphy
Ashley Murphy, a photographer with an art gallery in SOMA, is taking photos of people in their masks. She’s calling it the #themaskedproject, and dozens have volunteered to model for the project. She says she’s not necessarily doing porch portraits but is complying with safe social- distancing standards. She adds, “For many of my subjects, they have said this was exciting. A simple 2-5 minute photo outside their home is something much more. It is a way to be a part of something bigger. A way to show the world who we are.”
Photo by Paige Horras.
Photographer Paige Horras began posting on social media that she was available to “come to your porch observing strict social distancing norms and take photos of your family.” Her caveat? In exchange for one digital photo from the shoot, you must support a local charity.
Photo by Noelle Buttry
Photo by Noelle Buttry
Noelle Buttry has been behind a camera lens most of her life and because of these unique circumstances, she is using her passion for art combined with reaching out to the community. She says, “It’s been a huge change for me not to greet clients with a hug and keep at least a 6-ft distance, but respecting the mandate is important to both me and the families I photograph and my sense is that people are taking this very seriously overall.” She calls her venture the #windowproject.
In the world of cliches, “desperate times call for desperate measures” has morphed into “necessity is the mother of invention.”
