Front Porch Sessions During

Covid-19 Pandemic Lock-down

The first time I heard about this project created by the photographer Cara Soulia from Needham, Massachusetts; I felt it was such a beautiful and inspirational gesture. I felt that my community here in Lincoln Park, NJ needed this kind of positivity. One of the things we loved about this town was its tight community values. Everybody helps each other and the neighborly environment shows. Imagine that, when you are moving to your house, you receive a pizza delivered at your door with a note saying “welcome to the neighborhood!”, yes, that happened to us and until this day I have no idea who sent it! But you get the picture right? We love it here!

I definitely felt it was a way to give back, bring hope and happiness to the families that wanted to participate. I only asked for one thing in return, to let me record them a few seconds cheering and thanking our first responders and all the workers risking their lives while we knew very little about this deadly virus.

The response I received was amazing and that made me so happy! I tried to keep it very local but I received inquiries and visited some of our neighbor towns like Montville, Towaco and Pecquannock, NJ. Then, an idea came to my mind…what if the local first responders would like to join? I immediately contacted my friend Kristin, shes a dispatcher at the LPPD and told her about my idea. She loved it and talked to her chief and in a matter of minutes we had the local police to join, I got some courage and messaged Lincoln Park EMS Department and the chief liked the idea too, right after that he connected me to the Fire Department! I was in awe!. I just showed and they were all so happy to be part of this!

It really hurt my heart to see that the photography community here in NJ, was not accepting this project well. There was terrible backlash and I decided to not continue with the project for the fear of being bullied. It’s sad, I know.

I know I can’t help with my camera to find a cure or fix the world, but bringing happiness to people with my pictures is what I know to do best and so I did. I met great people doing these sessions. And to be honest, I do not regret a thing! Here is the video I created with all the images and videos I took. I hope if brings a smile to your face!

Even though I am no longer offering Front Steps Project NJ sessions, I would still love to capture family memories for you! Leave me a message HERE and I will be in touch soon! Cannot wait to meet you!