Why I decided to do The Front Steps Project

In those early weeks of COVID hitting NYC, our lives changed very fast. Schools, playgrounds, restaurants and neighborhood gathering places closed and we were told to stay home and isolate. As our city became the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak, I felt both helpless and driven to be part of making things better. We have two little boys so, like all parents, I was also concerned about keeping our family safe.

Then I came across a tweet by the Obama Foundation about “The Front Steps Project”. I knew immediately this was what I was searching for. The project was a great fit with my career as a photographer / journalist / producer. I could bring joy to families with a professional portrait capturing these times together at home and they got the added satisfaction of contributing to a pandemic-related cause that touched them – all from a safe distance away to keep us all healthy.

I incorporated an interview element into my photo sessions to help shine a light on some of the positive aspects of this difficult experience. I felt my neighbors’ uplifting stories and generosity deserved to be captured and shared.

During the week, I’d race out on husband’s lunch hour but on weekends I could book 6-8 sessions a day. We’d pack our boys and snacks and take off on a family photo adventure and everyone was happy to be out.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to join Cara Soulia, Kristen Collins and photographers across the globe in “The Front Steps Project”who have replicated the project and ultimately raised over 3.35 million for local food pantries, hospitals, and more during the pandemic. And I alone raised $17,400 for COVID related causes here in NYC. We are stronger together. ️

If you would like to book a Front Steps session please click here:

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**all proceeds go to Food Bank NYC

Photography featured in the “The Front Steps Project : How Communities Found Connection During the Covid-19 Crisis”

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Thank you to everyone who took part in the project and donated!

Families featured in the front steps project book

"AS ONLY NEW YORKERS KNOW, IF YOU CAN GET THROUGH THE TWILIGHT, YOU'LL LIVE THROUGH THE NIGHT."

-Dorothy Parker

A great joy for me while shooting The Front Steps Project photos was also being able to provide families with one of their “first” family photos like this beautiful family. When I interviewed and photographed this family back in May, the Mom had just delivered her second baby girl in the pandemic and was in quarantine in their apartment in Brooklyn. This was their first family photo as a family of four. She said there were a lot of poignant quotes about New York but this was her mantra during this time. It really stuck with me too.

Name
Katie Keating

Occupation
Head of Brand and Design, IBM Watson Health

WHO ARE YOU IN QUARANTINE WITH?
My husband, Stephen, my 3-year-old daughter, Harper, and my 2-month-old daughter, Bea.

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE THINGS YOU LEARNED FROM QUARANTINE?
The extra newborn snuggles and sister bonding time have been a blessing. Reminding myself to appreciate the simplicity of fresh air, new blooms in spring, the precious moments of solitude when they happen.

WHAT HAS THIS EXPERIENCE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY?
That life in New York is the only life worth living. The spirit, the mettle, the shared consciousness of strangers and passersby. The nod of empathy palpable even from underneath a mask. There are a myriad of poignant quotes about New York, but this one sticks with me as a mantra for this time: "As only New Yorkers know, if you can get through the twilight, you'll live through the night." -Dorothy Parker

The nurses, doctors, hospital workers and essential workers are the true heroes of this pandemic. It was an absolute honor when a nurse working on the front lines in a Covid unit at NYU Langone Hospital reached out to take part in the project. She wanted a photo in her scrubs with her two young children to help commemorate these times. I suggested we do two photos even though it would take us a bit longer with an outfit change - one in scrubs and one in regular clothes - so she can have family portraits too. It was the least I could do for her!! Her kids were a joy to work with and were very excited for a photo shoot. It was also special for me to have that opportunity to thank her for all that she was doing to help those fighting Covid-19.

Name
Alison Trebby

Occupation
Nurse at NYU Langone Hospital

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE THINGS YOU LEARNED FROM QUARANTINE?
How strong our family is. Their Dad comes here to work on days that I'm at the hospital to watch the kids. Even though we aren't together any more, we still support each other and our children. We truly value each other's work, friendship and co-parenting skills. My twin brother and sister in law live in Fort Greene and even though I haven't physically seen them in almost two months they are present almost daily in so many ways. Even my cousins and aunts - I can't thank them enough - from the regular check in calls to the surprise deliveries of wine and sweets. My parents are worried about me and the work I do but they understand. We have a long history of social service in the family. My Dad's mother was a nurse, raised eight children and continued to volunteer her services until couldn't any more.

It is wonderful to know that I have such a strong family supporting me and the work I do - I couldn't do this without them.

WHAT HAS THIS EXPERIENCE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY?
My Brooklyn community of friends and neighbors are amazing. My good girlfriends have been phenomenal - we originally became friends through local playground dates and baby classes - but I can't imagine a life without them and their families now! They keep me going and laughing. My neighbors in the building have been so supportive - from leaving care packages for me and the kids to even organizing gardening projects for my kids to do while home schooling. And the clapping at 7pm is so exuberant and heartening. Even my brother's neighbors (our good friends) send me videos and virtual hugs from Fort Greene when I'm at work. The love I feel from this Brooklyn community while I'm at the hospital across the river is indescribable - thank you Brooklyn!!