As a photographer, I typically spend hours every week capturing images of families in times of joy: babies on the way, newborns, siblings, families, seniors and more. Those moments of joy are still happening in homes right now. But I can’t be there to capture them.
We are documenting this time by taking five-minute “Front Steps Portraits” of Heath residents. Each day we take a few hours to visit families on their front steps. We will start with my wonderful neighborhood of Heath Crossing.
The purpose of this project is to bring us together virtually when we might feel isolated. We 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, local restaurants 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 Heath/Rockwall.
For $20 you will receive 1-3 photos. 100% OF PROCEEDS will be donated to Meals on Wheels Rockwall County. When the time comes, just step outside your door and we will shoot a few quick portraits with your family. I will shoot from the curb or street (thanks to long lenses!) and have no physical contact with you. But I *will* smile and laugh with you, however, and don’t we all need a little bit of that right now?
After your quick session, you will receive a link to a gallery with your digital file to download.
We will be posting these images on Instagram using the hashtag #thefrontstepsproject and #thefrontstepsprojectheath. Find us at @destinywanamakerphotographytx
This is not a typical get-dressed-up-and-pose-for-the-photographer session but feel free to dress up if you want to show off those Easter clothes! Want to stand outside in your pajamas and slippers? Sounds good to us. Kids in mismatched clothes but you’re thrilled they got dressed? Fantastic. Wearing your running outfit because you’re headed off to jog in the nice weather? Love it!
Be you.
About Me:
My name is Destiny Wanamaker and I am a Heath/Rockwall-based photographer who currently has a studio in downtown Rockwall but the studio will soon be in Heath! My husband is a physician who works here in Rockwall and we have a 3 year old daughter. You may have seen my husband and me around Heath shooting at sporting events such as soccer, basketball & lacrosse when we aren't working otherwise. We do it as a way to give back to our community and who doesn't love some action shots? We think this is an excellent way during this time to give back to those in need and as a mother myself, I understand the importance of a village and hope this fundraising effort will provide some relief to families who have been physically cut off from their village.
Special thanks to @carasoulia for starting this project in Needham, MA and for graciously sharing a template so that we can move quickly on this project!
THE front steps project
11.24.2020 Update:
Cara Soulia and Kristen Collins whom started this project made national news & now have a published book with photos from photographers all over the world who participated in #thefrontstepsproject! Two of my photos and two wonderful local families are published in the book! It was an honor to participate in this project and give back to the Rockwall community. Photographers raised over 3.5 million dollars collectively for charities in their cities.
