When the Coronavirus outbreak started, I was a bit worried that I would have to close my doors. After all, I had just opened my new studio in October, and was really enjoying the increase in bookings. I was looking forward to the busiest spring season I have ever had, and at times was wondering how I would get all of the work done! But, the safety and wellness of my clients is my top priority, so before the governor shut down non-essential businesses, I had already made the decision to postpone any upcoming sessions. I felt so saddened, especially to have to cancel my maternity and newborn photo sessions, but unfortunately, it just had to be done.
So, from having a fully booked schedule to having a blank slate, I started thinking about things that I could do to keep busy. One thing about me....I NEED to stay busy! Whether it's busy work, learning a new skill, working out, or being outside doing yardwork, I always need to be doing something. I just cannot sit still.
After hearing about other photographers doing "Front Steps Projects", I started to think about whether or not I could participate in doing the same sort of thing. Many questions came to mind....."can I do this safely?", "what should I charge?", "how much time should I dedicate to this?". After going back and forth in my own head for days about it, I finally decided that I would try it out, and offered to take photos of some of my friends and their families. I did a test photo with my daughter on my front steps, and measured the distance between me and her while using my longest lens. Seeing that it was 30 feet, I was reassured that I could maintain a safe distance between myself and these families on their front steps. Here is that quick photo of my daughter, not our best work, but it was just a test shot, and I'm sure I'll look back on it fondly one day :)
The Wells family was the first one to book! The mom got ahold of me right away and set up their time. What a fantastic family this is, with 6 kids and a new grandson. We took photos of them on their deck and porch. So quick and easy, the kids all cooperated so well, got into their poses and I was there and done within 15 minutes! I'm so happy to have been able to memorialize this time for them, and to get a couple of great family photos for their walls.
I then went to the Caprari home. I had just done a family session for them in the fall, so their most recent photos were up to date. It was nice to capture this incredible mom with her children on their front steps though! There is just something so heartwarming about seeing families in front of their homes.
Next in the route back to my house, I stopped at the Lynnot's beautiful home. Dad and the boys were busy doing yardwork and cleaning up the patio, but were able to take a break for a quick shot of the 5 of them. This family's smiles always make me smile back, and I'm happy to have been able to capture this moment for them!
My last stop for the day was at the Rogers' home. This mom had planned on getting her Mother's Day photos done in studio, but instead, we were able to get a few shots of her with the kids on their front steps. Just as we finished up, we noticed their dog, Grady, peering out the window at us. Of course, we had to have him come out for a photo, as he is part of the family too!
This super fun session with my amazing friends, who also happen to be my neighbors, had me cracking up! We started with them dressed in whatever they felt like wearing, and then they changed into their "normal" quarantine wear. They each brought something that represented what they have been doing during this time. SO much fun!! Also, Debbie has started her own blog! If you need a little humor in your day (and who doesn't?!), be sure to check out her blog......her stories make me chuckle daily, and I always look forward to her posts!
This lovely family just got a new puppy, a Bernedoodle (Bernese Mtn Dog/Poodle)! I didn't know that this designer breed existed, but oh how cute he is! What a fun time to have a new addition to the family, with all of the extra time to give him all of the love and attention he needs. We were able to get photos with the new pup, some Mother's Day photos of just mom and kids, and some quirky, fun photos with the kids using some of their props! I left their home feeling uplifted, and grateful that I am able to still photograph happy moments for families :)
Before I started doing these front steps photos, I didn't realize how much I would enjoy doing them! I'm happy that I can document this unusual time in our history for these families, and they can look back on these photos and pass them on to their future generations. At the end of the day, home is where our heart is, so it really just makes sense to have a family photo there <3
If you'd like to schedule a time for me to stop by to capture your family photo at your home, email jenkochmer@gmail.com. I'd love to meet you and your family! You are welcome to tailor these sessions as you'd like, and feel free to have both "regular" photos and silly ones!
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