Strengthening the community begins with the first step.
For us, it starts on the front step.
#TheFrontStepsProject, started by Boston photographer Cara Soulia and marketing consultant Kristen Collins, brings us together virtually despite being – and maybe feeling – 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, on the train or at the gym.
We may be temporarily separated, but we are always united.
Participating in this project is also an opportunity to step up to help those who need it most right now.
“With so many feeling isolated or disconnected from friends, family and the rest of the world these days, something as simple as a happy photograph can help keep us going.”— CNN’S RECENT ARTICLE ON #THEFRONTSTEPSPROJECT
We only spend 5 minutes with each family and we try to schedule them in close proximity so that we do not spend too much time away from our families. We will do sessions from 4:30 – 6:00 pm and edit the images at night for posting every few hours the next day. And the cycle re-starts!
As a photographer, I typically spend hours every week capturing images of families in times of joy: Expecting moms, babies on the way, newborns, siblings, families, and more. Those moments of joy are still happening in homes right now. I know it. But I can’t be there to capture them. So I am focusing on how I can bring people together in the community by documenting this time by taking five-minute “Front Steps Portraits” of Acton residents.
Each day we will take a couple of hours to scurry around town and snap super fast images of Acton families on their front steps.
Photographers across the country – and even the globe – have been inspired to start their own The Front Steps Project™ in their communities. We are so amazed by their energy and enthusiasm! We want to work together, so get in touch.
Process
You will know when we are coming, I will text you 05 minutes before the scheduled time. You can step outside, where I, Elaine Freitas, a photographer (your Acton neighbor!) will be standing near your driveway or street, at least 10 feet away. I will take a couple of quick shots and leave. We physically interact with no one, and touch nothing, during these sessions.
I’m in South Acton and would love to know if you open more slots since this filled so quickly. Thank you!
I’ll be adding more slots this afternoon! Keep an eye out on Facebook for when I post more slots, thanks!
We live directly beside Sheehans. Any way to squeeze us in?? Missed the post about additional slots.
We would love to participate but there are no slots left. Happy to do any day, anytime!
I will be adding more slots today. Thank you!
We would love to participate if you open up more slots. We live in Pats Hill. Awesome project!!
Hi Amy. Please send me a e-mail with your information.Thank you!
Thanks Elaine!! I told Halley to reach out to Caterina to say hello!! Hope you’re all doing well.
Hi! Such a great idea! I live on Strawberry Hill rd in Acton & would love to participate. Thanks!
We would love to participate. We live on Grist Mill Rd. in Acton.
Please, sign up for my newsletter. For now, we had to pause the project but will do again once things get more normal.
I was wondering if you are still doing these?? Would definitely be interested
Hi Clarie.
Thank you for asking!
The project finished in June. But I am doing a Mini session at People’s Front Step. Please email me if you interested to learn more at elainefas@gmail.com.
Would love to be the part of front step project if you do it again. Love your work
Thank you! I will do this again once the governor allows us to do this again, even from a distance.
I am glad to serve the community!