Coronavirus: Photographers document families enduring pandemic through ‘Front Porch Project’

ORLANDO, Fla. — With social distancing rules in place across the country, the photography business is one of the many industries that's been put on hold.

The Front Porch Project was started by a photographer in New England to help document families going through these unprecedented times.

A local photographer is doing the same with the cooperation of families up and down Orlando’s streets.

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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the images being captured by Lindsey Hicks during the coronavirus pandemic say so much more.

“It's actually been really positive,” Hicks said. “Everyone is embracing their new normal.”

Hicks has always had a passion for photography, but it wasn't until she saw the hashtag, #FrontPorchProject on Instagram, that she decided to get out and start photographing families, other than her own.

“It really looked like a bunch of happy families like nothing horrible in the world was going on just out on their front porch taking some family photos and I thought it looked really awesome,” Hicks said.

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Two weeks ago, Hicks, her husband, Trevor, and their two kids started biking around their neighborhood and taking photos of families who wanted to be a part of the project.

“It's actually a good reminder and good opportunity that this is a strange time, but we still have each other,” said Rob Terry.

Hicks photographed three families Friday and has done more than 20 over the last two weeks. She cannot charge anything for the photos because photography is not considered an essential business at this time.

However, as an out-of-work restaurant employee, she's asking for one thing in return.

“All I've asked is that people support a local business,” Hicks said. “There's a lot of ones around here, who really need our help right now.”

Hicks hopes to continue doing the ride-by photo shoots for as long as Florida’s stay-at-home order is in place, because it provides a little joy to these families during this uncertain time.

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