The Front Steps Project
DARIEN
Strengthening community begins with the first step.
Let it start on the Front Step.
#TheFrontStepsProject aims 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.
#TheFrontStepsProject bring us together virtually despite being – and maybe feeling – isolated. We may be temporarily separated, but we are always united.
Sign me up!
Please use this link to schedule an appointment time that works for you. A few notes:
- I ask for your email in order to send an appointment confirmation and reminder.
- I for your cell phone only so I can text you when I arrive.
- I ask for your street address so I know where to meet you.
Please let me know in the message if there is anything else I should know!
We are delighted to announce the opportunity to particpate in the Front Steps Project Darien with
BEN LARRABEE!
Fine art portrait photographer and Darien native Ben Larrabee is generously donating his time and talent to raise funds through the Front Steps Project Darien on behalf of the Darien Foundation and Corbin Cares. Ben is offering 2 special sessions each Tuesday evening for the next five weeks. Due to the limited number of available sessions, he is asking for a minimum donation of $500 to either (or both!) of these wonderful organizations. Ben will email you a 6”, 300 dpi color JPEG a couple days after your shoot.
See more of Ben Larrabee’s work at benlarrabee.com or @benlarrabeephotography and use the link below to schedule a session with him.
How it works
Process
Fill out the form below to send me a message. I will email you back to schedule your time, typically between 5 PM and 6:30 PM in the afternoon – golden hour light is so pretty! You will know when I am coming.
I will text you as I arrive (that’s why I ask for your cell phone.) You step outside with your family while I am standing in your yard or driveway, at least 15 feet away, usually more. I will take a couple of quick shots and leave. There will be zero physical interaction during these sessions and no object needs to be touched.
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, sometime the next day I will email you the digital file of your portrait. In exchange, I ask you to make a good faith donation to either the Darien Foundation to support Corbin Cares meals to the food insecure within Darien or to the Corbin Cares GoFundMe Campaign to support meals to the food insecure in our neighboring communities.
If you are a healthcare professional or a first responder, no extra donation necessary. I am so grateful for your contributions!
I will be posting these images on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #thefrontstepsproject and #thefrontstepsprojectdarien.
Dress Code
This is not a typical get-dressed-up-and-pose-for-the-photographer session unless you want it to be! Want to stand outside in your pajamas and slippers? Sounds good to me. Kids in mismatched clothes but you’re thrilled they got dressed? Fantastic. Using a variety of sports equipment while playing in the yard? Love it! Be you!
How Far Back Do You Stand?
Really far! I park at the end of your driveway or on the street, and I generally keep a 25′ to 30′ distance at a minimum. Here are a few behind the scenes shots.
My Partner Photographers
Bambi Riegel, RT PictureWorks
You know what’s even better than two photographers working for a terrific, charitable cause? THREE PHOTOGRAPHERS! I was delighted when Bambi approached me to ask if she could donate her time and talents to the cause as well.
Of course I said, “YES!”, and Bambi is now offering her photographic skills to benefit the Darien Foundation, Corbin Cares, and Person-to-Person. Use the button below to schedule a session with Bambi, and make sure to check out ALL of our images with the hashtag #TheFrontStepsProjectDarien.
View more of Bambi’s photography and video work on her website RT Picture Works or use the link below to schedule a session with her.
Kyle Michael King, Photographer
We are delighted to announce that Kyle King will be donating his time and talents to support the organizations in our community dedicated to providing support to those in need during this pandemic: The Community Fund of Darien, Corbin Cares, and Darien Foundation. Kyle believes that The Front Steps Project is meant to bring our community together virtually, to raise money in support of those who have lost income or access to necessities, and to document this strange time in history.
Please use the button below to schedule a session with Kyle, and make sure to check out ALL of our images with the hashtag #TheFrontStepsProjectDarien.
View more of Kyle’s work on his website Kyle Michael King.
Mary Wade, Leap Year Images
You know what’s better than one photographer working for a terrific, charitable cause? TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS! Some of our dearest, loveliest friends have approached us in hushed, whispered tones: “pssst, did you know there is ANOTHER person doing the same project?!” Why, YES, we did know and have been chatting the whole time. ?
So hooray, have one of us come, both of us come, whatever works for you. Mary Wade of Leap Year Images is participating in #TheFrontStepsProject on behalf of the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, and I am encouraging people to give to the Darien Foundation or Corbin Cares. Feel free to check out BOTH of our images with the hashtag #TheFrontStepsProjectDarien.
While Mary is no longer scheduling sessions, we are so grateful for her amazing dedication and photographing 85 families! View more of Mary’s photography on her Leap Year Images.
Front Steps Darien in the News
About FrontSteps
#TheFrontStepsProject, a “coffee moment” idea between Boston photographer Cara Soulia and her friend Kristen Collins, kicked off in Needham, MA on March 17. Within 24 hours, over 100 residents asked to participate. Rock star professional photographer friends Topher Cox and Caitrin Dunphy came on board. Cara, Topher, and Caitrin spent the following week taking images of over 400 members of the Needham community.
Within days, photographers from around the country started their own #TheFrontStepsProject efforts. It is amazing to witness so many creative individuals doing their part to document their communities in this unprecedented time.
#TheFrontStepsProject
FrontSteps in the News
“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