The Front Steps Project: How Communities Found Connection During the COVID-19 Crisis 1513265857, 9781513265858

People magazine's top reason for Hope in America. Curated from a grassroots social movement, The Front Steps Proje

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Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tobi Gomez

Calgary, Alberta, Canada Jennifer Krawchuk

THE FRONT STEPS PROJECT How Communities Found Connection During the COVID-19 Crisis

KRISTEN COLLINS and CARA SOULIA

“We’re so glad you’re here!” “So am I! How are you guys doing?” These words, in any other context, seem basic. An everyday casual greeting, right? But in the spring and summer of 2020, they meant more. These words were exchanged hundreds of times among photographers and their neighbors as #TheFrontStepsProject, a grassroots social mission to connect communities through philanthropy, roared through cities and towns across the globe. These greetings provided a brief lifeline to normalcy. Traveling through suburban neighborhoods, city streets, and rural towns, photographers participating in The Front Steps Project captured faces of people stepping outside for the first time in days. Most participants, thrilled to see a friendly face, were simply happy to have something to do! Even from ten feet away, these quick connections offered a jolt of positivity. Through this endeavor, photographers captured the myriad ways people sought to feel normal in an isolating time. They documented anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, senior prom outfits, last days of chemotherapy,

pregnancy announcements, newborn joy, and more. And the costumes. Lots of hysterical costumes. Participating photographers witnessed so many amazing moments: impish smirks on young faces; giggles after being tickled to elicit a smile; toddler meltdowns; chuckling parents; folks admitting they’d taken their first shower in days; decorations, especially rainbow art; and relieved smiles after a loved one returned home from a shift as a healthcare worker. Scour the hundreds of images that The Front Steps Project produced (only a fraction of which are featured in this book) and you’ll notice themes of CONNECTION and UNITY in the smiles. Take a closer look and you’ll see the fundamental fabric of COMMUNITY—the ways people connect emotionally even during the most difficult times, and the ways people show RESILIENCE, even when separated. The Front Steps Project documents life in isolation and touches on many emotions in the human experience.

LOVE • HOPE • KINDNESS • COURAGE • HUMOR • PLAY JOY • COMPASSION • PRIDE • SACRIFICE • PERSEVERANCE

Needham, Massachusetts Cara Soulia



We collaborate on ways to grow our businesses and

juggle our ever-changing lives. On March 12, our

latest plans evaporated when our Boston suburb reported its first case of COVID-19. Six days later, we launched #TheFrontStepsProject. Our intention was to keep busy, spread some smiles, and raise money for the Needham Community Council, our town’s most impactful nonprofit. We posted the first image on March 18 and our inboxes overflowed with interest. Thanks to fellow creatives Topher Cox, Caitrin Dunphy, Kate King, and Lily Weitzman, we connected with close

to 800 families and raised over $50,000. But

was only the beginning...

that

Cara Soulia and Kristen Collins, Needham, Massachusetts

Needham, Massachusetts

Cara Soulia

9

Needham, Massachusetts Kate King

Needham, Massachusetts

Cara Soulia

Needham, Massachusetts

Cara Soulia

Needham, Massachusetts

Cara Soulia

Needham, Massachusetts

Caitrin Dunphy

11

12

Needham, Massachusetts

Topher Cox

Needham, Massachusetts

Caitrin Dunphy

Needham, Massachusetts

Caitrin Dunphy

Needham, Massachusetts

Cara Soulia

Needham, Massachusetts Caitrin Dunphy

Minnetonka, Minnesota 14

Shari Fleming



During the first week we juggled remote learning, spouses

permanently at home, toilet paper shortages, and constant requests for Front Steps photos. Messages poured in from fellow photographers: “Can I do this, too?” In the spirit of philanthropy, we shared our simple steps

for creating a Front Steps Project. Within days, the hashtag multiplied on social media: New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado, California, Hawaii. Then Australia! New Zealand! Scotland! Hundreds of photographers from around the world voluntarily replicated our program, bringing thousands together despite being—and probably feeling— isolated themselves. We were unprepared, yet incredibly grateful, for the overwhelming response. Cara Soulia and Kristen Collins, co-founders of The Front Steps Project

Grapevine, Texas

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 16

Rachna Agrawal

Sue Gambla

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Columbus, Ohio

Laura-Lee Gerwing

Erin Brown

Edina, Minnesota Molly Andresen

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Laura-Lee Gerwing

Tauranga, New Zealand

De Winton, Alberta, Canada

Kelly O’Hara

Anett Meszaros

Faxon, Oklahoma

Stacy Pearce

Hamilton, Massachusetts

Jen Maguire

19

“My takeaway from this experience is that no matter how broken the world may seem, humanity will always find a way to love intentionally, support unconditionally, and overcome any obstacle that stands in our way... these photos tell us that LOVE lives here.” Abigail Blalock, Alexandria, Louisiana

20

St. Louis, Missouri Kelli Morrell

22

South Amboy, New Jersey

Amy McLaughlin

Somerville, Massachusetts

Woodbury, Minnesota

Sigrid Dabelstein

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Kristen Fuller

Eva Eariello

Butte, Montana

Hunter Blodgett

South Hamilton, Massachusetts

Tracey Westgate

23

Gonzales, Louisiana 24

Tony Parker

Seattle, Washington

Amherst, Massachusetts

AV Goodsell

Isabella Dellolio

Charles Town, West Virginia

Alexandria, Louisiana

Julie Roggenkamp

Abigail Blalock

25



This image represents eight

families on the same block in Brooklyn. Despite living

yards from one another, it wasn’t until lockdown that they really began to get know each other. Hanging

out on the stoops more often to cope with isolation, they discovered the joy of togetherness and created a close community.

Shrutti Garg, Brooklyn, New York

26

Brooklyn, New York

Shrutti Garg

27

Daniel Island, South Carolina Tiffany Mizzell

Sydney, Australia

Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

Marie Berroa

Kristen Sawatzky

Stafford, Virginia

Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Megan Hubbard

Ute Reckhorn

29

Boise, Idaho

East Braintree, Manitoba, Canada 30

Taylor Badzic

Needham, Massachusetts

Topher Cox

Bree-Ann Merritt

Needham, Massachusetts

Cara Soulia

Mooresville, North Carolina Kathleen and Ed Martin

Lido Beach, New York Jodi Applebaum

Torrance, California

Needham, Massachusetts

Ute Reckhorn

Cara Soulia

Columbus, Ohio

West Hartford, Connecticut

Erin Brown

Andrew Stabnick

33

North Andover, Massachusetts

Pearland, Texas 34

Jenn Freson

Amy Nathans

Carlsbad, California

Melissa Au

Dublin, Ireland

Maria Rusk

Brooklyn, New York

Marj Kleinman

35

Long Beach, Mississippi Jessica Holland

“In times of crisis, everyone looks for a beacon of HOPE. While photographs may not be the vaccine for COVID-19, The Front Steps Project brought light to my community. It brought a sense of making an impact and it gave everyone something to look forward to.” Stephanie Brand, Alameda, California

37

Pelham, New York Jelena Mileno

North Andover, Massachusetts Carol Doherty Maroney

Johnston, Rhode Island Sara Zarrella

Calgary, Ontario, Canada Erin Shepley

Pomfret, Connecticut Ryan Finnegan

Needham, Massachusetts

Driggs, Idaho

Caitrin Dunphy

Atlanta, Georgia Leslie Andrews

Lara Agnew

Cape Town, South Africa Brenda Veldtman

South Kingstown, Rhode Island Jerilyn Faciano

New Orleans, Louisiana 40

Jillian Carruth

Pelham, New York

Jaye McLaughlin

Waterloo, Iowa Kristin Chiasson

Hull, Massachusetts 42

Susan Hagstrom

Grapevine, Texas

Rachna Argawal

Windsor, Connecticut

Leslie Massaro

43



Utilizing the same pay-itforward spirit as The Front Steps Project, we

co-founded ‘The Front Porch Project’ in Baton Rouge.

Much of the success of our effort was due to a common understanding in the American

Everyone who can help, does. In Louisiana,

South:

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Taylor Watson

‘Southern Hospitality’ isn’t just a concept, it is in the blood. Together with participating photographers in Louisiana, Mississippi, and more, we raised more than $1.28 million for local businesses.

Jenn Ocken and Aimee Supp, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 44

St. Francisville, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jay Lamm

45

St. Francisville, Louisiana 46

Jenn Ocken

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

“It was amazing to see our community show up for each other... Immediately, without hesitation, we decided

we were going to get through it together!”

Jenn Ocken, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

47

Daniel Island, South Carolina Tiffany Mizzell

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Felicia Gathe

Mandeville, Louisiana

Terri Parker

49

Hoboken, New Jersey

Kim Gerlach

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Bambi Guthrie

Alta, Wyoming

Lara Agnew

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Christy Parent

50

Somerville, Massachusetts Kristen Fuller

Los Angeles, California Carina Miller

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

Austin, Texas

April and Amy Rankin

53

“As quickly as COVID arrived, the community showed KINDNESS . They came together to help each other, raising money, making thousands of masks... you name it, this community stepped up. Despite the inherent dangers of connecting with each other, the pandemic seemed to bring out the best in people.” Xenia Gross, Wilton, Connecticut 54

Biloxi, Mississippi Jessica Holland

Bethesda, Maryland Kate Hollings

Burnsville, Minnesota

Susan Coyne

Leonia, New Jersey

Marc Goldberg

Brooklyn, New York

Marj Kleinman

57

Mooresville, North Carolina

Kailua, Hawaii 58

Alicia Camacho

Corinth, Mississippi

Kathleen and Ed Martin

Michelle Gifford

Louisville, Kentucky

Kate Vogel

59

Mooresville, North Carolina Kathleen and Ed Martin

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Eva Eariello

Miami, Florida

Wioletta Bublik

61

South Hamilton, Massachusetts

Dover, New Hampshire 62

Tracey Westgate

Scarsdale, New York

Doreen Hendley

Tara Hamer

Seattle, Washington

Annie Graebner

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Amber Parham



I was living in downtown NYC on September 11, 2001. I witnessed the devastation and great loss first hand. When the coronavirus pandemic

arose in March 2020, the memories of 9/11 came flooding back. I felt helpless and I didn’t know what to do. I read about The Front Steps Project one evening and I started shooting the very next day. I was

told by many that the photo sessions were the highlight of their day. Mary Wade, Darien, Connecticut

Darien, Connecticut Mary Wade

Harlem, New York Marc Goldberg

Boston, Massachusetts

Emily O’Brien

Jamesville, New York

Katie Hooks

San Rafael, California

Jen Skinner

67

Daniel Island, South Carolina 68

Tiffany Mizzell

Calgary, Ontario, Canada

Erin Shepley

Hoboken, New Jersey Kris Knesel

Brooklyn, New York

Victor, Idaho 70

Marc Goldberg

Lara Agnew

Wilton, Connecticut

Xenia Gross

Faxon, Oklahoma

New Orleans, Louisiana

Cindy Abney

Suffield, Connecticut

Stacy Pearce

Rob Faber

71

Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada 72

Sophy Hurtubise

Brooklyn, New York

Naftali Marasow

Ventura, California Po Chi Fung

Needham, Massachusetts 74

Cara Soulia

“Through this project I was blessed to witness and document people’s love for one another, their connection to each other, their strength, and their COUR AGE through one of the most difficult times in history. Most of all, I felt their joy and gratitude when I arrived to photograph them, even from a distance.” Jerilyn Faciano, South Kingstown, Rhode Island

75

Needham, Massachusetts

Westlake, Texas 76

Rachna Argawal

Hull, Massachusetts

Topher Cox

Jennifer Whelan

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tobi Gomez

Allendale, New Jersey Dana Brown

Brooklyn, New York

Vanessa Ryan

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Beth Curry LeBlanc

79

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Brooklyn, New York 80

Shrutti Garg

Nazareth, Pennsylvania

Ryan Blau

Sylvia Youngkin

Seattle, Washington AV Goodsell

Alta, Wyoming 82

Lara Agnew

Needham, Massachusetts

Topher Cox

Lawrence, Kansas

Trina Baker

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Casey Nolin

83

“These are photos of the same woman, one off duty and the other on her way to work as a nurse. It is a reminder that

our healthcare workers are just regular people who are forced to be beyond brave.”

Charlotte Boileau-Domingue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Montreal, Quebec, Canada 84

Charlotte Boileau-Domingue

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Charlotte Boileau-Domingue

Milton, Ontario, Canada 86

Lianne Gesior

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lindsay Stayton

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Jenn Ocken

Brooklyn, New York Shrutti Garg

Edison, New Jersey

West Hartford, Connecticut

Joanne Rutherford-Pastras

Christine Breslin

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Cohasset, Massachusetts

Roger Baumgarten

An LeFevre

89

Victor, Idaho

Montreal, Quebec, Canada 90

Lara Agnew

Tzivi Wenger

Waukee, Iowa

Columbus, Ohio

Monica Van Ess

Erin Brown

Chattanooga, Oklahoma Stacy Pearce

Mooresville, North Carolina Kathleen and Ed Martin

New Rochelle, New York

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lori Carlton

Lindsay Stayton

Dorchester, Massachusetts

Portland, Oregon

Nan Patriquin

Jeanette Schenk

93

“I was desperate for fun and I suspected others might be, too. I put a notice on social media hoping people would bite... The response was overwhelming. There were themes, costumes, signs, banners, and just plain old good clean fun. Turns out, COVID could not kill HUMOR .” Danielle Coleman, Old Greenwich, Connecticut

94

Short Hills, New Jersey Jordan Rosner

Faxon, Oklahoma

Seattle, Washington 96

Stacy Pearce

Annie Graebner

Needham, Massachusetts

Mooresville, North Carolina

Cara Soulia

Kathleen and Ed Martin

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada Peggy Knaak

Somersworth, New Hampshire Karen Wituszynski

Westfield, Indiana

Jen Sherrick

Fairport, New York

Maura Kerkezis

Owings Mills, Maryland

Mary Pedersen

99

Austin, Texas

April and Amy Rankin

Victor, Idaho

Lara Agnew

100

Arlington, Virginia

Borex, Switzerland

Sarah Goldman

Anna De Wit

Hoboken, New Jersey Kris Knesel

Seattle, Washington

Heath, Texas

Destiny Wanamaker

Putnam, Connecticut Ryan Finnegan

Janet Maples

Calgary, Ontario, Canada Erin Shepley

Trophy Club, Texas Rachna Argawal

Melbourne, Australia Ari Holzer

Daniel Island, South Carolina Tiffany Mizzell

Welland, Ontario, Canada

Bernex, Switzerland Anna De Wit

Jodie Schaefer

Wainwright, Alaska Kelsey Brocious



When I arrived, I was struck by how perfectly arranged

these neighbors were at their socially

distanced

cocktail hour. They proudly produced a measuring tape

to prove their adherence to the six-foot rule. I asked if they were ready for their photo. They agreed, although, in hindsight, they seemed a bit puzzled. I snapped a few frames and said I was on my way to the next house on my list. “What list?” they asked. Turns out I was at the wrong address! The whole thing felt serendipitous. I

walked away from the wrong house with very much the right photo on my memory card. Cara Soulia, Needham, Massachusetts

Needham, Massachusetts Cara Soulia

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California 106

Melissa Au

Union City, New Jersey

Jennisse Uy

Galashiels, Scotland Becky Henderson

Buda, Texas

April and Amy Rankin

Leander, Texas

North Andover, Massachusetts

April and Amy Rankin

Mary Schwalm

Seattle, Washington

Glen Rock, New Jersey

Annie Graebner

Jodi Crandell

109

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Bella Vista, Arkansas 110

Sarah Sims

Manuel Trinidad

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Eva Eariello

River Forest, Illinois

Steve Beck

111

Mooresville, North Carolina

Milton, Georgia 112

Kathleen and Ed Martin

Melissa Gibson

Portland, Jamaica

Marina Burnel

“This is perhaps my favorite portrait. Nearly 100-year-old

Lucille told me that she is thankful for her daughter, letters from her priest, and that she is still able to garden.

I felt so very BLESSED to meet this darling lady!”

Linda Osborne, New Ulm, Minnesota New Ulm, Minnesota

Linda Osborne

113

Madison, Connecticut 114

Cindy Ringer

Tampa, Florida

Amy Pezzicara

Waterloo, Iowa Kristin Chiasson

North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Carol Horn

Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

Kristen Sawatzky

Chattanooga, Oklahoma

Stacy Pearce 117

Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada Sophy Hurtubise

San Diego, California

Melissa Au

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

119

Butte, Montana 120

Hunter Blodgett

Ridgewood, New Jersey

Lena Antaramian

Bethpage, New York

Colleen Radcliffe

Morges, Switzerland Anna De Wit

Portland, Oregon 122

Jeanette Schenk

“Every time I went to a new house, it seemed like everyone was at PL AY— creating chalk art on the sidewalk, playing music on the patio, kicking a soccer ball in the yard. It gave me a great sense of ease and community. I felt like everything would all be okay.” Timolyn Essen, Boulder, Colorado

123

Needham, Massachusetts 124

Kate King

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Laura-Lee Gerwing

Portland, Jamaica Marina Burnel

Brooklyn, New York 126

Naftali Marasow

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Emily Lester

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Emily Lester

127

Yarmouth, Maine

Amanda Whitegiver

Sydney, Australia

Marie Berroa

128

Westfield, Indiana

Amy Vyverberg

Exeter, Rhode Island

Sara Zarrella

Brooklyn, New York

Naftali Marasow

129

Middlesex, New Jersey Rob Morris



I was scheduled to visit my daughter in Los Angeles

for her birthday the week of March 23rd. The trip was canceled, so I looked to fill the void by helping

my community. Inspired by The Front Steps Project, a friend and I formed ‘The Friends of Middlesex Borough’ to raise money for the needy and first responders. I decided to continue our nonprofit after the COVID crisis is over to help even more people in our community. Rob Morris, Middlesex, New Jersey

Miami, Florida

Beaverton, Oregon 132

Wioletta Bublik

Jeanette Schenk

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Alameda, California

Lindsay Stayton

Stephanie Brand

Boston, Massachusetts Autumn Aguiar

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Jenn Ocken

Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Danielle Coleman

Seattle, Washington

Janet Maples

135

Alameda, California

Columbus, Ohio 136

Stephanie Brand

Sarah Esposito

Spring, Texas

Duxbury, Massachusetts

Lauren Widener

Karen Wong

Oak Park, Illinois Corey Kessler

New Orleans, Louisiana Jillian Carruth

Boulder, Colorado

Brooklyn, New York

Shrutti Garg

Needham, Massachusetts

Timolyn Esson

Cara Soulia

139

“The JOY that this project brought to the families who participated was so motivating and touching. We loved seeing people in their natural environment with no expectations and no hidden agendas—just families embracing the moment and being real in front of our lenses.” Shari Fleming and Alexandra Crnobrna, Minnetonka, Minnesota

140

Columbus, Ohio

Sarah Esposito

141

New Canaan, Connecticut

Wilton, Connecticut 142

Xenia Gross

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Meghan Gould

Sarah Sims

Greenbrae, California

Jen Skinner

Tampa, Florida

Amy Pezzicara

143

Cedar Park, Texas 144

April and Amy Rankin

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Taylor Halperin

New Orleans, Louisiana

Jillian Carruth

145

Seattle, Washington AV Goodsell

Laguna Beach, California

Candice Dartez

Victor, Idaho

Lara Agnew

147



A woman offered to make a generous donation

and pay my mileage if I would travel out of town to visit her uncle, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Even though I was exhausted from photographing over 200 families that month, something in my gut told me to make the time. Three days after the photo session, I received a message that the uncle had lost his battle.

Words can not explain the impact this will forever have on me. Leah Tyler-Szucki, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Leah Tyler-Szucki

149

Kentfield, California Jen Skinner

Hoboken, New Jersey

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

Kim Gerlach

Peggy Knaak

Miami, Florida

Kennebunkport, Maine

Wioletta Bublik

Emily Ferrick

151

Duxbury, Massachusetts

Karen Wong

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Kerri Torrey

Welland, Ontario, Canada Jodie Schaefer

Berlin, Connecticut

Ashley Rutledge

Kennebunkport, Maine Emily Ferrick

Caledon, Ontario, Canada

Hampton Bays, New York

Nicole Lem

Aztec, New Mexico Jaclyn McGinnis

Diana Balnis

Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada Lianne Gesior

Huntington Beach, California Lauren Recupero

Boston, Massachusetts 154

Deborah Karson

Alameda, California

Stephanie Brand

Boulder, Colorado Timolyn Esson

Fairbanks, Alaska

Cardrona, Scotland 156

Brittiney Blair

Becky Henderson

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Amber Parham

Bambi Guthrie

Alexandria, Louisiana

Redmond, Oregon

Abigail Blalock

Katie Hilt

Seattle, Washington

Waterloo, Iowa

AV Goodsell

Kristin Chiasson

157

Needham, Massachusetts Kate King

“From my side of the lens, it is clear that COMPASSION isn’t hard to find. In March 2020, the world shut down. We were told to stay apart. Nevertheless, people found a way to come together. I will not soon forget the light of the people in the darkness.” Jodie Schaefer, Welland, Ontario, Canada 

159

Waterloo, Illinois 160

Nancy Quernheim

Brooklyn, New York

Naftali Marasow

Brooklyn, New York Adina Lerner

Boise, Idaho

Brandi Downey

Methuen, Massachusetts

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Erin Marie

Roger Baumgarten

Calgary, Ontario, Canada

Erin Shepley

163

Annapolis, Maryland

Needham, Massachusetts 164

Amy Raab

Cara Soulia

Mandeville, Louisiana

Terri Parker

Seattle, Washington

AV Goodsell

165

Brooklyn, New York 166

Adina Lerner

Columbus, Ohio

Erin Brown

St. Louis, Missouri

Kelli Morrell

167

Bath, Michigan

Christine McCallister



My 11-year-old son, Max, and I joined The Front

Steps Project in mid-March. We liked riding our

bikes from house to house, which combined exercise, fresh air, and goodwill. Max got to see faces of people he knew from afar, so he didn’t feel so isolated. We were able to take pictures of almost all the teachers in his school. There was a

32-day streak when we photographed at least one family per day! I’m so glad Max got to see how easy it is to help others. Christine McCallister, Bath, Michigan

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Brooklyn, New York 170

Marj Kleinman

River Forest, Illinois

Jennifer Krawchuk

Steve Scheuring

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lindsay Stayton

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 172

Jenn Ocken

Welland, Ontario, Canada

Jodie Schaefer

Honolulu, Hawaii

Alicia Camacho

173

Chappaqua, New York

Cohasset, Massachusetts 174

Randi Childs

Lisa Gilbert

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland

New Canaan, Connecticut

Anna De Wit

Andrea Chalon

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Beth Curry LeBlanc

175

“This gentleman told me the most powerful story. A military veteran and nurse practitioner, he chose to be photographed with an image of his wife and daughter. He told me: ‘I miss my daughter Ally, who is no longer here. I miss my wife, as she is on the other side of the planet, [deployed] in Baghdad. I could just sink into nothingness, but I want

people in this world of pain and suffering to know that I care.’

Liz Mollica, Quincy, Massachusetts Milton, Massachusetts 176

Liz Mollica

Tampa, Florida

Amy Pezzicara

New Orleans, Louisiana

Victoria Zangara

177

Park City, Utah 178

Matthew Davis

Seattle, Washington

Tauranga, New Zealand

AV Goodsell

Alisha and Mike Taylor

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Driggs, Idaho

Amber Parham

Lara Agnew

179

Fairbanks, Alaska

Brooklyn, New York 180

Brittiney Blair

Shrutti Garg

Boise, Idaho

Taylor Badzic

Santa Monica, California Cindy Gold

New Canaan, Connecticut Christina Saburro

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Laura-Lee Gerwing

Kingston, Jamaica

Marina Burnel

183

“Someday I hope to host a block party for the families I met to strengthen the bond we made through the photo sessions. In light of the recent struggles in our world, this project is a priceless gift! It fills me with so much PRIDE to be part of it.” Lauren Widener, Spring, Texas 

184

Needham, Massachusetts Cara Soulia

Peebles, Scotland Becky Henderson

Waterloo, Illinois

Seattle, Washington

Curtis Simshauser

AV Goodsell

Needham, Massachusetts

Darien, Connecticut

Cara Soulia

Katharine Calderwood

187

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Sydney, Australia

Alison Hatch

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Kerri Torrey

Dominique Elich

Laguna Beach, California Candice Dartez

Tulare, South Dakota Ashlyn Otto

Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada Sophy Hurtubise

Miami, Florida Wioletta Bublik

Chesapeake, Virginia Melinda Hogaboom

Cary, North Carolina Gregory Ng

Santa Barbara, California Aurielle Whitmore

Santa Monica, California Cindy Gold

Cape Town, South Africa

Brenda Veldtman

Santa Monica, California

Cindy Gold

190

Waterloo, Illinois

Emilie Newbury

New Canaan, Connecticut

Andrea Ceraso

191

Oakbank, Manitoba, Canada

Jersey City, New Jersey 192

Ashley Stevens

Erica Schultz

Needham, Massachusetts

Port Allen, Louisiana

Cara Soulia

Davis Hotard

Spring, Texas

Lauren Widener

Ross, California Jen Skinner

Tauranga, New Zealand

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Jennifer Krawchuk

Allendale, New Jersey

Kelly O’Hara

Kim DeGooyer

195

“One image that jumps out is of a single mom with a severely autistic son. She was so apologetic. Finally, there was a quiet moment when her son settled down and

the light was beautiful and the atmosphere was eerily quiet— and there was just love.”

Carina Miller, Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California 196

Carina Miller

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Corlia Bredell

Brooklyn, New York

Vanessa Ryan

197

Lockhart, Texas

Tauranga, New Zealand 198

Alisha and Mike Taylor

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

April and Amy Rankin

Peggy Knaak

New Orleans, Louisana Greer Gattuso

Seattle, Washington 200

Janet Maples

Santa Barbara, California

Aurielle Whitmore

Lochem, The Netherlands

Lonetta Toussaint

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

201

Allendale, New Jersey 202

Kim DeGooyer



One day I had an opportunity to photograph

some good friends, a couple and their three children. Their grandmother lives in a condo about a half-mile away and leaving her out was not an option. Though they couldn’t stand together physically, we worked together on a way to keep their Ma in the picture.

Even though she was socially distanced, the image is poignant, depicting the real challenges that families have during this time. Kim DeGooyer, Allendale, New Jersey

Encinitas, California 204

Melissa Au

Columbus, Ohio

Erin Brown

Portland, Oregon Jeanette Schenk

Beaverton, Oregon

Duxbury, Massachusetts 206

Karen Wong

Daniel Island, South Carolina

Jeanette Schenk

Tiffany Mizzell

Dublin, Ireland

Maria Rusk

Louisville, Kentucky

Kate Vogel

Georgetown, Massachusetts

Becca O’Malley

207

Charles Town, West Virginia 208

Julie Roggenkamp

Laguna Beach, California

Candice Dartez

Faxon, Oklahoma Stacy Pearce

Mooresville, North Carolina Kathleen and Ed Martin

“As a non-practicing nurse and now photographer, it was my calling and mission to recognize my fellow medical professionals and frontliners. These photos showcase their SACRIFICE and reveal what they do everyday to help save lives.”  Jennisse Uy, Union City, New Jersey 

211

Austin, Texas 212

April and Amy Rankin

New Orleans, Louisiana

Brittany Develle

Pelham, Massachusetts

Isabella Dellolio

213

Brighton, Michigan

Pelham, New York 214

Kelly Stork

Jaye McLaughlin

Selkirk, Scotland

Bend, Oregon

Becky Henderson

Katie Hilt

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Tzivi Wenger

“These are my family friends. I am an eighth grader at Boston Latin Academy. I raised $3,000 doing The Front Steps Project then used the money to buy meals

for frontline and healthcare workers.”

Jaymie McManus, West Roxbury, Massachusetts

West Roxbury, Massachusetts 216

Jaymie McManus

Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada

Victor, Idaho

Sophy Hurtubise

Lara Agnew

Lincoln, Massachusetts

Stonewall, Manitoba, Canada

Corey Nimmer

Teesha Hall

217

Duxbury, Massachusetts

Corinth, Mississippi 218

Karen Wong

Lisa Lambert

Speedway, Indiana

Lane Warner

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jenn Ocken

Crofton, Maryland

Amy Raab

219

Allendale, New Jersey

Medford, Massachusetts 220

Kim DeGooyer

Christina Mendonca

Needham, Massachusetts

Wellesley, Massachusetts

Caitrin Dunphy

Helena Goessens

Fairfield, Vermont

Ellen Sargent

221

Gordon, Nebraska 222

Chelsie Moreland

Seattle, Washington

AV Goodsell

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Mary-Margaret Magyar

Mooresville, North Carolina

Kathleen and Ed Martin

223

Mooresville, North Carolina Kathleen and Ed Martin



With every photo, there was a story that ran so much deeper than the quick flash of smiles: lost jobs and canceled vacations; nervous parents and bored kids; new activities and rediscovered interests. We photographed a state trooper, ER doctors, nurses, physicians, and teachers... We met newborn babies and newly adopted puppies. We congratulated graduates and celebrated birthdays. We took more than 7,700 photos and raised more than $50,000 for charity. We

will forever treasure meeting all the people!

Kathleen and Ed Martin, Mooresville, North Carolina

“When we started this project,

we had no idea how much happiness it would bring to everyone we met. We miss it

more than we would have imagined.” Kathleen and Ed Martin, Mooresville, North Carolina

Mooresville, North Carolina

Kathleen and Ed Martin

Mooresville, North Carolina

Kathleen and Ed Martin

226

Mooresville, North Carolina

Kathleen and Ed Martin

Mooresville, North Carolina Kathleen and Ed Martin

Brooklyn, New York 228

Marc Goldberg

Hoboken, New Jersey

Heath, Texas

Destiny Wanamaker

Middletown, New Jersey

Kim Gerlach

Martha Dement

229

“Armed with my camera, I showed the families of my community that we weren’t going to be beaten down by the illness. Even though it has separated us physically, we were still together. Our PERSEVER ANCE was tested, and we were socially isolated, but we remained emotionally bonded.” Alison Hatch, Albuquerque, New Mexico

230

Rockland, Massachusetts

Rebecca Deaton

231

Jersey City, New Jersey 232

Erica Schultz

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Laura-Lee Gerwing

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Chelsey Puza

233

INDEX Abigail Blalock, Joy Collective Photography, Alexandria, LA, page 25, 157

Annie Graebner, Annie G Photography, Seattle, WA, page 62, 96, 109

Brittiney Blair, Brittiney Blair Photography, Wainwright, AK, page 156, 180

Adina Lerner, Adina Lerner Photography, Brooklyn, NY, page 161, 166

April and Amy Rankin, Twinty Photography, Buda, TX, page 53, 100, 108, 109, 144, 198, 212

Caitrin Dunphy, Caitrin Dunphy Photography, Needham, MA, page 11, 12, 13, 39, 220

Alicia Camacho, Kailua, HI, page 58, 173

Ari Holzer, Melbourne, Australia, page 103

Alisha Taylor, Alisha Taylor Photography, Taruanga, New Zealand, page 179, 198

Ashley Crocker, Ashley Stevens Photography, Oakbank, Manitoba, Canada, page 192

Candice Dartez, Laguna Beach, CA, page 147, 188, 208

Alison Hatch, Alison Hatch Photography, Rio Rancho, NM, page 188

Ashley Rutledge, Ashley Rutledge Photography, Berlin, CT, page 152

Amanda Whitegiver, Wild Orchard Studios, Durham, ME, page 128

Ashlyn Otto, Porch Portraits, Redfield, SD, page 188

Amber Parham, Amber Parham Photography, Milwaukee, WI, front cover, page 63, 156, 179

Aurielle Whitmore, Aurielle Photography, Santa Barbara, CA page 189, 200

Amy McLaughlin, Amy McLaughlin Photography, South Amboy, NJ, page 22

Autumn Aguiar, Autumn Aguiar Photography, Wenham, MA, page 133

Amy Nathans, Real Life Images Photography, Pearland, TX, page 34

AV Goodsell, Goodsell photos, Seattle, WA, page 25, 81, 146, 157, 165, 179, 187, 223

Amy Pezzicara, Pezz Photo, Tampa, FL, page 114, 143, 177

Bambi Guthrie, Bambi Guthrie Photography, Fort Wayne, IN, page 50, 156

Amy Raab, Amy Raab Photography, Annapolis, MD, page 164, 219

Becca O’Malley, OPHOTO, Georgetown, MA, page 207

Amy Vyverberg, Delaware, OH, page 128

Becky Henderson, EnaMay Photography, Peeblesshire, Scotland, page 107, 156, 186, 214

An LeFevre, AnOriginal Photography, Cohasset, MA, page 89 Andrea Ceraso, Andrea Ceraso Photography, Stamford, CT, page 191 Andrea Chalon, Andrea Chalon Photography, New Canaan CT, page 175 Andrew Stabnick, Low Tide Photography, West Hartford, CT, page 33 Anett Meszaros, AM To PM Photography, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, page 19 Anna De Wit, Anna De Wit Photography, Mont-sur-Rolle, Switzerland, page 100, 103, 121, 175

234

Beth Curry LeBlanc, Beth Curry Photography, Baton Rouge, LA page 79, 175 Brandi Downey, Brandi Lynn Photography, Boise, ID, page 162 Bree-Ann Merritt, Bree-Ann Merritt Photography, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, page 30 Brenda Veldtman, Brenda Veldtman Photography, Cape Town, South Africa, page 39, 190 Brittany Develle, Brittany Develle Photography, Metairie, LA, page 213

Cara Soulia, Cara Soulia Photography, page 4–5 (text), 6, 8 (text), 9, 11, 12, 15 (text), 30, 33, 74, 96, 104, 139, 164, 185, 187, 192, 240 (text) Carina Miller, Carina Jean Photo, Los Angeles, CA, page 52 Carol Doherty Maroney, NASportsStars, North Andover, MA, page 38 Carol Horn, Vancouver, BC, Canada, page 116 Casey Nolin, Casey Nolin Photography, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, page 83 Charlotte Domingue, Charlotte BoileayDomingue Photographe, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, page 84, 85 Chelsey Puza, Chelsey Puza Photography, New Bedford, MA, page 233 Chelsie Moreland, Chelsie Moreland Photography, Merriman, NE, page 222 Christina Mendonca, Christina Manuela Photography, Medford, MA, page 220 Christina Saburro, Christina Saburro Photography, New Canaan, CT, page 182 Christine Breslin, Christine Breslin Photography, West Hartford, CT, page 89 Christine McCallister, Bath, MI, page 168, 169 (text) Christy Parent, 4 Birds Photography, Santa Fe, NM, page 50 Cindy Abney, Cindy Abney Photography, Baton Rouge, LA, page 71

Cindy Gold, Cindy Gold Photography, Emeryville, CA, page 114, 181, 189, 190

Emily Ferrick, Emily Ferrick Creative, Kennebunk, ME, page 151, 152

Jaymie McManus, West Roxbury, MA, page 216

Cindy Ringer, LJR Images, Madison, CT, page 114

Emily Lester, Emily Lester Photography, Chattanooga, TN, page 127

Jeanette Schenk, Shortcake Photo, Portland, OR, page 93, 122, 132, 205, 206

Colleen Radcliffe, 4 Kids Photography, Bethpage, NY, page 120

Emily O’Brien, Emily O’Brien Photography, Boston, MA, page 67

Jelena Mileno, J Mileno Photography, Pelham, NY, page 38

Corey Kessler, Photos For Food, River Forest, IL, page 137

Erica Schultz, Erica Schultz Photography, Roselle Park, NJ, page 192, 232

Jen Maguire, Jennifer Maguire Photography, South Hamilton, MA, page 19

Corey Nimmer, Corey Flint Photography, Lincoln, MA, page 217

Erin Brown, Erin Brown Photography, Worthington, OH, page 16, 33, 90, 167, 204

Jen Sherrick, Jen Sherrick Photography, Westfield, IN, page 99

Corlia Bredell, Pretoria, South Africa, page 197

Erin Marie, Erin Marie Photography, Methuen, MA, page 163

Jen Skinner, Jennifer Skinner Portraits, San Rafael, CA, page 67, 143, 150, 194

Erin Shepley, Erin Shepley Photography, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, page 38, 68, 102, 163

Jenn Ocken, Jenn Ocken Photography, Baton Rouge, LA, page 44, 46, 53, 87, 119, 134, 172, 174, 201, 219

Eva Eariello, Eva Grace Photography, Vancouver, BC, Canada, page 22, 61, 110

Jennifer Krawchuk, Jennifer Krawchuk Photography, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, page 2, 170, 195

Curt Simshauser, Curt Simshauser Photo/ Cinema, Waterloo, IL, page 187 Dana Brown, Dana Michele Studios, Allendale, NJ, page 78 Danielle Coleman, Danielle Coleman Photography, Old Greenwich, CT, page 94 (text), 135 Davis Hotard, Davis C. Hotard Photography, Baton Rouge, LA, page 192 Deborah Karson, Debora J. Karson Photography, Jamaica Plain, MA, page 154

Felicia Gathe, Sweet Sunshine Photography, Zachary, LA, page 49 Greer Gattuso, Greer Gattuso Photography, Gretna, LA, page 199 Greg Ng, Cary, NC, page 189

Destiny Wanamaker, Destiny Wanamaker Photography, Heath, TX, page 102, 229

Helena Goessens, Helena Goessens Photography, Dedham, MA, page 220

Diana Balnis, Diana Lee Photography, East Hampton, NY, page 153

Hunter Blodgett, Hunter Blodgett Photography, Butte, MT, page 23, 120

Dominique Melissa Elich, Life Is Now Photography, Ramsgate Beach, NSW, Australia, page 188

Isabella Dellolio, Isabella Dellolio Photography, Amherst, MA, page 25, 213

Doreen Hendley, Real Impressions Photography, Scarsdale, NY, page 62 Ellen Sargent, Ellen Sargent Photography, Saint Albans, VT, page 221 Emilie Newbury, Creative Chaos Photography, Waterloo, IL, page 190

Jaclyn McGinnis, J. McGinnis Photography, Farmington, NM, page 153 Janet Maples, Seattle, WA, page 102, 135, 200 Jay Lamm, Denham Springs, LA, page 45 Jaye McLaughlin, Jaye McLaughlin Photography, Pelham, NY, page 40, 214

Jennifer Whelan, Jennifer Lynne Photography, Hull, MA, page 76 Jennisse Uy, My3C Photography, Union City, NJ, page 106, 211 (text) Jerilyn Faciano, JL Photography, Wakefield, RI, page 39, 75 (text) Jessica Holland, Bloom Photography and Design, Long Beach, MS, page 36, 55 Jillian Carruth, Jillian Marie Photography, Kenner, LA, page 40, 138, 145 Joanne Rutherford-Pastras, Piscataway, NJ, page 89 Jodi Applebaum, Jodi Applebaum Photography, Atlantic Beach, NY, page 32 Jodi Crandell, Jodi Crandell Photography, Glen Rock, NJ, page 109

235

Jodie Schaefer, Jodie Schaefer Photography, Welland, Ontario, Canada, page 103, 152, 159 (text), 173 Jordan Rosner, Jordan Elyse Photography, Short Hills, NJ, page 95 Julie Roggenkamp, Crazy Daise Photography, Harpers Ferry, WV, page 25, 208 Karen Wituszynski, Karen Wituszynski Photography, Rochester, NH, page 98 Karen Wong, Karen Wong Photography, Duxbury, MA, page 136, 152, 206, 218 Kate Hollings, Kate Hollings Photography, Bethesda, MD, page 56 Kate King, Kate King Photography, Needham, MA, page 10, 124, 158 Kate Vogel, Kate Marie Photography, Prospect, DE, page 59, 207 Katherine Calderwood, Calderwood Digital, Darien, CT, page 187 Kathleen and Ed Martin, LKN Images, Mooresville, NC, page 31, 58, 60, 92, 96, 112, 210, 223, 224, 225 (text), 220 Katie Hilt, Tulips in August Photography, Redmond OR, page 157, 214

Kim Gerlach, Kim Lorraine Photography, Hoboken, NJ, page 50, 151, 229

Lisa Gilbert, Lisa Gilbert Photography, Cohasset, MA, page 174, 218

Kris Knesel, Dream Street Photo, Hoboken, NJ, page 69, 101

Lisa Lambert, Corinth, MS, page 218

Kristen Collins, Needham, MA, page 4–5 (text), 8 (text), 15 (text), 240 (text) Kristen Fuller, Kristen Julianna Photography, Portsmouth, NH, page 22, 51 Kristen Sawatzky, Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada, page 29, 117 Kristin Chiasson, Waterloo, IL, page 41, 115, 157 Lane Warner, Lane Lewis Photography, Indianapolis, IN, page 218 Lara Agnew, Lara Agnew Photography, Victor, ID, page 39, 50, 70, 82, 92, 100, 147, 179, 217 Laura-Lee Gerwing, My City Photos, Vancouver, BC, Canada, page 16, 18, 124, 183, 232 Lauren Recupero, San Juan Capistrano, CA, page 153 Lauren Widener, Lauren Widener Portraits, Spring, TX, page 136, 184 (text), 193

Katie Hooks, KMH Photography, Jamesville, NY, page 67

Leah Tyler-Szucki, Leah Tyler-Szucki Photography, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, page 148 (text), 149

Kelli Morrell, Kelli Morrell Photography, St. Louis, MO, page 21, 167

Lena Antamarian, Live Love Laugh Photos, Ridgewood, NJ, page 120

Kelly O’Hara, Kelly O’Hara Images, Papamoa, New Zealand, page 19, 195

Leslie Andrews, Leslie Andrews Photography, Atlanta, GA, page 39

Kelly Stork, Kelly Stork Photography, South Lyon, MI, page 214

Leslie Massaro, Leslie M Photography, Windsor Locks, CT, page 143

Kelsey Brocious, Kelsey Kay Photography, Fort Wainwright, AK, page 103

Liane Gesior, Liane Marie Photography, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, page 86, 153

Kerri Torrey, Kerri Torrey Photography, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, page 188

Linda Osborne, Linda Osborne Photography, New Ulm, MN, page 113

Kim DeGooyer, Semi Sweet Studios, Allendale, NJ, page 195, 202, 203 (text), 220

Lindsay Stayton, Lindsay Stayton Photography, Milwaukee, WI, page 86, 93, 132, 171

236

Liz Mollica, Liz Mollica Photography, Quincy, MA, page 176 Lonetta Toussaint, The Netherlands, page 201 Lori Carlton, Lori Carlton Photography, New Rochelle, NY, page 93 Manuel Trinidad, Manuel Trinidad Photography, Bentonville, AK, page 110 Marc Goldberg, Marc Goldberg Photography, Brooklyn, NY, page 57, 66, 70, 228 Maria Rusk, Maria Rusk Photography, Donabate, Ireland, page 34, 207 Marie Berroa, Marie Berroa Photography, Lugarno, NSW, Australia, page 29, 128 Marina Burnel, Marina Burnel Photography, Kingston, Jamaica, page 112, 125, 183 Marj Kleinman, Marj Kleinman Photography/ Stoop Stories, Brooklyn, NY, page 35, 57, 170 Martha Dement, Live Love Inspire Photography, Red Bank, NJ, page 229 Mary Pedersen (Brunst), Westminster, MD, page 99 Mary Schwalm, Mary Schwalm Photography, North Andover, MA, page 109 Mary Wade, Leap Year Images, Darien, CT, page 64 (text), 65 Mary-Margaret Magyar, Mary-Margaret Magyar Photography, Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada, page 223 Matthew Davis, Davis Photo Designs, Kamas, UT, page 178 Maura Kerkezis, Tres Bien Designs, Fairport, NY, page 99 Megan Hubbard, Stafford, VA, page 29 Meghan Murphy Gould, New Canaan, CT, page 142

Melinda Hogaboom, Boom Photography, Chesapeake, VA, page 189

Ryan Finnegan, Ryan Finnegan Photography, Pomfret, CT, page 38, 102

Taylor Badzic, Taylor Badzic Photography, Boise, ID, page 30, 180

Melissa Au, Dandelion Dreams Photography, Poway, CA, page 34, 106, 119, 204

Sara Zarrella, Sara Zarrella Photography, Exeter, RI, page 38, 129

Melissa Gibson, Melissa Gibson Photography, Milton, GA, page 112

Sarah Esposito, SEE Studio Photography, Worthington, OH, page 136, 141

Taylor Halperin, BEEhind the Lens Photography, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, page 144

Michelle Gifford, Michelle Gifford Photos and Design, Glen, MS, page 58

Sarah Goldman, Sarah Goldman Photography, Arlington, VA, page 100

Molly Andresen, Sweet Hearts Photography, Edina, MN, page 17

Sarah Simms, Sarah Simms Photography, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, page 110, 142

Monica Van Ess, Prism Photography, Waukee, IA, page 9

Shari Fleming, Shari Fleming Photography, Minnetonka, MN, page 14, 140 (text)

Naftali Marasow, Brooklyn, NY, page 72, 126, 129, 160

Shrutti Garg, The Baby Photographer by Shrutti Garg, Brooklyn, NY, page 26 (text), 27, 80, 88, 139, 180

Nan Patriquin, Petal and Stone Photography, Boston, MA, page 93 Nancy Quernheim, Ivy Bell and Company, Waterloo, IL, page 160 Nicole Lem, Lemography, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, page 153 Peggy Knaak, Sunbeams and Freckles Photography, Kamloops, BC, Canada, page 97, 151, 198 Po Chi Fung, Po Chi Fung Photography, Ventura, CA, page 73 Rachna Agrawal, RA Creations Photography, Colleyville, TX, page 16, 43, 76, 102 Randi Childs, Randi Childs Photograph, Chappaqua, NY, page 174 Rebecca Deaton, Rebecca Deaton Photography, Kingston, MA, page 231 Rob Faber, RJ Photography, Suffield, CT, page 71 Rob Morris, Middlesex, NJ, page 130, 131 (text) Roger Baumgarten, Roger That Photography, Mechanicsburg, PA, page 89, 163 Ryan Blau, PBL Photography, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, page 80

Sigrid Dabelstein, Sigrid Dabelstein Photo, Woodbury, MN, page 22 Sophy Hurtubise, Sophy Cee Photography, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada, page 72, 118, 189, 217

Taylor Watson, Taylor Watson Photography, Zachary, LA, page 44 Teesha Hall, Teesha Hall Photography, Gunton, Manitoba, Quebec, page 217 Terri Parker, ComplimenTeri Photography, Mandeville, LA, page 49, 164 Tiffanny Mizzell, Tiffany Mizzell Photography, Daniel Island, SC, page 28, 48, 68, 103, 206 Timolyn Essen, Timolyn Essen Fine Art and Photography, Boulder, CO, page 123 (text), 139, 155 Tobi Gomez, Lens Art and Photography by Tobi Gomez, Baton Rouge, LA, page 1, 77 Tony Parker, Parker Photography, Baton Rouge, LA, page 24

Stacey Pearce, Stacey Pearce Creative, Faxon, OK, page 19, 71, 91, 96, 117, 209

Topher Cox, Topher Cox Photography, Needham, MA, page 12, 30, 76, 83, 240

Stephanie Brand, Stephanie Brand Photography, Alameda, CA, page 37 (text), 132, 136, 154

Tracey Westgate, Tracey Westgate Photography, South Hamilton, MA, page 23, 62

Steve Beck, River Forest, IL, page 111

Trina Baker, Trina Baker Photography, Lawrence, KS, page 83

Steve Scheuring, Steve Scheuring Photography, Oak Park, IL, page 170

Tzivi Wenger, Tzivi Wenger Photography, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Page 90, 215

Sue Gambla, Ciao Bella Arte, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, page 16

Ute Reckhorn, Californialover Photography, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, page 29, 33

Susan Coyne, Susan Coyne Photography, Apple Valley, MN, page 57

Vanessa Ryan, Vanessa McDonald Ryan Media, Brooklyn, NY, page 79, 197

Susan Hagstrom, Snapshots by Susan, Hull, MA, page 42

Victoria Zangara, Victoria Z Photography, New Orleans, LA, page 177

Sylvia Youngkin, Sylvia Youngkin Photography, Nazareth, PA, page 80

Wioletta Bublik, Miami, FL, back cover, page 61, 132, 151, 189

Tara Hamer, TARA Photography, Dover, NH, page 62

Xenia Gross, Xenia Photography, Wilton, CT and Centennial, CO, page 54 (text), 142

237

Thank you to... Our husbands and children, for your extreme patience, constant love and support, especially during the crazy early days of The Front Steps Project.

Participating residents in Needham for your enthusiasm and support of The Front Steps Project, the Needham Community Council, and each other.

Rachel Metzger at West Margin Press for participating in The Front Steps Project in Alameda, California and thinking: This might make a good book!

John Bulian of the Town of Needham Select Board for being accessible, cheering us on, and providing positive feedback and guidance as COVID guidelines evolved.

Jen Newens at West Margin Press for agreeing and convincing us that, even if we were exhausted, we should publish a book that highlights all the GOOD that spreads thanks to The Front Steps Project.

Lillian Soulia for being a number-one Front Steps co-pilot and Shirley Gordon (Gigi) for her savvy internet research.

Angie Zbornik at West Margin Press for teaching us all about marketing and selling a book, and for doing it on our behalf with the Ingram team. Topher Cox, Caitrin Dunphy, and Kate King for stepping up to help make The Front Steps Project a massive success in Needham, Massachusetts. Lily Weitzman for working all hours of the night to help us with our website, and to her team of Jacquelin Cooke, Michelle Heath, and Risa Kent for putting the early pieces of the puzzle together. The team at Wrigley Media Group in Louisville, Kentucky: Forest Erickson, Mandy Daugherty and Zack Brewer. Sandy Robinson and the Needham Community Council for undeniably being the most deserving nonprofit for our efforts. Your tireless dedication to the residents of Needham is an inspiration and one of the many reasons we kept going. 238

Jen Bauer, Kathleen Bums, Ginger Bunn, Carter Carnegie, Jenna Donleavey, Eliza Fortenbaugh, Theresa Freeman, Jeff Janer, Jess Kadar, Scott Kirsner, Kirsten LaMotte, Katie Maxim, Tamra McCraw, Jules Pieri, Patti Richards, Brenda Salamone, and Amy Traverso for offering support, advice, and ideas as The Front Steps Project grew. Alyssa Kence for jumping through hoops to secure one of our favorite images, the staff at BID Needham, as they prepared for a surge in patients. The reporters and producers who shined a light on The Front Steps Project in cities and towns across the country and globe. Your support helped the mission grow, which ultimately resulted in more funds raised for nonprofit organizations and local businesses. Finally, thanks to all the photographers who voluntarily replicated The Front Steps Project with a philanthropic spirit and intention. Your talent and hard work are the heart of this project and none of this would be possible without you.

For the hundreds of photographers who chose to UNITE their communities in a time of crisis, the healthcare community for exemplifying true COUR AGE, and the local organizations that SUPPORT those in need.

© 2020 by Kristen Collins and Cara Soulia All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the publisher. Library of Congress Control Number: 2020941190 ISBN: 9781513265858 (paperback) 9781513265865 (e-book) Proudly distributed by Ingram Publisher Services Printed in China 5 4 3 2 1 20 21 22 23 24

Published by West Margin Press

WestMarginPress.com WEST MARGIN PRESS Publishing Director: Jennifer Newens Marketing Manager: Angela Zbornik Project Specialist: Gabrielle Maudiere Editor: Olivia Ngai Design & Production: Rachel Lopez Metzger

Thank you to the pets... dogs, cats, turtles, gerbils, guinea pigs, bunnies, pigs, horses, and chickens ... who stepped up when their owners needed their

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Your smiles are beautiful! Needham, Massachusetts 240

Topher Cox