Front Porch Project

By Editor | April 23, 2020 |

Juanita Pantoja, 87, stands solemnly on her front porch, hands crossed at her waist. (Courtesy of Whitney Dorsett)

Local photographer Dorsett captures images of families during COVID-19 pandemic

In fact, photographers across the country are capturing this new life in a series called “The Front Porch Project.”

“I had been looking for a way to bring some joy to our community while social distancing,” Dorsett said. “When I saw other photographers doing this project for donation to charities assisting with the pandemic, I automatically called Courtney Howard, my assistant, and she agreed that Post needed this.”

In the Front Porch Project, photographers document families and communities, just as they are, during the COVID-19 quarantine.

“In a time when the world finds itself isolated from friends, neighbors and family, photographers across the county have inspired each other to take to the streets in an effort to bring people back together while staying apart,” Dorsett said.

Dorsett, who has been a photographer for 11 years, said that this project is different than any other she’s taken part in.

“We are practicing social distancing at all times, so we are staying at least six feet away, if not more, at all times,” she said. “The biggest difference for Courtney and I is we can’t go fix someone’s shirt or help them with their hair, etc. It’s a big change from a normal shoot for sure!”

Dorsett said the shooting process is much quicker than usual as to minimize exposure.

“We are also being as quick as possible so we can make it to as many houses as possible and also minimize time spent with others, even at a safe distance,” Dorsett said. “These precautions really make this a unique shooting experience.”

Although the project had its challenges, Dorsett said it is also one of the best shoots she’s taken part in.

“It was such a blessing seeing so many smiling faces and hearing laughter as we joked and talked from across people’s yards.”

So far, Dorsett has photographed 25 local families.

“I posted on social media and asked for volunteers,” she said. “We also stopped a few times and asked people who were already outside if we could photograph them while we were out shooting.”

Dorsett said she is also looking to add more dates in the near future.

“We plan on shooting more front porch photos in the coming weeks,” she said. “If people would like to join in and document this historic time, they can reach me on Facebook or Instagram on my Rockin’ W Lifestyle account or my personal page. They can also contact me by email at [email protected].”

Although Dorsett does not charge, she does urge the families to donate to coronavirus relief efforts.

“There is no cost for this project,” Dorsett said. “But I do encourage folks to donate to any charity assisting with fighting this virus or helping those affected most by the quarantine.”

Dorsett said she also provides the families with their photo keepsake.

“I edit one to two photos per family and email them a copy when the project is complete so they can share them,” she said. “I think this is a great way to capture the American spirit during this time. It is something worth passing down for generations to come.”

In fact, #frontporchproject is being used across social media platforms by photographers to share what Dorsett calls “historic moments.”

“It’s inspiring to see so many smiling faces on their porches from across the nation and I love that we are sharing a small portion of our Garza County grit with them world,” Dorsett said. “This project is truly about bringing people together and bringing a little joy back into everyone’s lives.”