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Capture your experience in this moment in time with a front step portrait from Ashley Kennedy - and all for a good cause.
The Jasper photographer has launched Front Steps for Food Bank, holding mini front step sessions for individuals and households, and donating 100 per cent of the proceeds to Jasper Food Bank.
“I've had an amazing response,” said Kennedy. “Jasperites are the type of people who really show up for their community when it's needed and this has been no different.”
Kennedy said she saw photographers offering similar projects online as a way to connect with the community and offer something positive in these unprecedented times.
“It resonated with me instantly but I had to sit with the idea for a while as I considered how to do it safely and respectfully,” she said.
“I crafted a vision, considered the language carefully, and asked a few friends whose opinion I really trust to give me some feedback. They were supportive and excited so I decided to launch it.”
Kennedy has run a photography business in Jasper for five years, mostly shooting weddings and families. She said this project combines her love of photography and passion for documenting human relationships - while raising money for the food bank.
“We haven't totaled the donations up yet but I think it's going to be quite substantial,” said Kennedy.
“People are really showing up and in exchange, they're getting a fun little gallery of memories that will surely help them remember these times of self-isolation and huge shifts in our social culture.”
From at least six feet away, Kennedy talks to her subjects and uses a telephoto lens with her camera to capture expressions and connections while keeping her distance.
“Mostly, I'm just touched by how much love I see people showing up with and how quickly we are creating authentically beautiful and fun images together from such a far distance away,” said Kennedy.
“We're only spending five to ten minutes together but people have been ready to connect right away - in my experience it usually takes a lot longer to warm a family up for their sessions.
“I feel really lucky to be able to have a quick chat, get some laughs and see some friendly local faces from a safe distance during this time of social distancing.”
Kennedy sends a digital gallery of photos once proof of an e-transfer to Jasper Food Bank has been provided.
For more information email [email protected].
