The Front Steps Project

“Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to all of our neighbors who participated in this project with the AMAZING Isabela Dellolio Photography. Thanks in part to your generosity, we have been able to double the number of lunches we are serving and double the amount of food being distributed by our Food Pantry. We have purchased food, to-go containers, cleaning supplies, and safety equipment. Your donations allowed us to buy an electric pallet jack, allowing us to move food more safely and efficiently, especially as we work to meet increased demand with fewer people in the building to allow for social distancing. Unfortunately, we are continuing to see rising food insecurity in our community. We are so grateful for your partnership, making sure that all of our neighbors have ready access to the food their families need. Thank you.” - Lev Ben-Ezra, Executive Director, Amherst Survival Center

Like so many of us, my usual ability to work has been severely impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. When quarantine began in March, 2020 I quickly realized that my usual style of connecting with clients during photo shoots - intimate, spontaneous, and dynamic - would not be possible.

In a pandemic-less world, I like to move around and capture my subjects from different angles. I want my families and especially the kids to move freely and do what they like to do, and most of all, I LOVE to get close. So, I started thinking about how else I could stay engaged with my work, and also contribute to my community during a time of need.

As serendipity would have it, I came across an article about a photographer named Cara Soulia in Needham, MA, who had created The Front Steps Project. As a fundraiser, she had begun taking portraits of neighbors on their front steps, as a way of connecting while still safely following social distancing guidelines. Cara’s website invited other photographers around the country to replicate this project by donating their time. I immediately knew I wanted to be one of them. With great enthusiasm, and to be honest, one or two doubts, I started by asking a few friends. They all said yes!

I photographed 207 families and individuals, and together, we raised $18,787 for the Amherst Survival Center, which provides free meals, groceries, clothing, medical care, community activities, and more.

On a personal note, these portrait sessions have also gone a long way towards keeping me sane and connected during a time of isolation.

This project gave me the opportunity to meet so many more people throughout our community, but it wasn’t my usual style given the restrictions of the pandemic. I invite you to take a look around my website to get a feel for my approach to family, professional shoots, as well as some of my personal projects.