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Photography project captures quarantining families on front step

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The Read family from Wauzeka was among the many who participated in Kaci George’s Front Step Project.

Kaci George, along with her sons Kian and Kohyn, presented a donation of $600 from her Front Step (family photography) Project to the Wauzeka Fire Department last week. They are pictured with Doug Berger, Brady Krachey and Chief Nick Zeeh.

By Correne Martin

 

Finding joy in this moment of panic can be hard. 

Kaci George has found a way to put a smile on people’s faces, raise money for local charities and capture this unforgettable time of social distancing at home for the sake of posterity.

The Front Step Project is the name of a positive nationwide movement that has emerged during the Coronavirus pandemic. Photographers across the country have begun snapping images of families gathered on their front steps, or front porches. A free gesture of kindness, the photographer stands on the sidewalk or yard—at least 6 feet away as government distancing guidelines recommend—and takes a few photos. Then, the families get the digital images without charge.

“I saw it online and thought, since I can’t take any clients right now (in studio), I’m missing socializing too,” said Kaci, who started her own version of the Front Step Project last week in her hometown of Wauzeka. “I’m just a girl with a camera. I spend maybe five minutes or less getting at least one good picture.”

Since she wasn’t working due to COVID-19 regulations designating photography businesses as non-essential, she knew this initiative was perfect for her and her community. 

The Wauzeka Fire Department canceled its fish fry this April, because no gatherings of more than 10 people are allowed in the state at this time. Feeling for them, Kaci wanted to use this project as an opportunity to raise a little funds as well. 

So she put a post on Facebook seeking local people for her own Front Step Project. She was pleased with the response.

Setting out, Kaci took along her two young children on bikes, sister and stepmom, who helped bring joy to the people they visited from afar and updated her project clients on Facebook where they were along her intended route.

With a distance lens on her camera, Kaci recorded this historic time for the interested families. She did so over maybe three days, including a few out-of-town visits.

“They could wear whatever they wanted—sweatpants or dress up. Some had signs, some stood 6 feet apart. Everyone really had their own ideas,” she shared. 

After shooting each household, Kaci collected donations toward the Wauzeka Fire Department. Ultimately, she raised $600.

“It doesn’t seem like a lot compared to what they would normally make at the fish fry, but I think it’s a pretty good amount,” she said. “It’s a little way to give back.”

Kaci repeated her Front Step Project in Prairie du Chien Tuesday, and plans to hit Boscobel on Friday (weather permitting). Any money donated will go to the fire departments in those communities as well.

“Not only am I happy to see people and to go outside, but they get a picture to remember this time, and we get donations for the local fire departments.”

To keep up with the results of her project, find Kaci George Photography & Design on Facebook.

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