COVID-19 Community Project
This is an example of a photo mosaic. For this image, I used 700+ images from this young lady’s pre-prom, graduation, and senior portrait sessions to create the larger image. If you look closely, you can see the 100s of images.
It Takes a Community
I am currently working on a project to memorialize social distancing in the community. I can’t do this project without the help of kind strangers willing to volunteer a minute of their time. Much of my work revolves around inclusion and bringing communities together - I want to include you and your neighbor and your neighbor’s neighbor!
Over the weekend of March 28 and 29, I piloted this project and had several volunteers from around the community; However, I didn’t get as many people as I had hoped - so I’m extending the project to try to capture more images and include more people. I have answered some Frequently Asked Questions below.
Q: What are you doing?
A: I am taking photos of families and individuals at their front door or in a front-facing window with at least one hand pressed to the glass, signifying the desire for connection in world where we must currently remain at a distance.
Q: How do I participate?
A: Click the button above (Click here to participate), providing the address where your image will be taken (usually your home address - this could also be a business address if you own a business) and a phone number where I can reach you by text to schedule the time for your photo.
Do not exit your home for your photo - the purpose of texting to let you know when I’ll be there is so that I do not have to exit my vehicle to touch your door or doorbell and so that you can remain safely in your home while maintaining social distancing requirements.
If you don’t have a storm door or front-facing window - you can still participate! I’ve asked those people without storm doors or front-facing windows to open their door, stand in the threshold of the door, and put at least one hand up. I will remain in my vehicle for your image so as to maintain social distancing requirements.
Q: How long does it take?
A: When we started this last weekend, I sent a text message to participants approximately an hour before their photo so that they could tell me if they wouldn’t be home at that time and so that they could be prepared if they would be home. I sent a second text message when we were 2-3 minutes away from their home so they could be ready at the door when we drove by. Each photo took less than a minute. It’s very simple.
Q: How will my image be used?
A: Images will be compiled into a mosaic with one main photo at the focus and all of our photos making up the larger image. They will be used for nothing else.
Q: What should I wear? Do I need to shower first?
A: Please, please, please don’t go out of your way to overly prepare for these images. The purpose of these photos is to capture individuals and families as they are. During a time of self quarantine, I can tell you I’ve spent a lot of my time in leggings and a sweatshirt, without makeup, and on day three or four with my hair. You’re welcome as you are! It’s important to keep in mind that your image will be a small image in the grand scheme of things. The detail of your outfits will likely not even be noticed. Also, I can’t smell you from my car. :)
Q: I don’t want other people to know/see my address - I am uncertain if I should participate.
A: As someone who values her own privacy, I will share with you that house/street numbers will not be included in your image. Your privacy is very important to me and your addresses will be destroyed once your image is taken. I have worked with many clients over the years and have never shared their personal details.
Q: I don’t live in Washington, MO - can' I still participate?
A: Absolutely! I am putting together one mosaic for WashMo and another one for the nation. If I can’t take your photo because you are out of state or even outside of the St. Louis metro/Washington area, I’d like to invite you to take your own photos (take turns with other family members or have a neighbor take it and text it to you) and send them to me. I will include them in the larger, nationwide mosaic. Email me at: ellen@emwardphotography.com
Q: What do I get out of this?
A: First and foremost, a sense of being included in your community and participating in something bigger than you. Secondly, I am offering a digital image for free to those who participate in the project to display on your social media or otherwise. You will also have the option to purchase prints of the final image through my website. I will not markup the cost of prints for this project which means you get them at the same price I get them. I wish I could provide prints for free but I don’t own a printing business or a paper company.
Q: Can I have a discount on your regular photography services for my participation?
A: My purpose with this project is not seeking new clients, it is specifically for a project. I will offer a 15% discount on a print package for regular sessions if it will convince you to participate. To receive the discount, you must book a session this year (2020) and must purchase prints.
Q: When will the final image be ready?
A: My hope is to complete the final image by the end of April. This could be sooner depending on how many volunteers I get or it could be later for the same reason. Ideally, I’m seeking around 100 participants. I currently have about 25. The sooner I get to 100ish, the sooner I can compile the final mosaic.
Q: Where can I get my free digital copy of the image?
A: I will post the image here on my website for you to download. I will also post it in the forums where I have posted a request for participants. If you have provided your email address, I will also email a copy to you.