#TheFrontStepsProject

I was so happy to photograph Jeff, Kelli, Lyndsie, Evan, and Ethan Lewis, another family I have known since my days at Temple Beth Ami Nursery School! When I used to photograph the children on the playground for the temple’s annual Silent Auction fundraiser, Lyndsie simply did not like to have her photo taken. When I arrived on the playground, she would become sad and hide to the point where I had to reassure her that I would not take her photo unless she wanted. Lyndsie watched me take photos of other children with a sharp eye, and eventually warmed up to me and would come to me for her photo when the time was right. Over time, Lyndsie and I bonded on that playground until she actually became my “photo assistant” when she was in her final year of preschool. Those are moments in time I will cherish in my heart and as my journey in photography. Lyndsie and my daughter Danielle both go to school together and dance together, so Lyndsie and I have remained friends since then on our many carpool rides to and from dance. Evan was much more willing to have his photo taken on that playground and by the time Ethan was at Beth Ami nursery school I believe I was no longer taking the nursery school photos. I have always been friends with this family so going to visit them during this time of isolation was so much fun! Actually, visiting every family during this time of isolation, seeing those smiles and hearing what they have been up to was the highlight of my day!

I asked Kelli if she wanted to share anything personal and this is what she said:

“During this unusual time, we are all trying to stay positive in our own way by engaging in lots of walks and biking, family dinners, lots of cooking, zooming with friends and family, watching classic comedy movies, Netflix, Tik Tok, puzzles, x-box, dancing, just being outdoors, and “driveway”bday celebrations (recently by mom’s 75th birthday). We recently celebrated Passover by doing our first virtual Seder and it was so nice to see all of the extended family. Also, we are making a corona journal and can’t wait to add these wonderful photos to this corona capsule. We are thankful everyone is healthy. We also want to thank our healthcare workers for everything they are doing during this time! We hope to see everyone in person very soon! “

Thank you to the Lewis family for participating in #TheFrontStepsProject! I love your creativity with the signs and props!

Erica