Local photographers are finding inventive ways to continue creating beautiful images during quarantine.
Joel Harris, owner of Joel Harris Photography and president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, has begun capturing families outside their homes for his new “Mineola Porch Project.”
Photographers across the United States have begun arranging their own “porch projects,” taking images of people on their front steps from a safe distance and sharing them on social media to spread community cheer during this difficult time.
“I had heard about it being done around the country,” Harris said. “And basically I said, ‘why aren’t we doing this here?’”
The project has extended beyond Mineola. Harris noted that he has photographed families in Mineola, Albertson, Williston Park and Garden City as well.
Harris has taken over 1,000 pictures of about 100 families.
“Mineola Moms and Dads [Facebook page] is where I initially started it,” he said, “and from there it spread like wildfire.”
Harris said he began the project on Easter.
“That was actually one of the catalysts, because Easter is such a big family day, and that wasn’t going to happen this year,” he explained.
Harris said that he is careful to maintain proper distancing during photo shoots, noting that he often takes the pictures from nearly the other side of the street.
“If there are other people around, I’ll put a mask on as well,” he added.
“Everybody is just so kind and so warm and just so happy to be out of their house with the family. Many people said to me, ‘it’s just so hard to get everybody together at the same time.’ And this gets everybody all together at the same time. And for this, they want to capture the moment.”
Harris said that he has enjoyed the experience, noting that it is a great opportunity to get out and meet people in the community.
“I always like to say I like to put a smile on a face, and I’m definitely achieving that,” he said.
