Local Long Island photographer takes socially distanced ‘Porchtraits’ to aid hospital donations

The Island Now

A physician assistant in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at NYU Winthrop Hospital, who went above and beyond the call of duty for COVID-19 patients, was the inspiration for a Garden City photographer to find her own way to give back.

Paulina Vastardis, the sister of the PA, specializes in family and portrait photography. She joined a nationwide initiative, “Front Porch Project,” that takes socially distanced photos of families on their front porches, snapping the photographs at no cost to the families but instead accepting donations for good causes.

In the case of Vastardis putting her talent to good work, she took “porchtraits” of more than 100 Long Island families, who were at least a 10-foot distance from the camera, on their front porches.

By doing so, she raised $5,000 for NYU Winthrop, which included donations from 10 additional families who contributed without requesting photos in turn. The porchtrait proceeds will help NYU Winthrop’s Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

“I am so grateful to have used my talents for good, spending my days photographing families around Long Island to raise money for the hospital,” said photographer Paulina Vastardis. “I’ve created memories for those families, and we’ve all come together to help those who continue to help us get through this pandemic.”

NYU Winthrop extends a warm thank you to Paulina, the families, and her sister.

 

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