Photographers Start 'Virtual Porch Sessions' Challenge

LONG ISLAND, NY — A group of Long Island based photographers have started a fundraiser to help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic while also finding ways to stay connected to customers and working to ask people to stay at home. Dana Flaherty, of Patchogue, along with Christa Faivre and Krystle DiNicola have teamed up to create a GoFundMe to help raise money for Direct Relief, a non-profit which works to provide medical resources to people affected by disasters. At the same time, the group is using the page to inform people to stay away from photographers asking for "Porch Sessions" during the pandemic, according to the page.

"Some of you may notice photographers in your area offering 'Porch Sessions' claiming to be standing 6 feet away or more from your family while taking your photo outside on the porch," Flaherty wrote on the GoFundMe page. "I get it! We want to bring joy and a sense of normalcy in the midst of this pandemic but doing these types of sessions is irresponsible. Not only are you putting yourself at risk but other people around you."

Photo courtesy of Dana Flaherty

Photographers are not considered an essential business, putting most out of work during the crisis. Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that all non-essential workers in New York have been ordered to stay home under the state's "PAUSE" initiative, which was recently extended unti April 29.

"We should not be out and about shooting sessions AND charging for them no less. Please listen to our government and #stayhome," Flaherty wrote. "The sooner we all listen the faster we can all get back to our day to day routine."

Since photographers shouldn't been working taking photos during this time, the three photographers decided instead to propose a #virtualporchsession challenge to local residents and instead try to take their own photos.

"Make it fun and creative, use signs, props, funny outfits whatever describes you and your family best in the time of this pandemic," Flaherty wrote. "If you don't have a tripod, set up a chair in front of your porch, You can use the timer on your cell phone to snap your photo."

Residents can then post your photo in the comment section on one of the participating photographer's Facebook page with the hashtag #virtualporchsession. Here is the list of the participating photographers:

• One Split Pea Photography - Facebook page here
• Liz and Grace Photography - Facebook page here
• Lyssy Sky Photography - Facebook page here
• LasSana Photography - Facebook page here
• KLD Photography - Facebook page here

Once the group reaches their goal, each photographer will select their favorite photo. The winner will receive a free Family Session this summer. The group is looking to raise a total of $1,000 to donate to the foundation via GoFundMe. As of Thursday, $90 has been raised.

Click here to read more or to donate.