COVID-19 has brought life to a standstill for many living and working in the Cowichan Valley. After almost a year of limited social interactions, remote work, and orders to shelter in place, many in the community are feeling deflated and depressed and for most of us, there is still no clear end in sight. Spirits are low and we can feel it everywhere.
To help lift spirits and raise funds for mental health programming in the Cowichan Valley, we are creating ‘Love Bubble Porch-traits’ to capture this strange moment in time for those sheltering, staying home and generally living under provincial COVID-19 restrictions. Volunteers (Photographer Belinda and Assistant Sara) will travel to the homes of participants to photograph their ‘love bubbles’ on the front porches of their homes. Bubbles can include a family, a couple, a single person with a beloved pet, or even a small business bubble. Props such as ‘hearts’ and ‘love' signs will be made available to use in photos.
Photography sessions will be performed outside and from a distance - usually a front porch/business doorway, through a window or outside under a tree. All COVID safety precautions will be followed. Volunteers will wear masks, practice social distancing, and all props will be sanitized between sessions. The photographer can zoom in and photos can later be cropped to give the illusion of a close up session (see sample in background).
Sessions can be purchased below for the suggested minimum donation of $50. Once purchased, a volunteer member of our team will follow up and schedule sessions by region. Sessions will take place on Saturday February 20th and Sunday, February 21st (rescheduled from Feb 14/15 because of weather). Additional sessions could take place if there is sufficient demand.
Please note that session bookings will be limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Each resulting photo will be professionally edited and a final digital file will be emailed to participants. We would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to our campaign sponsor Apple Press. Participants will also receive one 5" x 7" print from Apple Press in Duncan at no charge.
Finally, our ‘Love Bubble Porch-traits’ will (optionally) be compiled into a slideshow and displayed on our website and social media channels. Participants will be asked to sign releases if they wish to be included.
If you have any questions, please send us an email or give us a call at 250.597.1372 ext 113.
