KALAMAZOO, MI — Communities throughout the region have found creative ways to come together and spread positivity, and for some, a “porch-trait” may do the trick.
Families may be stuck inside together from school closures and a slew of other cancellations and getting outside can provide a breath of fresh air. Hailey McInnis, a Kalamazoo resident with a knack for photography, is utilizing her skills and going around her neighborhood taking “porch-trait” pictures of families for free.
She said she lives in the Westwood area and posted about her idea for the family photographs on the neighborhood Facebook page and then the messages started flooding in. Porch-traits are not her original idea, but she said she wanted to bring them to Kalamazoo.
“I thought it would be a good way to get everybody, including me, out of their pajamas,” she said. “It’s just a way to lift people’s spirits. Give them something to look forward to.”
Since beginning her photography sessions at the end of March, she has already photographed nearly 20 families and is still consistently getting messages from interested neighbors.
A fellow Westwood neighbor, Erin Dougherty Kash, said she saw McInnis’ post that she was going to be on their street for pictures. So, her family came as they were and posed for a picture in the front yard.
Dougherty Kash posted the pictures on her personal Facebook page and said extended family loved them and were grateful to see updated pictures of the family.
“It was a really uplifting and positive thing for them to see the portrait,” she said. “Since they are also stuck inside.”
After McInnis takes the photos, she edits them and posts them to the neighborhood page. Not many families have a chance to get portraits taken, besides the occasional selfie, so McInnis said this is the perfect opportunity for her to tap into her photography skills.
“It’s a full day of work, but it’s something I love.”
Given the large response, she said she is taking a break for a few days, but hopes to get going again next week. Interested families in the Kalamazoo area can email her at kzooporchtraits@gmail.com.
These are stressful times for everybody, but little acts of kindness can go a long way in the community, Dougherty Kash said.
“There are a lot of positives overarching the negatives,” she said. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
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PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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