Snapped out of isolation blues

Front yards across Albany sprang to life at the weekend when 18-year-old photographer Brayden Thompson stopped by more than 60 homes to capture snapshots of families in self-isolation.

Inspired by Perth photographer Lana Pratt, Thompson launched the Porch Project offering a free photo shoot to families wanting to have some fun amid the COVID-19 crisis.

He hopped in his car and travelled to neighbourhoods across town using a long lens to snap photos of families social distancing at home.

After announcing his idea on social media, he said he was overwhelmed by people wanting to join in the fun.

“Obviously with everything going on in the world at the moment, there is not a lot of positive news and I think this is something that can really lift people’s spirits and take their minds off everything that is going on,” he said.

“Especially for kids. This is a big thing and if it can give them something to look forward to, then that’s fantastic.”

Thompson said families proved their creativity with some donning elaborate costumes, enlisting the help of pets and even using the snap to announce the arrival of a new addition to the family.

“Some of the houses I’d rock up to, the kids would be jumping up and down with excitement after waiting all day,” he said.

“People had fully decked themselves out and it was great to see people get into it.

“I thought people would be in their pyjamas and ugg boots, but when I arrived at their house, it was just hilarious.”

Thompson has decided to continue the free portrait sessions every Saturday until he can reach everyone on his sign-up list.

And the initiative has taken off big time, with this Saturday’s timeslots filling up in less than an hour.

“Round one has set the bar extremely high,” he said.

“I think the weather is going to be beautiful and that is going to entice people outside, and I am just really looking forward to what other people have in store.”

To view all the photographs or to sign up for the Porch Project, visit Brayden T Photography on Facebook.