SAUGUS — Two Saugus photographers have put a local twist on the Front Steps Project.
As part of a photographic endeavor they’ve entitled the Sachem Strong Project, Meghan Bierenbroodspot and Carly Clifford are taking pictures of COVID-19 first responders and other Saugus families to raise money for Eastern Bank’s COVID-19 relief fund.
Inspired by the Front Steps Project — originally founded late last month by Boston photographers Cara Soulia and Kristen Collins — participating photographers take pictures of residents on the front steps of their homes to highlight friendly faces during a time when stranger interactions are scarce due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As longtime friends, Bierenbroodspot and Clifford said the idea for the Sachem Strong Project was born when the two began receiving calls from residents inquiring about whether they would be participating in the Front Steps Project.
“When everything started with the pandemic, people reached out to us asking if we were doing anything,” Clifford said. “They wanted to set something up for the town.
“Meghan had the platform, the website and everything, so we got the ball rolling.”
Bierenbroodspot, whose photography business was certified in January, added: “We decided to work together and bring a united presence to Saugus. We wanted to really highlight our first-responders and use my website to (feature) them to try to raise some money.”
Those interested in having their portraits taken are asked to donate $20 to the Massachusetts COVID-19 relief fund on behalf of “UNITED SAUGUS.” After a donation is complete, the Sachem Strong Project asks donors to email [email protected] with a picture or email confirmation of their donation.
Once an email is received, Bierenbroodspot and Clifford reach out to the family to set up a portrait time. All sessions are shot closely following all CDC and Massachusetts social distancing guidelines. Everyone who has their photo taken receives 3-5 digital photographs, with one image labeled Saugus Strong to download.
“I think the expectations with these photos are that we’re capturing families at this moment that they’re living in,” Clifford said.
Medical first responders are given free portrait sessions for themselves and their families, and the prints they receive are stamped with an official Sachem Hero logo.
The photographers ask families to mail one of the pictures showing themselves socially distancing at home to a local hospital, nurse, firefighter, or police officer to thank them for their service, and photos on Facebook can be tagged @lookupphotographyne.
So far, Bierenbroodspot said the Sachem Strong Project has taken 54 family portraits and raised more than $1,500 for the Massachusetts COVID-19 relief fund.
“People are trying to give back the best they can under the circumstances,” Clifford, a mother of four, said. “With photography being a hobby of mine, this is one way (for me to give back).”
Bierenbroodspot said Sachem Strong has also allowed her to connect with and celebrate other women in the community. In particular, she noted a recent portrait session featuring her friend and ICU nurse Stephanie Mastrocola that occurred during a surprise drive-by parade in Mastrocola’s honor.
“It was a really great community (and) women-inspired effort to lift our spirits and really celebrate each other,” she said. “We all take turns lifting each other up. The only reason I have a photography business is because of these women. I really couldn’t do it without them.”
Clifford later said that the Sachem Strong project has ultimately doubled as a way to raise money for relief efforts while also documenting an unprecedented historical moment.
“That’s how my memories live — in pictures,” she said. “You can look back and remember ‘this is when the pandemic happened.’ Pictures hold so many memories.”
