2020 might not have been exactly what anyone expected, but for so many it allowed time to slow down and soak in precious moments with our family. Through my Portland Front Porch Portrait series, documented in May 2020, during the mandated quarantine due to the Covid 19 pandemic, I photographed 15 families that wanted to encapsulate this unprecedented time with family portraits.  Remembering all the beauty in the chaos and to hold memories of strength at home with our nearest and dearest loves.

I’m so excited to share some highlights from the Portland families I had the pleasure of photographing, making the best of a tough year and creating joy together during the lockdown of 2020. These were all photographed by me, with a mask on, all at a proper social distance using longer and telephoto lenses outside on families porches, and yards.Thank you to all the families who chose me to document these bittersweet memories at home and for sharing your personal thoughts about the experience. I’ve included select quotes along with photographs to share this strength in our homes and our families during this hard time. Hugs to you all and stay safe out there!

“I’m writing to tell you I am SO glad to have your photos. I absolutely love love LOVE #28, Sam looking lovingly at smiling Lily & Henry that you rendered in black & white. I know this will be one of the most cherished images I’ll ever have of my children. I’m going to put it into a big beautiful frame. I told my husband it’s one of the things coming to the nursing home with us some day :)” -Dawn Peck
“Jessica photographed our wedding 5 years ago, and when she announced she was doing Porch Portraits , I was thrilled to have her surprise my husband when I had a socially distancing birthday with members of his family. It was the first time we had seen each other in months that was not through a screen. I had also booked the Portland Famous Unipiper as another surprise for his party. She took pictures of us with the Unipiper , with our family in masks and around the outside of our newly purchased home. We are so happy to have professional documentation of a strange, emotional and unique time with someone who makes us comfortable like we are chatting with an old friend.” -Nicole Benoit“In a time when you feel like lots of things are being taken away these photos are a great reminder to appreciate what we do have – a home and our family.” -Patience Deeks “Jessica’s work is phenomenal. She is able to capture the tiniest sparkles–the love contained in each moment! These months have been a rollercoaster of emotions and uncertainty, but contained within have been cherished weeks of getting to spend time with our children and seeing them grow. I felt every drop of that sentiment in our porch photos. We felt safe and seen. When I look at these images, I will remember the best of times and the magic.” -Katherine Berman
“Grateful to have many wonderful pictures of our family, a beautiful memory from a challenging time. This period will shape us as we move forward, and I hope these photos will be a reminder of the comfort that family provides each of us.” -Kellie Gulden“We were so happy to have Jessica come by for these photos. The pandemic disrupted our plans for a photoshoot with our baby in his first year, but we were still able to capture the moment in front of our new home, where we are getting to spend so much time together now. Jessica shot our engagement and wedding photos as well, and it was so nice to have her behind the camera again!” -Jesse Neilson and Giorgina Castillo

“So special! We had recently moved into our home and just got a new puppy so it truly captured this moment in time! The good and the bad.”  -Merrin Permut