Northampton photographer Emma raises £1,500 for food bank charity with doorstep portraits

Self-employed snapper, Emma, like many other photographers up and down the country had to put all of her work on pause when the lockdown was announced on March 23 as weddings and personal shoots are being rearranged to stop the spread of the virus.

About one month ago she had the idea to start doorstep photography - at a safe social distance - capturing picture perfect shots of families or friends living together while in lockdown.

She asked for a donation of £15 to be given to the Trussell Trust - a national charity set up to end the need of foodbanks - and she underestimated how much money she would get...

"I started taking doorstop photos about a month ago now and it's absolutely snowballed. I thought I could raise about £200," she said.

"I felt a bit useless, I thought I needed to pick up my camera again and do more to help and I think we are looking at smashing £1,500 now.

"It's been amazing, so fantastic and I'm totally overwhelmed with how much support it's had. It's nice that people want to capture this time in a positive way."

Emma started off taking pictures where she lives in Grange Park and moved onto Wootton before lockdown measures eased meaning she feels as though she can now take bookings from further afield in Milton Keynes, where she grew up, and other villages and towns in Northamptonshire.

"I had one customer who donated £100 because she thought her pictures were worth more than £15," Emma, who has had her own business for 11 years, added.

"It was just meant to be one shot but now everyone has five shots and has turned into a mini shoot. Children seem to understand keeping their distance but the animals keep running towards me!

"It's opened my eyes to how much positivity there is around when I go to these houses. Taking pictures is just my way of giving my bit back."

To donate to Emma's cause, click here, or to book Emma direct message her on Facebook using this link.