Photographer’s stunning pictures of families in lockdown raises cash for charity
The Moore family taking part in Helen Nicholson's On My Doorstep project for Waveney Foodbank. PHOTO: Helen Nicholson - Credit: Archant
It is the defining image of 2020 so far for many families across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Now, the memories of this unprecedented time have been captured by a Beccles photographer, who has raised hundreds of pounds for her local foodbank in the process.
After seeing similar ideas prove a success in America, Helen Nicholson launched her On My Doorstep project to capture local families outside their homes.
The 44-year-old said: “I was bored and couldn’t work because of lockdown, and I loved it when I saw the idea online by someone in the US.
“It wasn’t about making money from it, it is a nice thing to do and I thought I would gauge people’s opinions about it and it just went from there.
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“It was really quite good and I started to get enquiries and because it was for charity it was getting quite a lot of interest, and the rest is history.
Rather than charging families for the photos, Mrs Nicholson asked for a donation towards Waveney Foodbank, who, like foodbanks across the region, have seen increased demand and lower resources during the pandemic.
Between panic buying and a drop in donations, the foodbank were left fearing for their future as they fought to support those in need, with several of their volunteers in the ‘at risk’ category.
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Mrs Nicholson said: “I raised just over £1,500 in about three weeks and I was doing it until the end of June.
“It was a really good amount and I am really, really pleased about it.
“I had no idea it was going to take off.
“I wanted to choose a charity that was local and would be working hard at the moment.
“I was aware a lot of people have been struggling with money and I just felt the foodbank would be something worthwhile.
“It has been a pretty hideous time all around for most people.”
Mrs Nicholson, who has worked as a photographer for more than 15 years, will continue her project in the coming weeks for £30 per house.
She said: “With restrictions starting to come to an end, in terms of things reopening, I felt it was really a lockdown experience.
“I loved doing it. It was just something different to have people outside their homes, and it was really enjoyable.”