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.
The Piper family taking part in Helen Nicholson's On My Doorstep project for Waveney Foodbank. PHOTO: Helen Nicholson - Credit: Archant
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.
The Walsh family taking part in Helen Nicholson's On My Doorstep project for Waveney Foodbank. PHOTO: Helen Nicholson - Credit: Archant
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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.
The Piper family taking part in Helen Nicholson's On My Doorstep project for Waveney Foodbank. PHOTO: Helen Nicholson - Credit: Archant
“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.”
