Milwaukee’s Front Porch Project:

How Lindsay Stayton Photography Captured Community, Raised Funds, and Gave Back in 2020

When Milwaukee Faced a Pause, Community Stepped Forward

In spring 2020, life in Milwaukee changed dramatically (as we all know). The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how we live, connect, and celebrate milestones. As a Milwaukee photographer, I found myself asking: How can my camera bring people together in a time of physical distance?

That question led Lindsay Stayton Photography into a community effort that blended meaningful connection, accessible portraiture, and giving back — the Front Porch Project, Milwaukee’s localized version of the worldwide Front Steps Project.

The Global Front Steps Project and Its Local Milwaukee Expression

The Front Steps Project began in March 2020 when photographers around the world started documenting families on their own front steps. The idea was simple: take socially distanced portraits of families as they stayed safe at home, with proceeds supporting local causes. The initiative grew into a global movement and was later published in a book titled The Front Steps Project: How Communities Found Connection During the COVID-19 Crisis. Participation expanded to cities across the U.S. and internationally, including right here in Wisconsin.

In Milwaukee, that idea became the Front Porch Project — a way to bring connection to families when traditional photography sessions weren’t possible, while giving back to nonprofits aiding the community.

How the Front Porch Project Gave Back to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin

The heart of the Front Porch Project wasn’t only about portraits; it was about purpose.

As Fox6 Reported:

For every socially distanced session captured, all proceeds were donated to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, a partner of the national Feeding America network dedicated to fighting hunger across southeast Wisconsin. The project quickly surpassed expectations, raising more than $10,000 for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin in just six weeks. Lindsay originally hoped to raise between $500 and $1,000, but community support far exceeded that goal. In late April 2020, she presented a check for over $10,000 to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin — enough to help provide more than 30,000 meals for people right here in our community. Lindsay said she was “so proud of our Milwaukee community” for supporting the effort and turning a simple idea into a major impact. Scott Marshall of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin commented that creative community support like this “is the kind of thing that helps keep us going during this crisis.”

This initiative provided tangible, local support at a moment when many families were struggling with job loss, school closures, and uncertainty.

Local Recognition: Fox 6 Milwaukee Coverage

Milwaukee area media took note of this unique effort combining portraiture with philanthropy. Fox 6 Milwaukee featured the Front Porch Project, highlighting how photography was being used to bring people together and support Feeding America during the pandemic.

That coverage not only amplified the project’s reach but also underscored the power of local storytelling and community involvement — something every local Milwaukee family photographer should strive for when using their work for good.

Published in the Global Front Steps Project Book

Another meaningful milestone was seeing the Front Porch Project become part of the larger Front Steps Project narrative, included in a published collection of portraits from photographers around the world. This book preserves a historic moment in time — connecting people and places through shared experience and visual storytelling.

Why Giving Back Is a Core Value at Lindsay Stayton Photography

At Lindsay Stayton Photography, giving back to the community is not an afterthought — it’s a core value. Working with worthy causes, supporting local nonprofits, and using photography for community good are roles that extend far beyond traditional photo sessions.

The Front Porch Project was:

• A socially distanced way to bring people together

• A chance to highlight families in the Milwaukee area

• A creative way to raise money for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin

• Proof that art can make a measurable difference in people’s lives

This project reinforced that storytelling through photography can have positive social impact, strengthening ties with the Milwaukee community and beyond.

What This Means Today for Milwaukee Families

The Front Porch Project left a lasting impression. It reminded us that:

• Connection matters more than perfection

• Community support can grow from small, thoughtful ideas

• Photography — when used with purpose — has the power to serve

Whether shooting a wedding in downtown Milwaukee or a family session in Shorewood, I carry these lessons forward, letting them shape the work and community engagement of Lindsay Stayton Photography.

“It Didn’t Feel Like a Photoshoot” (And That’s the Point)

One of the most common things my families say in their reviews is some version of:

“We forgot we were even taking photos.”

That usually happens about 15 minutes into a session — right when kids stop wondering what they’re “supposed” to do and start doing what they naturally do. Walk. Explore. Laugh. Hang onto your hand a little tighter.

My job isn’t to make your family perform. It’s to create space for real connection to happen and quietly document it as it unfolds.

For you, that means:

• No forced smiles

• No stiff line-ups

• No pressure for “perfect behavior”

Just real moments that actually feel like your family.