‘Doorstep portraits’ capture life in lockdown

A photographer from Surrey is raising money to support her local NHS charity by taking ‘doorstep portraits’ of families in her neighbourhood.

Zoe Patman from Farnham wanted to capture these unprecedented times by offering local families the opportunity to create lasting lockdown memories, with a photo taken in front of their house. The digital pictures are free, but Zoe asks for a donation via her online fundraising page in aid of Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity.

The idea has raised over £400 in less than a week for the hospital charity, and Zoe has already taken over 30 portraits of people in the area, including key workers, families, couples and even some furry friends.

Zoe, who set up her company Little Bluebell Photography in 2017, said:

“I was really missing my work and I wanted to come up with a way to record these strange times, while still using my skills and supporting our local NHS charity. I wanted to support Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity because we had our youngest daughter there and many of my clients have had their babies at Royal Surrey and the staff are wonderful.”

Zoe combines the photography with her daily exercise, only travelling a mile from her home, and maintaining two metres’ distance from those she’s photographing, to ensure she adheres to government guidance.

Sandy Lowry, Events Fundraising Manager at Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity, said:

“In these difficult times it's great to see people working together to brighten each others’ day. The photos Zoe is taking will bring back memories in years to come as they capture families on their doorsteps. It’s such a great idea, which has obviously been enjoyed and appreciated by everyone who has had their portrait taken so far. Thank you so much to Zoe for using this opportunity of community spirit to fundraise for Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity and support NHS staff, and patients treated at the hospital.”

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