‘Behind the Front Porch’

Pacific Palisades Front Porch Project Photographer Robin Aronson Concludes Series with the Palisadian-Post

By ROBIN ARONSON | Contributing Writer

My Pacific Palisades photography project came to an end on June 2—44 days after it began. I photographed 160 families and raised more than $17,000 for the Westside Food Bank.

As I finished this project, more and more people were starting to venture back out into the world. Nearly two months later, we are all finding our new normal while being careful, wearing masks and social distancing.

I am working within these guidelines and restrictions. My photography business is diverse: I shoot events, headshots, family photos, maternity, babies, lifestyle, products, commercial photography and real estate. Yes, my life has changed, but I am grateful to be working.

I photographed my first Zoom bar mitzvah, and have some small outdoor ceremonies and celebrations coming up in the near future. I also just completed a product and lifestyle shoot for a new mask company.

I turned my garage into a photography studio. The garage door stays open, allowing lots of fresh air and makes it easy to stay socially distant. This is perfect for professional headshots and my very exciting new “Box Photography.”

It has been wonderful sharing my Pacific Palisades Front Porch Project with you. Thank you to all who participated. I only wish I could have included every family’s photos and respective insights. I look forward to continuing capturing special moments—even during this time of crisis.

The Price Family

Our family of five had to make a quick transition at the beginning of this pandemic. Within 24 hours, we packed our son’s belongings at CU Boulder and told him, “Run to the airport and don’t miss that flight!”

My parents have thankfully been safely quarantined at their assisted living center, however people on their campus have died from COVID-19. It’s a scary feeling not being able to help them, let alone visit them.

We have a 10th grader and kindergartener who have remarkably adjusted to home-schooling. My husband strategically shifted a company of 250 employees to work remotely, while supplying masks and hand sanitizer to crews in the field. His company finished the renovation of Dodger Stadium without a delay.

I have continued to manage the residential landscape division and access our communities’ homes. Our family has been quite structured. One person goes to the office, one person goes to the market and our 6-year-old swims for hours each day.

Our puppy loves companionship. I’m not sure he will adjust to being home alone … ever again.

The Grant Family

Food is everything to the Grants. This year I was fortunate to travel solo to India.

Why travel alone and leave your family? To show them that even an old lady can do it.

My husband loved his time traveling alone after college. My solo trip started March 7, just as the world was starting to have real issues.

Near the end of the trip the world was in the thick of COVID-19. My kids were angry that I was away. My husband was supportive and able to get me home a bit earlier than planned, just as borders were closing.

My family had me self-quarantine for two weeks. My eldest son, Oliver, took charge of all the shopping and performed most of the cooking while I was gone. Moving forward, Oliver graduated from Pali High, Class of 2020, while his twin brothers, Avery and Owen, culminated from Paul Revere.

Normally we would be heading out for a fantastic meal and a celebratory trip, but that will have to wait. Every day presents new challenges, but I hope we can be resilient and thrive in the moment.

Our picture showed us as we are; no fancy clothes, no fancy hair, no fancy make-up, no shaves. We’re just keeping it real and supporting those less fortunate.

The Tarnuzzer Family

Quarantining has been a bittersweet balancing act. While we miss the in-person connection with our family and friends, we are able to slow down and appreciate the simpler things.

Our days are spent divided between academics, creative projects and outside play time. We also have been FaceTiming our friends and family for much-needed catch ups.

We get to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together. The weekends are filled with road trips to new places. We moved to California from the East Coast only two years ago, so we still get a thrill of all the beauty in this state!

Robin Aronson can be found at robinaronsonphotography.com or Instagram @RobinAronsonPhotography.