A picture’s worth a thousand words and can capture history with a click of a button. It’s safe to say we’re living through historic times right now, and documenting the effects of the pandemic on the local community is important, including through a positive lens.
On April 24, the Old Town Boutique District announced the launch of a new social media photography campaign called “Community Is,” highlighting small business owners in Alexandria and the power of community support during hard times.
Approximately 30 Alexandria small business owners and their families posed for the project, visually representing what their world looks like during the coronavirus pandemic. Shots include those in front of home and storefronts to show how business owners are operating under their new normal. Each business owner also provided quotes on what community means to them on a piece of paper, which is held in the photographs.
Local photographer Sarah Marcella shot all the images at a safe distance from her car, and donated 50% of the income she received for the project to Inova’s Emergency Preparedness Fund. Her donation was also matched by a local family. And, Old Town Boutique District, along with several boutiques who participated in the project, will also be donating $1,650 to Inova’s fund.
To see all of the photos, and to find out more information, click here.
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