Photographer Jay’s snapshots of time

Jay Doherty is putting smiles on the faces of residents of Ard Bán, Muff, where he also lives, by taking a snapshot of this unique moment in time.

Using a long lens on his camera, to ensure social distancing and travelling around the estate on his bike, Jay has received a really positive response to the project. He came up with the idea after others in his ‘great photography community online’ began doing something similar.

“I asked around our street and got a great positive response. I’ve had folk from all over the county asking for me to visit!

“Last week, I photographed about 20 families on their doorsteps in my neighbourhood. It was an amazing feeling. My daughter Emily came along and kept me motivated and in good company. I honked the bike horn when I was near. Really, I felt like the bread van from years ago, honking the horn and families would come running out to the street.”

The doorstep portraits provided a huge boost to the residents of the estate.

“That evening there was a great energy about the street. The good weather helped, folk were chatting over the fence, connecting and sharing the crack. It was easy enough for me, just wander about and take photographs, which is what I do for a job, but it seemed to be bigger than just a simple photo. Folk were so grateful and in such good tune.”

Jay was amazed when his kind act was returned.

“I got flowers delivered to my front door the next day. Imagine that, I’ve never got flowers in my life.”

Jay said he hoped to be able to continue the service over the next while.

“I do love it, I love meeting new folk and hearing the craic. I guess in many ways these times remind us that we are social creatures and our most basic need is to connect and share.”