The Swimmers

I am a professional freelance photographer and at the start of lockdown (the first one) my work diary was completely wiped out. I had a project lined up with the National Audit Office and when they sent an email to inform me that the work would probably not go ahead because the government were about to announce that people could no longer go to their offices I knew things were about to change dramatically. Ordinarily I spend a lot of time working with public sector and large corporates but these are not ordinary times. I realised I had to continue with my photographic practice to get through the pandemic with my mental health intact so I began to think of new ways of working within the constraints laid down. I knew it would have to be something outdoors and I wanted it be joyful and inspiring to others. I’ve always watched the swimmers at the end of my street and admired them, all different shapes and sizes taking to the sea. I’ve marvelled at those who continued to dip throughout the winter months when the waters can be icy cold and I wanted to find out what compels them to do it. I knew they would make beautiful portraits which would be an antidote to the bombardment of perfect lives and bodies that we are so used to seeing. I put out a model call out on my socials and had a brilliant response with so many people wanting to participate. I set the date and we shot all of the portraits on the beach at the end of my street on the day before we went into a second national