The Covid pandemic has touched the lives of many in one way or another over the last 2 years. These photographs were taken during the first lockdown, when families were suddenly thrown into a new way of living that had never been experienced by most. Children were particularly affected by the restrictive nature of lockdown and many found it difficult to adapt to existing in a constrictive, limiting environment.
The images of my children were taken at home, during moments of melancholy, boredom, frustration, but also of reflection and at times playful escapism. The changing light throughout the winter days assisted me in capturing my daughter’s altering moods. The slowing of time during this period allowed me to observe her body language and facial expressions, as well as her behaviour in relation to the changes enforced by the pandemic. Her need to escape her feelings of boredom and isolation were channelled into creative role play in which she took on the guise of different characters. Her close bond with our chocolate Labrador was an invaluable form of reassurance and calm during an uncertain time.
With each portrait I aimed to capture how, despite the challenges brought about by living in close proximity with one another, relationships were strengthened. Through my daughter’s moments of contemplation, I used photographs to explore her silent thoughts and to question my own feelings during an interval in our lives that forced me to reflect on my own existence and faith.
