A World Without Street

The last four months have been a challenge for everyone in the world. Having to adapt the way we live and go about our daily lives while carrying around a massive burden of grief and worry has been taxing to say the least. Grief for the loss of the way things were, the things we took for granted, and worry for the people we love and know and even those we don’t. The constant concern for the well-being of humanity and the people we share this world with.

As most of you know, photographing people has always been a massive part of my therapy. Suddenly and unexpectedly the rug was pulled out from under us. Lockdown was enforced and our movement limited to essentials only. Suddenly the streets that was once my safe haven for sanity, a playground of opportunity and chasing down the perfect shot became something more sinister. It became uncertain, filled with fear and solitude. The odd face seen about covered and masked, windows unoccupied and the usual bustle replaced by a eerie stillness that unsettled me. 

I realised more than ever how import street photography has been for my own mental health. The effects of not being able to have that escape has been enormous. I’m forever grateful to have the support network that I have and the means to seek out the help I needed. I also had to find a different way of still remaining in touch with the world of photography as a medium of positive escape.

I started combing through my archives again, rediscovering old photographs that I overlooked at the time and editing some previous selects in new ways. Exploring previous work has been incredibly enlightening. (Though at times it’s made me miss the street even more.) The one thing that jumped out is how our perspective adapts over time, and how important it is to revisit previous work after some time has passed. 

I also started taking photos of the small things around me, still life shots of shadows cast by plants, my partner who has been with me during lockdown, my cats and random objects around the house. Moments that I previous would have cherished but not necessarily end up documenting. It’s been remarkably freeing just taking random photo’s vs focusing on the perfection of that ideal street shot. Photographing the everyday simple life around me in my 60sqm apartment has been quite refreshing.

I also started photographing more seascapes when I went for walks, and shooting on film for something different. In a large way this pandemic has created a new appreciation for the small things and fleeting moments in our daily lives by drawing attention to how fragile they are.

I finally managed to get one of the rolls developed and I thought I would share!

These photo’s are all shot on Portra 400 film.

I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe. Sending love to you all!
xx

PS – I took my print store live last week! So instead of working my shop link into the post above all sneaky sneaky I just figured I’ll share it here.