2020, another year started with hope and possibilities, music and fun with friends and another 12 months of memories to make and enjoy. How about we just stay home instead? The Universe was not quite ready for what was about to happen, a nightmarish virus that would invade our world.
Coronavirus strolled on over and forced us to slam to a halt, sucking the life and joy out of everything we take for granted. Everything at once was taken away, and we were told to follow one simple rule: stay at home.
For me as a photographer this meant that the months ahead of weddings started to crumble away, my inbox full with panicked couples whilst I try to comprehend making sure my business survives and quite quickly it became too much. I had to switch off and like a lot of us this meant simply sitting in my garden soaking up some sun (because of course the weather is beautiful during a pandemic!).
Where I live we share a communal space and all of a sudden we were all home at the same time. The short over the fence chatters, smiling at one another as we tend to our gardens and the odd nod when taking the bins out gave me this warm feeling of safety in a time when I was already missing my own loved ones so much.
Our small community here in Liverpool inspired me and my partner James to carry out this portraiture service, starting with our own neighbours and then branching out to other areas of Liverpool. These photographs document the strange times we are living in, and demonstrate the exact thing a global crisis will never take away…the love we have for our family. For each family we want these photos to bring memories flooding back in years to come, telling children the story about the time our lives were interrupted and the city fell silent, when all we had was each other and all that mattered was our health, support and safety.
Though this crisis has been overwhelming, testing and a downright struggle mentally, one thing I can confidently say that I wholeheartedly feel so grateful for what I have; a fantastic supportive boyfriend and family, a community like no other and a fucking kick ass job that I love!
If you would like to have your portrait taken please get in touch to arrange