Submitted by Darren on
So, what does a documentary photographer do with his time during the Coronavirus lockdown? I feel really lucky to be a photographer because I can always take advantage of my skill, no matter what the situation. While I may not be attending weddings, wedding fairs or carrying out family photoshoots for others, my camera never rests.
The subject of my documentary photography is now my own family. I am fortunate to have two amazing boys and one overly friendly dog. For the last four weeks I’ve been capturing what the lockdown means to us.
In March I decided to order a little handheld camera to take away on holiday because as much as I love my professional camera equipment, carrying an expensive camera with an enormous lens to the beach, just isn’t practical! A couple of days before lockdown my little Fuji XT100 arrived.
I’ve had fun learning how to use my camera, figuring out its features and seeing what it’s all about. But more importantly I’ve had the opportunity to document my family. I’m not saying that it’s always easy being a working parent during lockdown, but how often does anyone get the opportunity to spend so much time with their children?
Documentary photography allows you to capture memories that aren’t posed, that aren’t staged and that also encapsulates personalities. From my photos you will hopefully grasp that Harry (my eldest) is very chilled and laid back but likes to get tasks done as quickly as possible. As long as he has the trampoline, some food and drink then life is good. Finley being the youngest is the total opposite. He’s fearless, determined and super competitive. He has to climb a tree higher than Harry; he has to cycle quicker; and he has to beat his brother by being a total perfectionist in everything that he does.
So, home schooling two boys with opposite personalities has been a challenge! Particularly with two boys who normally do so much out of school as well. If they aren’t being awarded another belt in karate, they are at swimming club or building dens in the woods.
And then of course there is Lilly the Cockapoo. Lilly has no idea she is a dog; she firmly believes she’s as important as anyone in the family and likes to take part in everything. As the only female in the house she has taken on the role of protector and feels that she has to tell the kids off for any activity that pushes the boundaries. It’s probably what’s needed in a house full of boys! Lilly and I are having our own healthy competition of whose hair looks the best during lock down. I’ll report back on the winner in due course.
It’s been a real joy to capture my family’s thoughts, moods and activities on camera.
I feel lucky to have shared so many moments with them. Whether it’s teaching them maths by getting them to do crazy activities outdoors, encouraging them to create their own style of rainbow, enjoying long cycle rides or perfecting their trampolining skills, I’ve been there capturing it all on camera. I’ve even taught my sons basic life skills such as cooking and cleaning (this is still very much work in progress).
What I have learnt during lockdown? As well as learning how awesome and crazy my family is, I believe it doesn’t matter what camera you have – whether it’s on a phone, a little compact camera or a professional camera, you can use lockdown to capture as many memories as you can. What do they say, “a picture says a thousand words?” I have found my photos say even more…
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Warwickshire Family Photography
