Feature photo by Jamie Eilts
In the midst of this scary, uncertain time, photographers are capturing the most poignant moments of their new normal. These safe-at-home photos show how life as we know it is changing — from homeschooling to social distancing to finding ways to cope — and we’re glad to see a huge range of emotions represented. Because we can definitely relate to all the feels, from tears of frustration and fear to sheer joy and gratitude.
So whether you’re feeling isolated and lonely, thankful for your family or incredibly stressed out (perhaps all three simultaneously), know that we’re here feeling it too. Sending virtual hugs!
Here’s life through the lens during the stay at home quarantine of 2020. Be well friends.
Heather Nowak
“This is a photo of my husband and daughter. I wanted to depict the tension between his role as a father and his role as a doctor. He leaves the operating room every day questioning whether he’s putting us at risk just by coming home. When he walks through the door there are no hugs and no kisses. Many times he will quarantine himself to another part of the house as an extra precaution. My daughter will ask where her dad is and if he is OK. Although she is only three, she’s smart enough to know that things aren’t normal, or rather this is our new normal.” — Heather
Erica Williams
“Together we painted this board, a message to help spread hope. Art is a beautiful way to support and show others we are all in this together.” — Erica
Aly Nickerson
“To raise morale on one of my husband’s first days working from home, I decided to make pancakes. We don’t know what is to come, but we are holding on to as many ‘normal’ parts of our day as possible, including preparation for my youngest’s birthday in quarantine. We are thankful to have each other, but worried for our world.” — Aly
Jill Carson
“This image was taken a few days after our school announced that remote learning would begin in the following days. Materials for students were bundled in grocery bags and one parent was allowed to retrieve their child’s supplies. A sign-up was required as only 10 adults were allowed to enter the gym at a time, in 15 minute increments. When I arrived, the building was completely empty. There were no teachers or administrators. Just one other parent entered the gym when I was there. It was so quiet and still you could hear a pin drop.” — Jill
Leslie Crane
“All the hair salons and barbershops are closed, and my poor family is having to endure my services as a hair stylist. My kids’ hair is getting long and shaggy, so I am giving it a try. Thankfully no one will be seeing them in person for awhile.” — Leslie
Thao Lai
“I’ve been doing my best not to use my energy to worry, but instead to believe, create, grow and heal. But even as I’m fortunate to be comfortably quarantined, the mental toll isn’t easy. In my need to fulfill a creative void (one I’ve been suffering from for awhile) and as a much welcome distraction, I’ve been picking up my camera a little more to document our slice of the quarantine life. It’s the good, the bad, the wild and free, and it’s a story worth telling.” — Thao
Natalie Greenroyd
“Of all the times for my son to dislocate his thumb and require a late night trip to the ER, it just had to be during the COVID-19 crisis. In our panic, we loaded up the family (me, my husband, and both of our sons) and rushed to the ER. When we arrived we were greeted with unusual protocols — temperature checks for everyone — and hospital staff hidden behind masks. We quickly found out that our younger son would not be permitted into the hospital because of new, strict visitation policies. My husband and I took turns waiting with our younger son in the ER parking lot for four hours. As I sat in our car, waiting for updates on my son, while trying to entertain my youngest, this lonely face mask in the dreary, dark ER parking lot captured my eye. It’s funny how one little piece of cloth can so precisely sum up the current social climate.” — Natalie
Megan Arndt
“Zoom dates have become the next big thing in our family and friend groups. We schedule a call, have a drink together, and sometimes play games. The kids run in and out to say hi to each other, and the parents get to catch up and laugh together. It’s a much-needed break from the new stressors that we all face while being home together for 24 hours a day.” — Megan
Leslie Crane
“Since we’ve been quarantined in the house for so long, simply running outside and chatting with neighbors is not automatic these days, it’s something to think about and weigh carefully.” — Leslie
Jennifer Bogle
“My kids watched as Governor Inslee announced that in-person school is done for the year. I have one VERY sad kiddo and two who seem less concerned.” — Jenn
Whether you’re documenting this strange and scary time in history or giving yourself a break from photography, we hope you and your families stay well. Thank you to all of the talented photographers who contributed to this post. You continue to inspire us.
Here are more Click stories we think you’ll love:
4 Ways to reassure your senior photography clients during this uncertain time
You can absolutely rock your photography on a budget, here’s how
6 Unexpected ways to use window light to add magic to indoor photos
How I used photography as therapy to heal after a traumatic life experience
These are all incredible images! Thank you so much for including me in this group – I’m truly honored!
Jill your photo took my breath away! I had a similar experience at our school and it brings tears to my eyes thinking about it.