By necessity, we’re all being confined to our own home because of this worldwide pandemic called COVID-19.  Trips, large events, church, school, all being cancelled, businesses closing, local businesses crying out for help.  Just taking a wedding as a small example, aside from the memories affected, the vendors who are losing thousands of dollars from photographers (like me), bakers, florists, venues, tables and chair rentals….   – yes, life is way more important, I know that without question, but the financial ripple effect of this long after the health scare is over is downright scary. 

I am in no way by this article making light of the situation, only trying to find a bright light.  While we are cooped up either alone, or with toddlers or teens, pets, even elderly parents, most of us are healthy and well and are staying that way because of this situation we’re being forced to… endure, right?  I hate that word sometimes.  Folks, this is a part of history!  In years, we will all look back and say, “Do you remember that time we were all quarantined in the house together for X weeks?”  and we’ll grimace, sure, but if we do it right, we have the option to smile too!  Why not make this part of our story memorable, scrapbookable, in some good ways like the year the power was out for-ev-er and we had to live like campers with lanterns and blankets in front of a fireplace!   

Get… out… the… camera!!  

Being cooped up at home compels you to be observant.

Capture your sweetheart drinking his or her coffee in the morning.  Capture your kids reading a book, playing a game, taking a nap.  

When you photograph someone or something in your own home, you start to look for and see ordinary things you walk by every day differently.  For example, I love the way Betsy Davis captured her kids reading in bed together!  Who thinks about pictures of this… but now you can!  Bath time, taking a nap, playing a game…. there are memories in the moments, every .. single .. one.

Use what you already have.

I’ve heard so many people say over the years that they don’t want to do photos in their home because they just don’t like it.  I’m preaching to the choir here but how sad when it is the backdrop of our life… the beautiful chaos it often is.  Think outside the box like Betsy did in this photo of her son.  Do you notice if the house is a wreck?  NO!  The limitations of your home aren’t going anywhere so learn to work with them!

Being cooped up teaches us to look at the details differently.

Don’t be afraid to climb up high or shoot down on the floor.  Think outside the box!

Being cooped up… give the kids the camera!  Parents and pets are part of the story too.

Tell the kids to capture you as they see you, to capture their pets, tell them they have to sneak and do it, make it a game.  No, we often don’t like our pictures made, but see what they see… you will be so glad you did.  Even with my Mom, I so wish I had done this of her before she passed away, captured those little moments.

So…  capture this part of history, this part of our story.  You my decide to do it more often!