Daily walks in Hertford during the Lockdown
Joanne Lewis • 19 April 2020
Are you getting out for some exercise?
Almost a month into lockdown for Covid-19 here in the UK, and I don't know about you, but I know we are cherishing the opportunity to get out of the house for a family walk or more vigorous exercise.
It occured to me about a week ago, whilst taking a walk through my local forest that was carpeted in the early buds of bluebells how much I am missing shooting already. I had a big long think about if it might be possible to document other local peoples daily exercise whilst taking part in my own. I have a long 135mm lens, which allows me to stand very far back from my subjects (a minimum of around 10 meters), and having so much beautiful countryside right on my doorstep provides so many opportunities.
I hesitantly offered the opportunity for me to join locals from Hertford (specifically those in Bengeo) on their daily walk... The criterea were very clear:
- Available to individual households only - no meeting with extended family or friends.
- The location must be walking distance for us both - absolutely no driving to take a walk
- No stopping and posing - This was a documentary photoshoot and I would simply be observing from a distance.
- Maximum of 1 shoot per day and up to 2 a week during my own exercise in the evening when it is quieter.
I would like to make it really clear how far away I was during these walks - I am religiously abiding to social distancing measures. The couple featured here very kindly took a couple of photos of me shooting during the walk so I can demonstrate how far away I was... Any photos that appear closer have been cropped during post-production in Photoshop.
For me, joining other people in lockdown was an incredible experience... A lovely insight into how other families are living and coping with lockdown, and I even discovered a new pathway only a few minutes from my own home. Best of all, this walk made me feel useful and offered me some purpose, while giving another family some memories of this ever so strange time we find ourselves living in (it turned out these photos are even more precious, as they were due to get married in a few weeks and now sadly cannot).
It was quite nice to talk to other human beings too.
The best part of it though, was the reaction I got after sending this family their album.
"Wow Joanne, your pic's are absolutely amazing!
They are even better than we had hoped and the best family pictures we have together.
Thank you so much!"
Glen and Helen. April 2020
As always, these comments make my heart sing and everything I do worthwhile. Thank you for taking a walk with me.
A picture of Santa and me...
... Buy one, Get one Free*
... a second print using the same photo for free*
... a mounted print of a photo she's created for me*
I couldn't let Black Friday 2020 go by without some amazing deals for my wonderful and valued customers... I've missed you all so much this year, but have loved the few shoots I was able to squeeze in between lockdowns and Home Education. With all the optimism I can muster for next year (I am naturally a pretty positive person) I am offering some spectacular deals on vouchers for my Hertford Studio and outdoor or on-location sessions next year (packages may be given as gifts, but please confirm preferred locations around Hertfordshire and some parts of London, Cambridgeshire and Essex with me before booking).
You will need: an egg box scissors black and white paint paint brush googly eyes glue (hot glue gun ideally) black felt tip pen string or ribbon for hanging
You will need: an egg box scissors white paint paint brush black felt tip pen or sharpie goggly eyes and glue (optional)
You will need: an egg box scissors Orange (or yellow and red) paint paint brush black felt tip pen or sharpie lollypop stick glue green paper/card for leaf
You will need: an egg box scissors black paint paint brush googly eyes glue Red paper/card for bow-tie White paper/card for shirt and teeth
You will need: an egg box scissors green and black paint (or I used a green egg box for the head) paint brush googly eyes glue black paper/card for hat orange paper/card for hair
