WESTLOCK - A friend tagged Fiona Janz in a Facebook post about a Boston photographer who started taking self-isolation family portraits through people’s windows.
She’s a photographer from Barrhead and brought the project to Westlock — another peer took over her hometown. By Saturday morning, she photographed nine households in two days, reaching people through community groups online.
“It gets me doing something and creating something. People are home, everyone’s home with their families. It’s a good opportunity to get a family picture,” said Janz.
Some adjustments were necessary, especially ones that mean she keeps a safe distance from the people in her photos.
“I am using a longer lens that I’m not used to using. I’m not used to being that far away from people. I definitely like to talk to people and be closer (normally), but everyone’s been really good. I have to just yell a lot louder than usual.”
The photos are black and white, Fiona likes them because there’s more depth and feeling than in colour photography.
“In 20 years, it’ll be something to look back to. There’s more to it. … Every other pandemic we’ve gone through, all those pictures are black and white.”
Of course, those are of hospital beds and healthcare workers. Hers show a different dimension of 21st century pandemics: life inside the house.
There also is no shelf-life to this idea.
“I’d like to keep going, see how many more people are going to be interested. I’m hoping once it starts to get a little nicer out, more people might actually want to go outside. I was hoping at least for the next couple of weeks to keep going with it.”
By Sunday, a post in a Facebook community group attracted another 11 willing participants, filling up the Monday slots.
That’s short term. Come June, she thinks Grade 12s might deserve a memento in lieu of graduation.
“I decided that I’m going to try to do one for the kids that are graduating in Westlock. It’s more like a ‘get dressed, come out, get your picture taken’ and that way, they’ll still get a memory. I know they’re not getting their graduation but at least they’ll have photos as they’re dressed up.”
There’s also no direct payment.
“I’m not charging. I’d rather go to the food bank and help out the community that way,” said Fiona.
She’s received some food donation, but most are interested in donating money, hopefully via e-transfer.
“We moved to the Westlock area three years ago and I’m just building up my photography business again. Right now, it’s part time, but somewhere in the future I would like this to be my full-time job.”
Andreea Resmerita, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @andreea_res
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