Documenting Your Days During Self-Isolation - Kitchener-Waterloo Family Photography

Can I confess something? It’s been about a week since I even picked up my camera. Photography is how I make a living, but it’s also one of my favourite personal creative outlets. So I know I’m off my game when I just don’t feel like making photos.

But really, who among us isn’t a little off their game right now? These are surreal times, with all of us coping with situations that are way outside of our normal routines. I think we should all be extra kind to ourselves and to each other, and give everyone (including ourselves!) as much grace as we can.

One day, we will look back on this time as a crazy memory. And that brings me to the reason for this blog post: why not find your own creative outlet in documenting your days, so that you can vividly remember what this time was like for you and your family?

I’ve got some tips for you that you can put into action today, no matter what camera you’re using or how much photography experience you have. Come along with me and jump into a low-key project of documenting your days during COVID-19.

1. Keep your phone or camera handy.

Most of us usually have our phones within arm’s reach, so instead of having a scroll through social media, open your camera app and see what you can capture. If you’d rather shoot with your “big camera” then leave it somewhere handy in a room where you’re spending lots of time. Out of sight is often out of mind, especially when you’re trying to form the habit of shooting more often. Keeping your camera (or camera app) in view will remind you to take pictures!

2. Set a goal for each day

This isn’t meant to add pressure! A daily goal can be as simple as taking one photo each day. You can even set an alarm in your phone and create a record of what you’re doing at 2pm each day, for example. Or, go with a looser schedule and make a goal of photographing one activity that you do each day. Or, photograph one thing indoors and one thing outdoors. One thing in the kitchen and one thing in another room. One thing that’s light and bright and one thing that’s dark and moody. You get the idea. Just commit to some kind of patterns so that you pick up your camera at least once a day.

3. Don’t be too critical

Seriously. Don’t feel like you have to critique your photos as you go. Sure, you’ll have to cull your favourites at some point to share and/or print (please print them!), but don’t let imperfections stop you from taking photos or from choosing a photo that captures something real. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look the way you thought it would in your head. Don’t worry if you can see the basket of laundry in the background. Don’t worry if it’s not one you would choose to print on a 20x24 canvas and hang up above your couch. Don’t worry that it doesn’t look like what other people are posting. Just capture something real.

4. Aim to capture a bit of a story

Especially if you’re not yet a regular shutterbug, it’s very normal for 2 things to happen when you first start taking more pictures. First, your kids will probably mug and be silly. Second, any adults around may cringe and try to hide. If you keep picking up your camera, they will eventually become less camera-aware, and you can try to use your photographs to tell a story. Sometimes you can catch the whole story in one shot. Sometimes you need a wide angle, and a close-up. Sometimes it’s a series of 3 photos that show before/during/after something. The photos I like the best are the ones that tell a story, because they usually feel very real. And in the meantime, catch those silly shots you’ll get at first - they’re fun, and they show lots of personality!

5. Try different angles.

You’ll be amazed at how changing perspective from adult eye level can give your photos a whole different feeling. Get down to kids’ eye level. Stand on a chair and get a bird’s eye view. Lie down on the floor and see what the world looks like to your resting dog. Also, try what photographers call “working the scene”: move around to try different angles and compositions until you find the one you’re happy with.

6. Everything matters

This is a photographic, visual record of how you passed the time, and anything you’re doing can be worth documenting. Believe me, around here, not every moment is feeling full of significance! You can start by asking yourself what you’ll tell people about later when they ask what it was like. You can also consider what seems unusual. Ordering groceries online a week ahead? Snap a photo of your keyboard and screen. Out for your daily walk around the block? Point your camera at your shoes hitting the pavement. Kids playing endless Minecraft? Catch the light from the computer or tablet as it lights up their faces. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. When you see your photos all together as a visual journal of what life is like right now, it will help you tell your story, and likely seem more impressive than each individual photo on its own.

7. Keep shooting

Practice makes better! Don’t get discouraged if your photos aren’t looking exactly the way you want them to right away. There’s lots to learn about photography, and everyone can continuously improve and find new ways to be creative. Practising improves your skills and your eye. You get better at looking for both moments and compositions. And once you’ve taken all the photos you can think of, that’s when you really start to dig deep for creative ideas.

8. Don’t forget to get in the photo

I admit, this is my weakest point. I often forget to ask my husband to take a photo with me in it! But there are lots of ways to get in the picture. Use your self-timer, get a remote trigger, or put your phone camera in selfie mode if you don’t want someone else to take the photo. Put aside your worries about how you look and just get in the picture!

I hope these tips help you to pick up your camera and capture this time in your family’s story. If you feel inclined to share, please tag me in your posts on Facebook and Instagram!