TESTING TIMES , the 2020 review !

My annual review is usually a upbeat, positive look back at the ups and ups of the photographic year , this year is different, very different !

Like photographers all over the world I adapted to the “New Normal” and photographed reflections of my life during the Covid-19 crisis , I wasn’t exactly spoilt for other photo opportunities , the governments restrictions meant that access was limited to almost everything , life stopped and everyone adopted new protocols !

Life was quite scary at first as no one really knew or understood the nature of the pandemic threat in the early days . I knew from day one that the use of space within the pandemic narrative & aesthetic was going to be important , in fact empty space or social distancing as its now known , is the subject in many of my early pandemic pictures.

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Wet weather created serious floods in the South West of England and South Wales before Covid arrived , few could of imagined what other surprises lay ahead !

I started the year shooting a 365 picture each day but changed direction after 177 consecutive days .

The Testing Times series became my main focus this year , I shot the pandemic project almost everyday during the early part of lockdown. !

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A pic from my abandoned 365 project .

A pic from my abandoned 365 project .

You cant continue to photograph matchsticks when the world is in chaos !

You cant continue to photograph matchsticks when the world is in chaos !


I knew the Testing Times project was not going to be a fun shoot but it needed to be done , this project was undertaken with my working head on , I saw this shoot as a social responsibility , someone had to do it , so I did !

I did not know the significance of this shoot as I shot it ,?

I still don’t really ! The final chapters of the Covid-19 narrative and the Brexit story are as yet unwritten ?

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I shot what I could , when I could within the Government guidelines and watched what became a 200 plus archive grow . This shoot started to feel like work because it was , I identified a need for a bit of photographic FUN during these dark days, as my everyday reality was not great , nothing seemed to change , each day looked the same, day after grey day , something had to change , so I changed it !

The Whoooosh project was invented to cheer me up and offer a positive photo-escape from all things pandemic !



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The Whoooosh project was my fun experimental project , this in camera serendipitous approach made me smile as I shot it and still makes me smile now , despite the unaltered oppressive reality of life in lockdown. !

Everyone should have a crazy place to go and “Play” photography , a mental space where creative risks are encouraged and failure is embraced as positive learning !

Its great when you throw the rule book away and become both judge & Jury of your own “Good” photography definition ?

I love creating images that are beyond my understanding and control , especially when I’m living in a world that has become a creative cul-de-sac , images that can represent both technical “failure” and aesthetic “success” simultaneously fascinate me !

I love the surprises thrown up by The Whoooosh project , if you don’t like how your world looks , change it !

I love the surprises thrown up by The Whoooosh project , if you don’t like how your world looks , change it !

Whoooosh , I adopted a more creative approach for much of 2020 , This headless X-Ray dog is might be my my fave pic of 2020  ?

Whoooosh , I adopted a more creative approach for much of 2020 , This headless X-Ray dog is might be my my fave pic of 2020 ?

The photo opportunities during lockdown were few and far between , I carried my camera whenever I went out , I was fearful of missing the “Money Shot” when something significant did actually happen , this “Optimistic” approach paid off while shopping or waiting in line at the local medical centre .

As the drudge continued pandemic themed pictures became harder to find in my rural everyday but I knew that chances would still appear if I remained alert and patient , in short if I kept the faith !

No point in whinging , you have to get on with it …….

A Street / Doc shot from my Testing Times project .

A Street / Doc shot from my Testing Times project .

Despite a life of fewer social gatherings I managed to find a few “Proper” Street moments during the summer months , I shot a number of “Sinkhole” pictures and managed this view of a bloke walking on yellow lines ?

The happy positive mindset that I associate with “Street” was missing from my photography this year, caution and a awareness of the virus threat replaced happiness within in my subconscious !

Staying safe was the priority !

I got my kicks wherever and whenever I could find them this year !

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As 2020 wound down the winter months arrived and delivered a aesthetic that reflected the cold oppressive nature of 2020 , the NHS applause and the lockdown rainbows seemed like a long time ago as preparations for Christmas and a uncertain New Year began . The Testing Times project had been a major challenge to shoot and had lasted longer than I expected it would , Hopefully 2021 will see the end of Covid-19 and the Testing Times series ?

These wintery urban views reflect my feelings and memories of 2020 perfectly .


One Day The Covers Will Come Off , 2020

One Day The Covers Will Come Off , 2020

Merry Christmas ?

Merry Christmas ?



Hope you’ve enjoyed looking back through my pictures from what has been the most difficult of years , more Testing Times images can be seen by clicking the button above .

Twenty Twenty taught me to appreciate the small things in life more , life is not a rehearsal , you have to make the most of each day and laugh whenever you can !

Thanks for your support during the last twelve months and congratulations on making it through this unusual year !

Enjoy a peaceful festive season , stay safe .


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David Barrett shot the the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project can be seen by clicking above .   

The State Of Britain series is complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....

Check out the new UK Street Shop on this site to buy Prints, Walks & More …

He is based in the South West of England .