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.
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. !
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 ?
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 !
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 !
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 …….
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 !
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 .
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 .
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 .