Deaf photographers snap images of families staying at home through windows
THE DAILY MOTH:
Five deaf female photographers from Seattle, Rochester, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Austin have collaborated on a unique project to photograph both deaf and hearing families who are quarantined at homes by snapping shots through windows.
Although the families could ideally step outside and still be six feet away from the photographers, the photographers intentionally took the shots through windows so it would reflect the historical pandemic we are going through and the feeling of being quarantined.
AMELIA HAMILTON:
Now I have to stay behind a window while I have to instruct people inside to move around. That’s not a usual routine for me, but it’s a really fun challenge.
The concept of reflection can be really fun. I didn’t realize that it is a way to create art. I like to do assessments of where the sun is currently located and what reflections are possible in the area whether it’s in the building, off a car or in the clouds. You have to think of all the angles. You can start off by creating a reflection off the window then move back a little further each time. I’d cup my hands and use them to manipulate the reflections emitting from the window.
I’m getting these feelings of goosebumps when I see all these people going through the same thing together, you know?
LAUREN BENEDICT:
Our community in Southern California naturally want to be able to go to a beach on a beautiful day, to be with their friends and just to be outside with people. We just cannot do that, not during this time.
So I feel that as a photographer, I am trying to capture that shot amid the strong sunlight and being frustrated — that can be a metaphor for how people are feeling being stuck inside their houses, you know?
We are documenting this. I ended realizing that, “oh, this project really did them a greater good that I’d thought it would.”
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CAT CASSIDY:
Every window is different, and they have their own challenges.
I had a hoodie and it was large enough to create more space of transparency. My large jacket created an outline of shade that made it easier to be seen through the window.
Embrace the reflection because it actually adds a layer to the moment, in the window.
After I’ve finished a photo session, I always leave with a smile. I can feel my face reshaping into a beaming smile and feel a sense of warmth within my heart. Also, people who are a part of these sessions would tell me how much fun it was for them, how grateful their days had changed for the better and that it makes them smile. It was a very positive feeling for me.
TAMMY WELLS:
When I arrived and saw them at their window, I brought my umbrella, a board, and used dark clothing. There’s really no planning in this at all.
Seeing that they are being safe does make me feel happy knowing that they’re doing well.
We got to capture that moment. It was a very raw, incredible moment that I cannot adequately describe.
There’s a feeling of connection with people that I know and new people I’ve just befriended. Just, wow, all of what’s happened so far has made me connect and appreciate them even more.
CLARE CASSIDY:
It helps people feel connected through this strange time.
Whenever we start a session, I always see how they’re like, if they’re kids, kids would be initially confused whenever a person wearing a mask walks up to their window.
Then I would say ‘hi’, try to interact and get comfortable with them while I take pictures. It takes all of 5 or 10 minutes, it’s that simple! After I’ve finished, I’ll just leave, and they would get in touch with me thanking me. They would say that I made their day and that they’re been uplifted after all that time in isolation. They’d say, “the kids can’t stop talking about you and they want you to come back!”
For me, it feels like I made a connection and told everyone of their stories during these strange times in our lives.
THE DAILY MOTH:
That’s a very cool and creative way to give back to the community and document this historic pandemic. You can check out the hashtag #InBetwinsUs to see more images.
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/group-deaf-women-photograph-coronavirus-pandemic/ZRQU3VMIAFCTXCNYM5LLKRUFFI/