Storing Memories with a Quarantine Porch Session
Creatives are using this time to utilize their skills in a number of different ways. They’ve pivoted their businesses in order to withstand the fallout from COVID-19 and many have stumbled upon new areas of expertise they wouldn’t have ordinarily found.
We recently had the opportunity to invite local lifestyle photographer Madeline Javier to our home for a Quarantine Porch Session and had a blast getting to know her and taking fun family shots that have been long overdo.
We asked Madeline to share about this detour she’s taken (she regularly goes up and down the coast for shoots), and how she’s making the best of this time at home/your home.
How do your Quarantine Porch Sessions differ from a typical family shoot.... is it a different energy?
The biggest difference is simply the style of my photos. Prior to COVID-19, I loved to take tight 'intimate' photos, and because of that, it was easy to direct each person since I was able to get so close to them. Of course that is no longer possible, so I've been forced to go outside of my comfort zone and take wide frame images. It's been interesting learning to connect and direct my clients from afar as it’s a totally different dynamic... but it's been such a blast to talk to people I wouldn't previously have worked with! That's the magic of my job.
What’s different in terms of interaction with the camera?
Ah, there's such a big difference! Two months ago, my camera was attached to my eye when I was shooting. I would walk, lean over/under, and get up close to my models. But in the last few months I've learned to direct subjects from afar without touching them at all. And must I say, it is quite a hard skill!
Why is it so special for people to take photos at their home?
I think it is so incredibly important to document this time in our lives. Whether that means sweats and coffee on their porch or sitting in the window reading a book. Whether it be with me, a friend with a camera, or a self-timer on your phone ... document, document, DOCUMENT!
In 50 years, history books will talk about this pandemic and how it changed our lives as we know it.
It's impossible to not reevaluate your life and priorities, and many of us are seeing the future in a different light. So make sure you get a photo of yourself and remember the internal transformation you are going through. Your grandkids will thank you!
To book Madeline for a Quarantine Porch Session, email her at hello@madelinejavier.com. Title the email "Porch Sessions" and include your address, and she’ll be in touch shortly!