Quarantine Portraits: Finding Joy in Interacting
Alex, Jason, and Mishka the dog in their front window during the COVID-19 quarantine in Chicago, IL on Sunday, March 22nd, 2020 © Jasmin Shah Photography
We talked to our friend Jasmin Shah about how she’s using her photography to connect during the stay at home order. Searching for subjects upon her return to Chicago, Jasmin found herself drawn to the best place to find them these days - their homes. Here’s what Jasmin shared about her current project.
Meghan and her dog Zappa, March 31st
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
“I’m a documentary photographer who’s most inspired by people - their differences, similarities and complexities. I love meeting and connecting with people from all over. So, after living in Chicago for twenty years, I left last June to pursue a nomadic life, going from shoot to shoot and living anywhere in the world in between.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 brought me back to Chicago on March 15th - this will always be home even though I no longer have a home here. I’m lucky to get to stay at a friend’s place in Logan Square while they are away.”
“All of the subjects are finding joy in interacting.”
THE PROJECT
“On March 22nd, the first full day of Chicago’s shelter in place order, I went out for a walk to photograph and the city streets were completely empty. I began doing portraits of people in their windows or on their stoops. I’ve now shot over 30 households - some are friends (or friends of friends), and some are strangers who I see on my walks and I ask if I can photograph.
“All of my upcoming scheduled shoots have been canceled, so this project keeps me focused and lets me connect with people (even though we keep a safe distance from each other, sometimes even mouthing words through a window). And all of the subjects are finding joy in interacting.
“I’ll continue the project for as long as I can safely and responsibly walk around the city. It feels so important to capture people in this moment, and I’m happy when they reach out for a portrait.”
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You can reach Jasmin at jasmin@jasminshah.com, and keep up with the project on Instagram @jasminshahphoto.
Sacha, Lee, Alex and Lexie in their front window, March 24th
Joe, Lauren, Jim, Anne and Cory in and around their building as they quarantine together, March 25th
Ally, Andy and Gus on their front stoop, March 23rd
All Photos by Jasmin Shah © Jasmin Shah Photography