As the world shifts and we’re —quite abruptly— faced with the task of achieving peace and “normalcy,” I’m glad to share the third and final installation of the “Stay at Home Thoughts” series. I’m grateful to stand among this team of individuals within the local photo community.
Thank you to all who have participated.
1) Susan Stang | susanhackerstang.com | Insta: @susanhackerstang
"When this all began, a video from Italy made the rounds in which one woman who had found the lockdown very difficult at first said that, as time when on, she discovered that just to stay in her own apartment and breath safe air was - in itself - 'una grandissima cosa', or, “a big deal.” I really identified with that, because rather than feeling frustrated staying in, I was instead feeling very grateful to have the luxury of a lovely old house full of light, two rather adorable cats, and a deck where I could sit with a cup of coffee and something good to read. Of course, I am older and now retired, so the stress of having this affect my work life is no longer an issue as it would have been for me years ago.
I thought about how I might go about making photographs in gratitude to my house. (Could be sappy, I thought.) But I decided to try. What happened is that my usual photographic tendencies took over, my interest in putting images together into a new whole, formal qualities of light and tonality, a certain stillness. I don't think anyone viewing these photographs would see anything particularly about gratitude in them.
While the images may still be an homage of sorts, they went their own particular photographic way. As often happens, right?"
2) Wil Driscoll | wildriscoll.com | @wilddriscoll
“In an attempt to stay ‘afloat’, I have greatly simplified my days while trying to keep some normalcy and structure. I try to do ‘daily exercises’ - not only physical, but mental and photographic as well. I run the back roads near my house daily, I read as much as I can, and I continue to make new pictures. I’m trying to do the best I can under these strange and unfortunate circumstances.
Just like everyone else, I’m looking forward to the days where I can hug friends again, eat in restaurants, and return to my day job. Until then I’ll be right here in my home, trying to grow as an individual and as a professional. On the days I feel like I’m ‘sinking,’ I attempt to keep a smile on my face and remind myself of all that I currently have and all of the tools I’m developing for my future self.”
3) Jason Patrylo | Insta: @jpphoto_stl
“What does it mean to create in this time of uneasiness?
Working during the quarantine has been a roller coaster of emotions. 2020 started out perfect by signing a 9-month contract for a side job I was passionate about. On March 15th, that was put on hold indefinitely. I’d also invested significantly into gear for that assignment. Now, bills are coming due and I’m not sure what I’m going to do. My full-time corporate gig is still going, but we are locked out of the studio, so I’m working from home at a pay cut. Add to that, I am concerned for my health, and the health of my family. It’s stressful. Barely eating that first week, I just worked and slept while thinking ‘what’s next?’
After the initial anxiety settled and I was able to clear my mind, a deeper reality set in. Half of the office was put on furlough. I am extremely lucky to be working right now, and I can’t take that lightly. I need to produce. It’s my hope that creating more work will allow us to bring some coworkers back. That became my drive. I may want to binge on Netflix, eat a bag of Cheetos, and hide ‘til this is all over, but I owe it to my coworkers and friends to work my ass off.
So how to do that? When I found out I will be working from home indefinitely, I thought ‘…where?’ I have a small place. The first three years in my house, I could shoot in the living room. All I had was a small TV on a hand-me-down coffee table and some folding chairs. It was easy to make room. Now, furnished and with a 75-pound dog who thinks it’s her living room… that’s no longer an option.The first few days I shot on a table in the middle of the garage with a white sweep on it. That first weekend, I started cleaning the garage to make a more functional space (which is still a work in progress). As days turn into weeks and months, it becomes overwhelming. Sets go up. Sets get torn down. Shoots get paused because it may hail and my car needs to go into the ‘studio.’ A couple of days, it hits the mid-80’s outside which means that the garage is a melting 90+ degrees. How long will this last? Do I need to invest in my garage so I can work into the summer?
It can get frustrating for sure. I don’t have the ideal space, gear, or props at home. It reminds me of starting out, when you just had to find a way to make it work. Now I am working with AD’s via Skype, text, and emails. I miss working in person and with a team. Working without a stylist means everything takes longer. Some of these materials are a pain to manipulate. Stylist truly are the saints of the studio! Before breaking down a complex shot, I can’t forget the post team! I try to have a FaceTime meeting or share screen grabs with them to make sure they have all the components they need. I’ve always appreciated all of the talented people I work with—on a bad day, they make my work sparkle. I try to do whatever I can in-camera to make their days easier. Working from home really makes me appreciate each and every one of them and their talents.
I can’t wait to walk back into the studio singing The Muppets’ ‘Together Again.’”
4) Miranda Munguia | mirandamunguia.com | Insta: @miranda.munguia
“In many ways, the crazy situation we are all in has allowed me to reflect on how I’m living more than I ever have. It’s allowed me to cherish things I take for granted, understand my wants and goals, and recognize the people that are always cheering me on.
Last year was my first year as a professional photographer in St. Louis. I was able to meet so many amazing people and grow both personally and professionally.
I had many aspirations for 2020 and was looking forward to all of the experiences this year would bring. As an adventurous soul, it has been hard for me to ‘social distance’ and stay home. I live for meeting new people, dancing with friends, and being spontaneous. It feels as if time has stopped. Although I was disappointed when our lives came to a halt, I realized that in the stillness I am able to concentrate on my goals for the future. I’m grateful to be blessed with such a warm community like St. Louis and cannot wait to create again!”
5) Brian Verbarg | Insta: @bmverbarg
“During this time, I've been fortunate enough to have Priscilla back in town. The offices she works in are closed, and with her home, we have gotten to spend the time learning new recipes. I usually do the cooking and she usually does the bartending. One of our favorites is a good tequila with lime and salt. Its simple and easy - a recipe you cant mess up.
We are celebrating our time together and trying to stay creative. Needless to say for us and I think everyone, we are ready to move forward from this time. We miss the things that make us feel creative, like friendship, and working in a space with others. Especially we miss going to a restaurant or coffee shop and just being there.
The thing we are excited for most after this time is the impending creative boom. Everyone getting to be with their friends and families. Seeing everyone's restless energy from Quarantine get turned into more original artistry.”