Pandemic Porch Portraits
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Suzanne Camarata with Roger and Brown Dog
Suzanne Camarata, owner of The Gallery at Flat Rock, is also a professional photographer. As the pandemic began to limit activities at The Gallery, Suzanne started a supplementary endeavor called “Porch Portraits by Suzanne.” In her words:
Recently, I came across a really cool concept for photographers and individuals/families stuck at home during the pandemic. I knew immediately it was what I wanted to do. Porch Portraits brings the fun of a casual, light-hearted photoshoot right to your home - literally to your front porch or in your front yard.
The sessions are quick - usually just 15-20 minutes - and involve lots of social distancing, smiles, and fun. This is the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or the simple fact that you and your family are spending a lot more time together and still like each other!
The project, however, quickly turned into something more than just a business proposition for Suzanne. She discovered that her portraits are a window into the lives and experiences of families during the pandemic. Here are a few of her favorites and some reflections on what this time of COVID has meant for her … and the subjects on the other side of the camera lens.
“During COVID, people’s networks have gotten super small. I think the photographs are a celebration of who and what is really special in our lives and often reveal who we are at our core.” -Suzanne
I feel like people have really relaxed with the uncertainty and informality of these days. That's the one good thing out of the pandemic. Families have come together. And they aren’t so focused during the shoots on what they are wearing or if their hair is perfect. It really is about the family connection. About the significance of relationships. Not the superficial concerns they would have under normal circumstances.
People are celebrating what’s important in their lives. Their family. Their homes. Their pets. These photographs are a record of the priorities in their lives.
This photo was of four generations in one family. It was the grandmother and the mother and then her two daughters and her granddaughters. It was really important for the mom to have the photos made. It was emotional and there were some tears during the shoot. So that got me crying because of how meaningful it was for them to spend the time together. It's just how important these moments in our lives can be to us.
I think my photography is an honest reflection of the families, without the expectation of everything being unnaturally perfect.
Going to peoples homes presents some interesting opportunities. I look for dramatic or vibrant colors and elements that create a visually captivating image.
That’s what surprised me. It normally takes a long time for me to get good pictures. Because everyone's so guarded usually. It just feels now like people are ready to show their true selves right away. There’s no time to be guarded and people are willing to be vulnerable to the camera. It’s just a very real, very honest, experience.
I just get the sense that people really want to connect again. They really miss interacting with other people. We're just creatures who really want to be together with other people.
I feel like people have really relaxed with the uncertainty and informality of these days. That's the one good thing out of the pandemic. Families have come together. And they aren’t so focused during the shoots on what they are wearing or if their hair is perfect. It really is about the family connection. About the significance of our relationships. Not the superficial stuff we tend to worry about under normal circumstances.
Learn more about Porch Portraits by Suzanne at galleryflatrock.com/porch-portraits. A portion of the proceeds from each photo session goes to support Flat Rock Playhouse.
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