More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A photographer has captured snapshots of family life in lockdown with a series of heart-warming “doorstep portraits”.
The project by Simon Hawkins, from Throwley, documents the unprecedented period of isolation with pictures of mums, dads and children from across Faversham and Sheldwich, who grin and wave from behind windows and front doors.
Watch: Mr Hawkins' daughter Felicity reads a poem written by her mum to accompany the photos
He has turned his series of lockdown portraits into a slideshow, which is accompanied by a recording of his daughter reading a touching poem written by his wife Katie.
“This pandemic has been hard for so many of us in so many ways, not least the children,” said Mr Hawkins, 39.
“We wanted to produce a nice family piece highlighting how many of the children of Kent and the UK are probably feeling, and to give them something to smile about.”
The families photographed by Mr Hawkins are those of youngsters in his five-year-old daughter Felicity’s class at school.
“I just thought it was a novel idea,” said the self-taught, professional photographer, who shoots everything from documentaries, to commercial pieces and weddings.
“I look for the humour of life, and the irony,” he explained. “Particularly in my street photography and documentary work.
“This is a horrible, awkward time for a lot of people.
“But there can be a bit of humour to take from that - of people stuck behind the glass, not able to go out.
“It was really something just to help create a memory for the kids, and something for them to get involved with, to occupy them for 20 minutes.
“Because from a mental health point of view, it’s very hard for them being stuck in and not being able to mix.
“This is just something a bit different, to document this strange time in a more humorous way.”
To view the full gallery of photos, visit Simon's photography website.
