By Rose Astley
A Sunshine Coast photographer has discovered a way to ’record history’ during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown, by capturing photos of families in lockdown from their driveway.
The coronavirus pandemic has shaken the world, but Dave Gleeson is using his photography skills to not only capture ever lasting photos- but boost morale and spirits for those feeling ’trapped’ at home.
“As most of my freelance photography work is centered around events, weddings and ‘people’ I’ve lost a lot of future work as events and weddings have been cancelled,“ Mr Gleeson said.
“The day before the restrictions came in, I was head photographer at Mooloolaba Triathlon, the following day pretty much all my events work from March-August disappeared, including events such as Noosa Eat and Drink Festival, Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles, Runaway Noosa Marathon, Ultraman Australia, Coastrek Sunshine Coast, Noosa Classic Cycling, event and a range of other corporate events in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
“I’ve still been shooting very small weddings literally with just five people, I also double up as a witness, but most weddings have now postponed as obviously the couples want friends and family there to celebrate with them.
“Other shoots such as family get togethers on the beach and other ‘outdoor gatherings’ are pretty much off the radar as well, so it doesn’t leave a lot of other potential work on the table.
“The ‘lockdown life’ shoot concept was adapted from a similar concept I saw another photographer doing in Italy – however those shoots were quite different as the images were mainly taken from the outside of buildings looking at people ‘trapped inside’ behind glass/windows/doors etc and were quite drab in colour with no real interaction with the subjects.
“I also know of a couple of other Australian photographers in other states who are doing the same sort of shoots as I am and I guess we all started around the same time, a few weeks ago when restrictions came in.
“I saw an opportunity to still do the same style of family shoots that I’m known for (with a sense of fun, colour and personality), albeit in the clients driveway or front yard and without getting too close … these shoots are literally done in 5-10 minutes as opposed to my normal family shoots which take around an hour.
“I’ve encouraged everyone to put their own spin on things, and showcase what each member of the family is doing during lockdown and it’s been actually quite funny turning up to the locations as I really have no idea what I’m going to see before I arrive.
“At this stage I’ve done around 20 shoots and each family has said how much fun it was and not only were they stoked with the photos, but it gave them something to do as a family, thinking about their ‘theme’, finding the right outfits/props and then acting up during the actual shoot itself.
“As a photographer who has worked in newspapers and print media for 25 years (including a stint at Noosa Today), I recognised that these times are very unique, and a pandemic will only (hopefully) happen once in our lifetimes – so, as any good media photographer should be, I’m attempting to record history and give families something to show their kids and their grandkids and look back on in future generations.
“Plus giving everyone involved the opportunity to have a bit of fun along the way,” Mr Gleeson said.
