Aylesbury photographer to document 'life in lockdown'

Hannah Martinig, a photographer from Aylesbury said she wants to create a book to showcase how wonderful the Aylesbury community is and how they are coping during the Coronavirus pandemic.

She said she has been really missing photography since the pandemic began, but wanted to use the unique situation to create something special.

Hannah said: "I have always wanted to publish a book, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to do so, while showcasing how wonderful our local community is.

"I want to capture what people have been doing and what they have learned from this time.

"For the most part, it's bought out the best in our local community.

"We have never experienced anything like this and are unlikely to ever again, fingers crossed."

Hannah, whose dad was a photographer took up her trade full time last December.

She is currently locked down with her husband Wayne, daughter Esme and her brother.

Hannah and husband Wayne have set up a local community support group to help local people, but also to get to know their neighbours properly.

They plan to continue the group and Hannah says she hopes that people will continue to help and check up on their neighbours and those who are struggling.

The series will be called Doorstep Diaries; A Snapshot of Lockdown Life and will include the Doortraits and Through The Window images along with the individual stories.

Hannah added: "The Through The Window is not something I have seen other people do and is perfect for those who are shielding and newborns as there is no contact at all."

Hannah also wants to celebrate the people who have put in a huge effort to help the vulnerable, for example community groups, local retailers and people at food banks etc.

This will be done after the restrictions are lifted and people can come together again.

Hannah advertised on Facebook and asked people to come forward.

After each session, she emailed the images and some questions to the families.

She said the responses had been very varied.

Subjects touched on a mixture of emotions, homeschooling, learning new skills, appreciating more time.

But she says the key theme has been family and human connection.

Hannah added: "It really is everything and this time has highlighted how important human connection really is.

"I hope it teaches us all to be more grateful for the people in our lives and never be too busy to spend time with the ones we love."

She hasn't been without her own struggled during this difficult period for us all.

She said: "To be honest, I have struggled.

"I had pretty bad anxiety at the beginning, worrying about my business that had only just started and therefore meant I was not eligible for any government help, and missing my son.

"Not cuddling him for 8 weeks has been the worst thing in the world.

"I am also really close with my mum so not being able to see her has also taken it's toll on me.

"However, I know that we are fortunate that my husband can still work and pay our bills and we are healthy and safe.

"There are people worse off than us so I appreciate how lucky we are. I have been spending my time trying to homeschool, cooking, taking photos and taking the opportunity to rebrand my business and update my website; hoping to launch the new look by the summer!

"Lockdown has taught me that I love my home and my family but that also I am a very social person and need my friends and 'me' time. I enjoy being out of the house to return to my safe haven, so being in it nearly 24/7 has been a challenge."

Photography runs in the family for Hannah, whose father was a fashion and music photographer.

He even worked on the shoot for David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust album cover.

Hannah was hooked after a camera was given to her as a gift from her husband Wayne.

After photographing a friend's wedding in Ibiza in 2014, the results were so good she wanted to make the move to go pro.

Hannah said: "It took me a few more years to have the courage to turn professional, but I did a body confidence photoshoot with a woman who had a double mastectomy and was terminally ill.

"She was so full of life and she told me that life is too short for regrets and to live it to it's fullest.

"That really struck a chord with me and when she sadly passed away a few weeks later, I knew she was right and that I couldn't wait any longer. T

"That week I started putting the wheels is motion to be able to resign and in September gave my 3 months notice. I will always remember her for giving me the courage and belief in myself to follow my heart."

If you would like to be featured in this project, please contact Hannah by email at [email protected] or call on 07540498396

Here's a link to her website: www.hannahmartinigphotography.com