Photographer's visual essay to document life during lockdown in Fakenham

A photographer is putting together a series of pictures to document the state of lockdown and how it is affecting Fakenham.

Keith Osborn is creating a photo essay about the impact of Covid-19 on the town, and is expecting to continue this for the duration of lockdown, depending on restrictions.

Keith hopes the 'Lockdown Fakenham' essay will provide an insight into life during lockdown when the effects of coronavirus are studied in the future.

“I do think this is a unique and important time, and the effects on ordinary people and businesses in a small market town like Fakenham are key to it being understood properly in years to come," he said.

"It’s this I am looking to record and to which I want to provide a creative response."

He said the photos could be turned into an exhibition once lockdown restrictions are lifted, but the initial outcome of the work will be both a short-form and longer-form photo essay.

"I'd also love to explore publishing my series of photographs in book or zine form as well as publishing my photo essays online," he added.

Keith said Norfolk Heritage Centre has already expressed interest in the project, so he has agreed to donate a digital copy of his photo essay for their archives.

He has been interacting with people in the local community and asking them for suggestions of images regarding how people and businesses in Fakenham are reacting and adapting to the pandemic.

As part of the project, Keith said he is particularly interested in photographing any front line medical and care staff who live in or around Fakenham.

This is not Keith's first photo essay, with previous work including one about a Walsingham pilgrimage – which can be viewed at https://keithosbornphotography.co.uk/ordinary-devotion.

If you would like to help Keith with the project, contact him via his Facebook page – Keith Osborn Photography – or by email via keith@keithosbornphotography.co.uk.