'A portrait of isolation' - Harrogate photographer's mission to capture meaningful moments during daily exercise

A Harrogate photographer is on a mission to capture the naturally meaningful moments and interactions that emerge from residents' daily exercise during lockdown.
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David Smalley wants to 'bring the town closer together while we are apart,' by celebrating through the lens how we still have the ability to find joy in the everyday, and he plans to collate the photographs into a book to raise funds for the Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity.

David is looking for more participants in his Harrogate - Portrait of Isolation project, where he takes one photo a day during his own daily walk. Fully observing the government's social distancing guidelines and advice, David only takes photographs of people who are also doing their daily exercise, and does not approach those taking part - he indicates in advance how to spot him, and a location is arranged in advance.

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A substantial distance is always kept between David and the person photographed, using a long lens to make this possible. All photos are only taken in locations within walking distance of Harrogate town centre, and locations must be away from large groups. No one who has been advised to stay at home under the government guidelines can volunteer.

Ricky and Keri Bailey are among the Harrogate residents who have taken part in the project so far. Picture: David Smalley.Ricky and Keri Bailey are among the Harrogate residents who have taken part in the project so far. Picture: David Smalley.
Ricky and Keri Bailey are among the Harrogate residents who have taken part in the project so far. Picture: David Smalley.

David said these moments of daily exercise can show togetherness and raw emotion at a time when we find ourselves more physically isolated than ever, but not in spirit.

He said: "During your daily exercise, who you decide to bring out with you from your household, and what form of exercise you take, is kind of your only form of public expression at the moment.

"This is an opportunity for people to have their individual stories put together into an artefact, something that exists and becomes part of a permanent record of what the town was like at this time.

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"I hope this creates something that people can take off their bookshelves and talk to their children about in the future - encouraging people to share memories of what happened, so that those memories are not lost.

Harrogate photographer David Smalley.Harrogate photographer David Smalley.
Harrogate photographer David Smalley.

"Coronavirus is going to be the genesis of a change, a big change, it is an event unmatched in history, and it is impossible to calculate the ripple effects of this and what it's going to change about society. But I hope we will see the positive and caring side of the community shown during the outbreak continuing, and I hope by producing a physical record like this, it will create more conversation in the future."

Ricky Bailey, who has taken part in the project with his partner Keri, said: "David's project highlights that this is a time which will be remembered as a significant part of history, and documenting this through photography is a great way of telling a story - as the saying goes, 'a picture paints a thousand words.'

"During these difficult times of isolation, taking part in this project enables you to feel reconnected with the local community. Plus it made our daily exercise routine even more enjoyable."

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David would love to capture some key workers in his project, and the photographs he has already taken show the happiness and positivity maintained by many residents despite these worrying times.

Jory Adamson has also taken part in the project. Picture: David Smalley.Jory Adamson has also taken part in the project. Picture: David Smalley.
Jory Adamson has also taken part in the project. Picture: David Smalley.

David said: "I feel like I'm more connected locally than I ever have been, in terms of shopping at small shops and talking to neighbours over the fence, and everyone coming out to clap for the NHS. I don't think I've ever seen so many of my neighbours, of course at a distance and shouting over the road.

"I hope the photos will show people being happy and drawing whatever comfort they can at the moment. But everyone will draw their own different meanings from the photos."

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