Since going into lockdown, any important ‘journey’ that I would regularly make, came to an abrupt end. Up until a few weeks ago, when travel restrictions were lifted, my movements were confined to my local area. However, I certainly can’t complain in that regard, as I was spoilt for choice, with a number of beautiful walks nearby. But, there was one particular journey that I, along with my family, would make more than any other. And, now looking back on it, I believe made the event of lockdown much easier to accept.
I’m fortunate enough to have my parents live just around the corner from me, which I always consider a blessing, but perhaps even more so, over the past few months. This enabled my family and I, to visit them often, and use their garden as a safe space for us to play and get some much needed ‘outdoor time’. Not only was this beneficial to my family, but for my parents also, who were able to see – though only through a window – and talk to, in particular, my children.
Though, the journey to my parents’ house takes all of five minutes, it certainly is an interesting route, full of things to see and do along the way, which often results in the travel time being extended considerably. As the majority of the path runs alongside the river – within a wooded area – there are a number of natural objects that we have gradually discovered, and incorporated into our journey, to make it more ‘adventurous’. The journey has now become almost ritualistic in the way it’s made – when the children are present at least – where each of these objects / locations, have to be visited, before continuing on to my parents’ house.
My photographs’ depict what most people would consider to be nothing more than elements of nature, as opposed to my family, who have used these elements in an imaginative way, to make a simple journey seem more captivating.
Iain Barbour - BA (Hons) Photography 