Julia Fullerton-Batten
the person and light up the room. I did a test first
at home in daylight and at night, working out what
would look better. I also took references from Edward
Hopper’s paintings, which were all kind of solitary
people on their own, looking a little bit alienated,
sitting or standing by windows. For me, twilight
worked better to create that kind of lighting effect
that I was after. I was able to bring in extra lighting
to pick them out because, obviously, there were
reflections or they’d be silhouetted or backlit.
I’d ask them to move lighting around.
Once I’d found somebody and agreed a shoot, we’d
easily spend two weeks with a lot of backwards and
forwards. There was a lot of involvement from them
and me coming up with ideas of scenarios, visiting
their homes and meeting them in person – all socially
distanced – then doing the shoot. To begin with,
shoots would last an hour but, as lockdown eased,
I was able to bring one or two assistants with me and
bring special effects, like smoke machines, to create
atmosphere. I’d spray the window if I wanted to add
a rain effect to add an atmospheric look and feel.
Shoots done near the end could last up to six hours.Early on in the project, did you have it in
your mind to make this book, or did
that decision come later?
No. I started putting the images on my Instagram
while I was shooting them, because I had the time
and I also wanted to connect with the outside world.
I got amazing responses every time I wasAbove: Suzie, Lockdown
Day 329.Left: Josh and David,
Lockdown Day 331.Below left: Chloe,
Lockdown Day 19.Julia Fullerton-Batten
Julia Fullerton-BattenJulia Fullerton-Battenhttp://www.digitalcameraworld.com FEBRUARY 2022 DIGITAL CAMERA^123