These days of sheltering in place can feel dim and gray, but Angela and Colin Thomas recently gave their neighbors a reason to smile.
Photographers for their Homewood-based studio Thomas Photographic Studio, the couple extended a deal to residents of Homewood and Flossmoor. As part of a project to photograph local families, the Thomases would come to your home and take a photo of your family outdoors.
For only a $1 reservation fee, Angela and Colin offered to bring their professional gear and skills to sidewalks in front of residents’ homes and photograph them from a safe distance.
“The response has been amazing,” Angela said. “People started signing up right away.”
In only two days of shooting, the Thomases photographed more than 100 families in the H-F community. They will photograph 60 more on Saturday to add to the collection.
From large homes to balcony scenes, the photos show families gathered together in their place of shelter. Some used this as a chance to goof on the pandemic situation, posing with a spray can of disinfectant cleaner or a multi-roll pack of toilet paper.
Some used the opportunity to pose for a formal family photo, while others hammed it up by creating humorous scenes. In one photo, a dad jumps energetically from a half-story window, while in another image a mom admonishes her kids for not cleaning.
The Thomases relied on their subjects to pose themselves with some direction and encouragement as they captured each family from 6 feet away or farther.
“For me, it was just nice to pick up a camera again, since we’re closed down right now,” Angela said.
Flipping through the images you see proud new parents, classic couples, hilariously sullen teens, and the personalities of local residents.
And dogs — so many dogs.
Mary Pat and Terry Meehan joked that they wore their “dress sweats” for the photo. The Homewood couple of 27 years posed with their adult children, Elizabeth, Anna and David, who are working and studying from the family home.
“This was a great opportunity to document this time, especially while I have my kids at home,” said Mary Pat, who was holding the family’s small dog for the photo.
Mary Pat, a pediatric physical therapist, and Terry, a graphic designer, are both working from home during this time.
“I’m just worried about the water bill, with everyone being here and all the hand washing,” Terry said.
Angela and Colin know the Meehans, as they know many local families through their photography work and lifelong community ties. Colin is the fifth generation of his family living in Homewood, making the couple’s 1-year-old daughter, Elloren, sixth generation.
This isn’t the Thomases’ first time conducting a project that involved photographing families outside their homes. In previous years they have captured faces and facades in Homewood and Flossmoor with similar projects.
The project takes on new significance, however, in an environment of constraint. Residents can’t go out to have their photo taken, so the Thomases brought a photography experience to them at home.
“We can’t get up close with people, so this is something quick and fun we can do to take their photo,” Angela said. “It’s a way for us to stay connected to the community and give back.”