Photographer Hal Haines documents life in lockdown

A bedroom window with dawn light.
Looking out on a street in the dark morning.

As part of our new social series, ‘Beauty on the Inside’, the London-based member and photographer captured his new routine as an early riser

Wednesday 13 May, 2020

A kettle in a kitchen in the morning light.
A messy kitchen surface with a cup of tea.
A vase of purple flowers with a person behind them.
'Ordinarily I’m not so good at getting up in the morning; particularly in winter and especially when I really need to. I’ve always fancied myself as someone who will mature into an early riser, but it has yet to happen. Since the lockdown I’ve realised that my reluctance to get out of bed is very much a relation of my overfilled schedule, incessant TFL journeys and often an iron grip of the night before. Now these determinants of my drowsiness have seemingly relented (though for how long who can say), I’ve finally been able to focus on pulling myself from the duvet when I want to, rather than when my body will allow it. Now, I can almost wake up with the light of the sprouting sun, to the sound of birds crooning, and just about make it to the stovetop without walking into anything. I am, however, still relying on coffee to ensure safe passage into the rest of my day.
 
I have been isolating at my parents’ house, along with my boyfriend, grandparents and eight animals of differing shapes and sizes. I’m very lucky to have a garden here and spend a lot of my time, when I’m not in the studio or in front of my laptop, sitting in it. Momma (my Mum’s mum) has been here as well, every day, for seven weeks; planting, nurturing and cutting. It sure is looking lovely and the fresh mint has been a godsend. 
 
There’s a flower farm behind my parents’ house, which I was shooting before the pandemic, coming down on the train every other weekend, and have continued to do so now I am here full time. It’s been great to have an ongoing photography project during lockdown, not to mention occasional flowers on the table. Zoe (from the farm) has been making up bunches and leaving them on the gate for families to take home on their daily walks – so thoughtful. 
 
It’s a strange time. But every day, both on the internet and in real life, I see heartwarming examples of people coping, thriving in fact, and it’s answered my question – you just do. It’s brought out such strength and resilience within our community, the global community, and a togetherness we had perhaps lost in our day to day – even though we are further apart than ever before.'

halhaines.com
A person gardening.
Washing hanging on a line in a garden.
A kitchen with evening light.
Someone making homemade dough.
Curtains with sunset light on them.

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