Kinross photographer develops his snapshot of living in lockdown

Collection of more than 800 photos helping people stay connected while apart

A Kinross photographer has created a series of around 800 pictures documenting the lockdown

Ross Mitchell, 40, has been out every day for the duration of the lockdown period taking photos of ordinary people – and their dogs – in his community.

He has taken hundreds of photos as part of a social documentary based on the Kinross community.

Ross also hopes to display the photos in an exhibition when the coronavirus pandemic is completely over.

He said: “I could not work as I usually do and needed something to keep me busy and focused in this uncertain time.

“So I thought I would go out with just my camera and take photographs of the local people my partner and I met while on our daily exercise allowance, keeping in line with social distancing rules.

“Working as a photographer normally involves me using multiple lights on location, but due to the coronavirus, I became restricted in how I captured my photography, so I decided I would go back to basics.”

A graduate of the Edinburgh College of Art, Ross is currently a freelance photographer.

When lockdown measures came into force, he was in the process of making a documentary for the Scottish Gliding Centre, but restrictions soon meant available work quickly reduced, so he decided to document people during the “surreal” time.

“At first it was a surreal experience, as nothing like this has ever happened in our lifetime, but I never thought I would get so much interest,” he said.

“So many people have told me what a great idea this is and say they look forward to seeing the photographs every night and to keep them coming.

“People have said that it makes them feel connected with the world, especially as some are in isolation, so seeing their friends and family in the photographs somehow makes them feel close to them.”

Ross added: “A few have said it would be good to see them in a gallery format or even a book, documenting a social historical record of Kinross 2020.

“Some have even suggested putting them in the time capsule at the square.”

Shona Black, left, and Agnes Widley (and their dogs) in two of the portraits captured by Kinross photographer Ross Mitchell.

Picture: Steve Brown. Ross Mitchell kept busy in lockdown.