Film Friday: 'Photography through the Pandemic' showcases work of film photographers worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic has touched nearly every aspect of daily life across the globe. While there’s no denying the hardships endured and losses felt by nearly everyone on this planet throughout the past two tumultuous years, Hamish Gill, founder of 35mmc, wanted to showcase the work of film photographers who have continued to create throughout the global pandemic. What he and his collaborator, Holly Gillman, came up with is Photography through the Pandemic, a book that showcases the images and words of 49 different photographers from across the world who were inspired to create over the past year-and-a-half.

Gill says Photography through the Pandemic is a look into ’the myriad ways that the Pandemic has affected photographers from all around the world and from all different backgrounds.’ But it’s about more than just photography. Gill says the book ‘is about shared experience; the different ways we as humans respond to crises, and how we learn to cope as individuals.' He also says it's 'about the power of creativity as a coping mechanism and can even be seen as an important document that – through words and pictures – captures a moment in human history that won’t, or at very least shouldn’t, be forgotten for decades to come.’

The photographs and words within the book come from a diverse range of artists from around the world, representing different cultures, races, genders and backgrounds. And as diverse as these individuals’ experiences are, Gill says everyone who contributed to the book ‘is connected by their response as a human being, as well as a shared passion for film photography and alternative photographic processes.’

While the book has been a special project for Gill and his collaborators, it took on an even more profound meaning following the saw news that John Whitemore, a respected member of the film photography world who went by the name ‘TheDarkShed’ across social media, had passed away. To honor Whitemore and his contributions to the film photography community, Gill has dedicated this book to John. He will be the 50th contributor to the book and all profits from the book will be split between charities Whitemore supported in life and a trust fund for his young daughter, Harriet.

Photography through the Pandemic is currently being funded on Kickstarter, where it has surpassed roughly 70% of its $16,000 goal via pledges from more than 190 backers. There are 36 days to go in the campaign and a pledge of £25 / $35, plus shipping, will get you a single copy of the book. The first books are expected to be delivered by February 2022.

To read more about the Kickstarter, head on over to the Photography through the Pandemic campaign. If you have any questions about the book or campaign, you're free to ask questions on the FAQ page. You can also read more about the work and life of John Whitemore on this campaign update post.


About Film Fridays: We've launched an analog forum and in a continuing effort to promote the fun of the medium, we'll be sharing film-related content on Fridays, including articles from our friends at 35mmc and KosmoFoto.

Note/disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project before backing it. Pledges to crowdfunding campaigns are not pre-orders. DPReview does not have a relationship with this, or any such campaign, and we publicize only projects that appear legitimate, and which we consider will be of genuine interest to our readers. You can read more about the safeguards Kickstarter has in place on its ‘Trust & Safety’ page.

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