Love Lockdown - Meg Jepson
Meg Jepson
LOCKDOWN has been a new experience for us all, not least for young people in relationships.
This is the subject for Newcastle-based photographer Meg Jepson’s recent project, Love Lockdown.
The series involves frank discussions with couples spending time quarantined with each other and striking photos on their doorstep.
It has been one of the most positive and hopeful media projects that we’ve seen since lockdown began.
“It was such a weird time in general, the beginning of the year is always so slow, I just ended up feeling lost and can imagine so many other people did too,” said Meg.
“I was going through a really tough time of knowing I wanted to document what was happening but really struggling to think of an angle or doing it tastefully and safe.
“A lot of my friends had moved in with their partners to spend lockdown together and I thought it would be a great thing to document as couples spend intense time together for an unknown amount of time.
“When I started taking my first few portraits I was like yes. I have always been weirdly obsessed with couples in general and how everyone works differently so I was really inspired to move forward with the idea.”
One of Meg’s featured couples, Tom and Caitlin, are shown below.
“It’s surprised me, I thought we’d fall out more,” said Caitlin.
“I think it’s just not having our own space. We have a tiny room and we’re both quite independent people - especially when we’re hungover.”
Another couple, Cait and Yannick, said lockdown had made them appreciate their time together more.
“It’s definitely made me appreciate it more than I’ve felt restricted by it” said Cait.
“Whenever one of us is really struggling you can’t help but see it immediately because we are spending every second together. You resolve things together a lot more, you have to be honest and speak about it.”
While Love Lockdown has been the source of much positivity and inspiration, Meg hopes to shed light on the negative affects the past few months has had on many.
“Unfortunately, the reality is that for many women, children and men, their living situations are the complete opposite of what I am documenting,” Meg explains.
“Sadly, many have found themselves trapped with their abusers. Since lockdown began there has been a 49% surge in calls to the domestic abuse helplines and a 35% surge to the men's advice line.
“These are staggering statistics in a lockdown which is designed to keep us safe.”
As a result, Meg has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for West End Women & Girls Centre, a Newcastle-based domestic abuse charity. To donate and find out more CLICK HERE.
To find out more about Meg’s work visit her website by CLICKING HERE.
