Shutdown Captured Through the Lens of Local Photographer
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Shutdown Captured Through the Lens of Local Photographer
Houstonian and professional photographer Barbara Perlick is using this time in quarantine to capture incredible images around Houston. A picture is worth a thousand words, holds true especially during times of struggle and uncertainty.
Barbara’s images depict the emptiness during the “lockdown period” with the exception of a grocery store. Face masks used to seem suspicious or scary, but now it seems scarier to see someone without one. Barbara Perlick, Photographer
Perlick is a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and has created a multitude of custom pieces that are displayed in private residences, from Houston to Tokyo. Beginning in March 2020, her work will be available for purchase at Buttonhook Boutique in the Four Seasons Hotel Houston.
Perlick earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Fairfield University. She worked as a consultant and sat on the Board of the Sales and Marketing Executives of Greater New York. During and after her career in marketing, she took photography courses and had the unique opportunity to take a workshop in New York City with world-renowned photographer Steve McCurry. Perlick prefers shooting mostly in black and white, as she believes that without the distraction of color, a stronger emotional connection and a sense of timelessness are created. Perlick’s distinctive style has led to the commission of her work by clients across the nation, including a series featuring still-life shots around Minute Maid Park for Houston Astros owner Jim Crane. The stunning images are now a permanent installation at his restaurant Potente.
In her free time, Perlick enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, antiquing, cooking, and volunteering within her community. She enjoys giving back as often as possible and has held positions on numerous boards, including President of the Board of Ms. Wheelchair Texas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization striving to improve the lives of people with disabilities through its mission of advocacy and education. She has also held the position of Vice President for Taking Initiative to Survive, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatment.
Perlick’s work can also be previewed on her website, https://www.barbaraperlickphotography.com/.
A few questions for Barbara Perlick
Int: What were you looking for in telling your Covid-19 story through your camera lens?
BP: I’ve been really touched by the images of healthcare workers selflessly helping others. It shows Houston’s strength and sense of community. My desire was to capture a different side of the story. I wanted to show the effects of COVID-19 on the city from the average person’s perspective. I wanted to point out that to experience the full impact of these black and white photographs, it is imperative to know that they were taken mid-day during the week.
Int: Why were so many of your photos in black and white?
BP: Black and white is my signature style. I am drawn to it because I believe it creates a stronger emotional connection and lends itself to timelessness. The black and white images reflect the serious and somber emotions during COVID-19.
Int: What did you feel or learn during your many days of shooting this remarkable collection of Houston photos?
BP: When I first became interested in photography, my goal was to document where I was so I could always look back and remember how I felt in a specific moment.
My first photoshoot was difficult for me to digest. There was emptiness where there is typically congestion, and lines where they never existed. It was overwhelmingly sad, and this new reality hit me hard.
Houston is an amazing city. I’ve always found that difficult times can bring out the best in people, which is why I felt it was necessary to show the positive outcomes of this experience as well. I began to photograph these situations in color because I wanted to demonstrate that there is a bright side to this seemingly grim time. I’ve been so impressed by the ingenuity of both children and adults as they have developed creative ways to still celebrate life’s important moments and help others.