Sheffield photographer captures powerful images of key workers during Covid-19 pandemic

The 29-year-old photographer from Heeley started the project as a ‘thank you’ for the essential staff working to keep the country going during the coronavirus crisis.
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Sheffield photographer, Alexandra Wallace has started documenting key workers in the city, who are battling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic during lockdown, to show appreciation for their hard work during this challenging time.

The 29-year-old from Heeley, who has been doing portraiture, lifestyle and food photography for the last four years, came up with the idea to start the ‘key worker’ project – where she photographs essential staff on their doorsteps – after her paid work dried up in March.

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Alexandra said: "I was just feeling very anxious and a bit all over the place to be honest for a good two weeks, I just thought I need something to do, I need to be doing a project of some kind.

Dawn Lister, from Meersbrook works as a  care co-ordinator.Dawn Lister, from Meersbrook works as a  care co-ordinator.
Dawn Lister, from Meersbrook works as a care co-ordinator.

"I came up with the key worker project which has just been so inspiring for me and so motivating.

"I haven't been working and going to talk to these people who are doing 70 or 80 hour weeks is very different to my life during lockdown so it was just really lovely.”

She initially started photographing key workers in Heeley, when only essential travel was permitted at the start of lockdown.

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Alexandra, who has now captured images of over 20 essential workers, now hopes to photograph doctors, paramedics and frontline coronavirus staff as part of the ongoing project.

NHS clerical worker, Collins Opiyo was photographed outside his house in Heeley.NHS clerical worker, Collins Opiyo was photographed outside his house in Heeley.
NHS clerical worker, Collins Opiyo was photographed outside his house in Heeley.

"I think it's kind of a thank you from me really and to even get them recognised in their community.

"I spoke to one lady and she was working 70, 80 hour weeks and she was worried about not having enough PPE so she was making masks after her shift at home – that really got to me.

"In 50 years time to come back and have a look at these pictures of people who basically ran their country, I think that needs to be told and I think it needs to be shared, people just need to see it.”

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Key workers can get involved with the project by contacting Alexandra via her website or on Instagram @alexandrawallacephotography.

Ben Herring-Gibbs, from Millhouses was pictured in his postman uniform.Ben Herring-Gibbs, from Millhouses was pictured in his postman uniform.
Ben Herring-Gibbs, from Millhouses was pictured in his postman uniform.

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Alexandra Wallace has been photographing key workers who are continuing to provide essential services during the coronavirus crisis.Alexandra Wallace has been photographing key workers who are continuing to provide essential services during the coronavirus crisis.
Alexandra Wallace has been photographing key workers who are continuing to provide essential services during the coronavirus crisis.

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