During quarantine, many people find themselves working from home or without a job altogether. Local photographer Talea Gaw was no exception.
Back in March when non-essential businesses were ordered to temporarily close, Gaw had to lock up her photography studio — Reflections by Talea — without knowing how soon she would be able to shoot again.
After postponing upcoming sessions, she started brainstorming on what she could do to keep her creativity flowing.
“I wanted to do something unique to keep me shooting, while also keeping me safe at home, and to hopefully bring some smiles and laughs to my clients and social media,” Gaw said.
An idea came to her, and she asked to borrow her friend’s daughter’s Barbies for a photoshoot.
Gaw then made a little wooden crib, a dress, and some other props. Once everything was ready for the shoot, she said she spent “far too long” trying to pose stiff, plastic Barbie dolls.
“It had me laughing, so I couldn’t wait to share,” she said. “Everyone started commenting on how much they loved it and I was excited to do more.”
So after ordering more dolls online and crafting more tiny props and clothes, Gaw decided to create a mini-series of Barbie sessions which included a nurse, twin 1-year-olds, a maternity session, twin newborns, and even a Barbie home birth where she made the doll have a pregnant belly.
Gaw also did a military homecoming shoot for a woman whose husband is coming home, but the real-life reunion is being delayed because of current safety guidelines.
“It was amazing to be able to do something special for her, her husband and their kids,” she said.
Gaw said people commented that they began looking forward to what was next and that it brought a smile or a laugh to their day, and their kids were getting a kick out of it, too.
“In such an odd time right now, and having to have my business temporarily closed due to the mandates, I am so glad I could think of a way to bring some happiness and fun to others all around the world,” Gaw said. “I have more Barbies arriving and cannot wait to share more photoshoots in this series.”
The images can be found on the Reflections by Talea Facebook and Instagram pages and a full Barbie Newborn Session is featured on her blog.
