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Snapping out of Lockdown
(July 14, 2020)A Warminster resident literally ‘snapped’ out of lockdown and kept a very safe social distance taking full advantage of her home town location in rural Wiltshire.
Dealing with the stress and anxiety of the pandemic restrictions has seen one local woman return to a therapeutic way of enjoying the open countryside and capturing images of nature at its best.
Justine Hadfield, who was on anti-depressants for 16 years until taking up photography 15 months ago, did not go out in public at all in the first four weeks of lockdown and ventured out very cautiously in the following weeks.
“I found that photography helped me enormously and within weeks of taking up the hobby I stopped taking anti-depressants,” explained Justine.
The only fresh air enjoyed at first was a walk in the garden down to her workshop where Justine makes artistic glassware for sale.
Dusting off her camera Justine enjoys using it to capture images of the landscape, animals and plants in their natural habitat.
Go Rural
It inspires her creativity in making the unique glassware and her first steps from the front door took her to Smallbrook Nature Reserve.
“It is easy to strictly socially distance visiting areas of Salisbury Plain and our rural areas spending hours trying to capture the perfect picture.
“I have also made three new friends with the same passion that I now have re-awakened and we call ourselves ‘four on tour’,” said a smiling Justine
“This month we went out on our first full day on Salisbury Plain for hares in the morning and then Tidworth for butterflies in the afternoon.“
“I have learnt a lot about fieldcraft as well to get as close as I can to our amazing wildlife and I did 17,000 steps!”
In one day the lens can capture up to 500 images to make sure that one of them can inspire her next work of art.
"I also feel good that sharing my photos on social media has brought pleasure to those under a more severe lockdown than many us are now allowed."
Photo of Justine with her essentials, camera and coffee, a few of her favourite snaps, and an example of her work.