Self Isolation in Photos

One of my online groups recently had a photo competition, with the theme "Self Isolation." This was a very interesting challenge, and fun to think about. Oddly enough, it took my mind off feeling Self Isolated, while focusing on it.

Here's what the judges had to say about it:
"One definition of "art" in the Cambridge Dictionary is "the making of objects, images, music, etc. that are beautiful and/or that express feelings."
"Self Isolation" is a difficult subject - it's likely to engender strong emotions, often unpleasant, such as claustrophobia, loneliness, frustration, jealousy, impatience. But emotions don't photograph easily; the photographer must choose scenes that express either his/her own emotions or those sympathetically perceived in others."

We were allowed 5 entries - 2 of mine were rated 🙂

Judges commented:
"A claustrophobic, "shuttered in" apartment view, with a tantalising glimpse of sunshine and freedom outside…"

Judges commented:
"Desperation in the crazy framing - is this the last sight before she jumps, or is she jealous of the dad and boy making the best of it?"
My answer - 😉 this was really one of the best moments of each day - it provided so much emotional relief from the ongoing anxiety, and joy in the playtime still possible.

3 were not rated 🙂

My first day out during confinement, I improvised a mask - this was a quick, fun picture, steamed glasses and all. A little humor counteracted some of the inherent fear of going out and doing what needed to be done.

Each evening at 8pm, our community would go to windows and balconies for "Le Clapping," applauding the healthcare workers dealing with the coronavirus fallout. We forged a few bonds, adding a wave across the parking lot.
For this photo, I really wanted a distant look, and got the grainy texture I was looking for. But I really would have liked to have the lady on her balcony in sharp focus as well - I didn't have a good tool for that. :-\

I was curious how the judges would compare this picture and the other "shuttered" view. I liked the added oppressed feeling from the darker shutter here, but the "missing out" feeling is stronger with the balconies showing in the other one.