Midwest Nest Magazine
  • Home
  • Latest Issues
  • Features
    • design & diy
    • culture & lifestyle
    • cuisine
  • design challenge
    • Design Challenge 2021 with SCHEELS
    • Detail Photos - Design Challenge 2020
  • About
    • sponsorships & events
    • awards
  • Contact

midwest art, culture & lifestyle

Documenting Our New Normal

5/1/2020

0 Comments

 

[#Socialdistancingproject]

Story by McKaila Ruud
Photography by M.Schleif Photography
Morgan Schleif, M.Schleif Photography, The Social Distancing Project, Midwest Nest Magazine
People around the world are staying home, washing their hands, and keeping their distance from others in an effort to slow the spread of Coronavirus, or COVID-19. While Fargo-Moorhead has not experienced this infection at the magnitude that some areas around the country are, we are still doing our part to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy. This dramatically changed how many of us live our lives. From restaurants switching to take out only, employees working from home, and parents learning to homeschool, practically everyone is affected in some way. Globally, many artists have taken to their trade to find relief or to make sense of this time.
Read Digital Magazine

THE SOCIAL DISTANCING PROJECT

Local photographer, Morgan Schleif, of M.Schleif Photography, was inspired by a photography project on social media and felt that it could help her make sense of this time and bring her fellow Fargoans some joy during such a difficult transition. Morgan decided to bring The Social Distancing Project, a documentary photography project, to Fargo. On March 27th and 28th, Morgan spent her entire day traveling around to houses, apartments, and local businesses to photograph people through their window. It is worth noting that a major part of the fight to treat and stop the spread of Coronavirus, healthcare workers and others on the frontlines, was not documented as a part of The Social Distancing Project as to not interrupt the important work they are doing. The Project’s goal was to document how our community is adapting to this new normal and lift up those who are making an effort in their own way to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
 
The Social Distancing Project originated with Morgan’s friend and fellow photographer Caroline Axvig, of Caroline the Photographer. She runs a photography company in the greater Boston, Mass. area. That area of the country was experiencing social distancing guidelines much earlier than us in the Midwest. After two weeks of work-from-home guidelines, Caroline found herself missing photography, searching for a way to document this time and needing to fulfill her extroversion with some human interaction. She started The Social Distancing Project with sessions in four cities near Boston. She photographed through windows and up to balconies to document how people are adapting to these times and staying home.

Residents and businesses in Fargo could participate in The Social Distancing Project by following a scheduling link and signing up for a 15-minute timeslot via M.Schleif Photography’s social media pages. The sessions were open to the public at no cost and filled in a matter of about four hours. Morgan spent two days photographing 33 businesses and families throughout Fargo and West Fargo. This project was photographed from a large distance away from the subject and through a window, so Morgan talked with the subjects over speakerphone to give direction during each photo session. Safety was carefully considered when photographing the subjects. Morgan shot with a 70-200mm macro zoom lens which allowed her to capture people in their homes and businesses while she stood at the edge of their yard or across the street.
Morgan Schleif, The Social Distancing Project, Midwest Nest Magazine

STAYING HOME

Families jumped on the chance to be a part of the Project and each gave a unique look into what life at home looks like for them. Families came to the front door in cozy clothes, kids showed off their #aworldofhearts windows in superhero costumes and started nerf gun wars, couples cheered to local breweries on their balconies, and people posed with their roommates, pets and plants. While she was photographing, Morgan realized that everyone seemed to need this project as much as she did. 

So many of the participants expressed how remarkable this time was for them and their family and how much joy it brought them to see another human in their yard. Participants shared why they wanted to be a part of the project or what they have learned during this time at home:

"This has personally been a time to reflect and focus on what I’m truly thankful for, and what matters. Everyday life is beyond busy, and maybe we needed this forced time to slow down and breathe.”
  • Kaitlyn K.

“We are often trying to shift our minds to the positive things that may come of this- the new ways we engage with each other, the lessons we learn, the ways we support one another, and the opportunity to slow down. This project highlights this moment in time that will change so much about how we connect.”
  • Holly S.

“For the first time as parents, we've finally had time to do the family things we felt like we never had time to do. As challenging as this has been, we're also grateful. In many ways, it's felt like our kids are getting a glimpse of my own childhood. Growing up on a farm, we leaned on each other. When we got bored, we didn't get to run off to a friend's house in town, we were forced to get creative and use our imagination with what we had. I really didn't think my kids would ever have that type of experience."
  • Tracy N.

"We’ve been so encouraged by the support of the Fargo-Moorhead community! Both from regulars who have grown to love our coffee and waffles, to people who have never tried our shop until now, we are feeling loved as people come together and support local businesses!”
  • Black Coffee & Waffle Bar
M.Schleif Photography, The Social Distancing Project, Midwest Nest Magazine

SUPPORT SMALL

M.Schleif Photography typically works with many small businesses in the FM area, so she was inspired to open The Social Distancing Project to businesses as well as residents. The current times are causing most businesses to change how they operate. Businesses large and small are sending people home to work remotely, retail shops are turning to online selling, and restaurants are turning to take out and delivery options. Morgan’s goal was to uplift these businesses and showcase the ways they are remaining up and running during this time.

“It has been beautiful to see people pivot so dramatically, it’s caused so much creativity, innovation, and inspired such community support. I wanted businesses to have these photos to promote what they are offering now. That was really important to me.”
  • Morgan Schleif, M.Schleif Photography

While Morgan’s usual work is often with families or small businesses, The Social Distancing Project is still very different from what she’s used to. She currently is not taking on any in-person client work until it is safe to do so again, because she is usually much more immersed in what she is photographing. You could often find her standing in a large crowd at an event, playing with kiddos during a family session, spending time with a couple throughout their entire wedding day, or inside a home or kitchen taking some of the photos you see in this magazine. 

The Social Distancing Project was meant to highlight the impact that coronavirus and social distancing have had on our daily lives. During the photo sessions and after the photos were shared, many people expressed how much joy these photos have been able to spread. It is Morgan’s hope that they can be a reflection of this time in our community, a reminder that all of us are in this together, and encouragement to keep up the social distancing, hand washing, and other precautions to protect the health of everyone in our community.
The Social Distancing Project, Midwest Nest Magazine

FOLLOW THE PROJECT:

You can find more photos from The Social Distancing Project on M.Schleif Photography’s Facebook and Instagram pages, Caroline the Photographer’s Facebook and Instagram pages, or by searching the hashtag: #thesocialdistancingproject

For more information, contact:

M.Schleif Photography
  • Morgan Schleif
  • mschleifphotography@gmail.com
Read Digital Magazine
Morgan Schleif, M.Schleif Photography, The Social Distancing Project, Midwest Nest Magazine
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Midwest Nest loves the culture from the upper midwest, and we are excited to share stories from around the area.

    Archives

    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

    Categories

    All
    1st International Bank And Trust
    Accent Contracting
    Aegean Imports
    Air B&B
    Alley Fair
    Amanda Kreidlkamp
    Amanda Rydell
    Ami Baxter Design
    Anna Lee
    Apartments
    Art
    Art Exhibit
    Art Gallery
    Artist
    Art Studio
    Audra Mari
    Author
    Back Pain
    Back To School
    Backyard Getaway
    Barbara Wolfe
    Bedroom Remodel
    Beer And Fish Company
    Ben Bricks
    Beverly Peters
    Billy Wagness
    Block 8
    Blu 32
    Bluestem Amphitheater
    Blu Water Creek
    Bostad
    Boutique
    Broadway
    Cabin
    Camper Restoration
    Canoe Parade
    Capitol Gallery
    CBD
    CBD Of Fargo
    Charles Cooper
    Child Development Center
    Chiropractor
    Christkindlmarkt
    Christmas
    Cinematography
    City Centre Lofts
    Claudia Johnstone
    Closet Organization
    Connected
    COVID-19
    Craft Fest
    Crafts
    Culinary Concepts
    Cultivating Culture
    Culture
    Dakota Blitz Build 3:10
    Dakota Fine Arts Gallery
    Darcy Simonson
    Davenport
    Designer Homes
    Design Resources Group
    Dillard Apartments
    Dina Schulz
    Down Home
    Downtown Fargo
    Dr. Gefroh Ellison
    Dr. Jason Kelly
    Druthers
    Eco Chic Home
    Eco Chic Home And Handpicked Goods
    Ellie Mae
    Elliot Steinbrink
    Emily Dreyer
    Enclave Companies
    Escape Rooms
    Essentia Health
    Event Center
    Eventide Senior Living
    Fall Fest
    Family Services
    Fargo
    Fargo Escape Room
    Fergus Falls MN
    Finance
    Financial Goals
    First International Bank
    First National Bank
    Floral Design & Art
    FLY Fargo
    FM Area Foundation
    Folkways
    Foss Architecture And Interiors
    Fred And Anna Lassonde
    Fundraiser
    Fuze Entertainment
    Gala
    Garden Design
    Garden Party
    Give Back
    Giving Back
    Going Green
    Grain Designs
    Greece
    Greg Diehl
    Gynecology
    Habitat For Humanity
    Habitat ReStore
    Heart N Soul Community Cafe
    Hemp
    HempDropz
    Hoedown
    Holiday Home Tour
    Holy Kraft
    Home Organization
    House Hunting Checklist
    Howard Soap Company
    Hyp-Happy Kids
    Jack Yackowics
    Jade Nielsen
    Jade Presents
    Jade Properties
    Jared Eischen
    Jasper Hotel
    Jay Fischer
    JBC Commercial
    Jeana Peinovich
    Jenny Junker
    Jeremiah Program
    Jerry Erbstoesser
    Jessica Wachter
    Julian D. Elofson
    Karen Wulfekuhle
    Katherine Pendergast
    Kat's Socks
    Kent Burkhardsmeier
    Kilbourne Group
    Kirsten Waverek
    Krueger Construction
    Lacey Hagensen
    Lake Property
    Lakes Area Home Tour
    Landon's Light
    Landon Solberg
    Lend A Hand Up
    Lifestyle
    Lisa Hemm
    Local Art
    Local Entertainment
    Log The Sauna
    Lonnie Pederson
    Love Always Floral And Events
    Lux Communities
    Luxury Townhomes
    Maria Bosak
    Marion Lake
    Mathew's Voice Project
    McIntosh
    McNeal And Friends
    Mens Apparel
    Minnesota
    Minnesota Rust
    Miracle Moment Initiative
    Model
    Monte Jones
    Moorhead
    Morgan Schleif
    M.Schleif Photography
    Music
    Nancy Erdman
    New Year's Day
    Night Bazaar
    Non Profit
    Non-profit
    North Fargo
    Olive Oil
    Outdoor Design
    Oxbow
    Parade Of Homes
    Perham
    Photography
    Pickels The Dog
    Plains Art Museum
    Providence At Prairie Farms
    Puzzled Escape Rooms
    Rachel Wulfekuhle
    Railee Photography
    Rebuild Our Community
    Red River
    Red River Market
    Reed And Taylor Antiques
    Refinance Your Home
    Ria Czichotzki
    River Keepers
    Robert Leslie
    Roberts Alley
    Rosie Goes To Fargo
    Sculpture
    Shawna Davidson
    Shop
    Shoppes At BLU
    Signs Of A Stroke
    Social Distancing
    Spencer Johannes
    Spine Pain Relief
    Stroke Experts
    Student Athletes
    Studio West Homes
    Summer Camp
    Support
    Support Group
    Supporting Local Artists
    Sydney Fritz
    Tami And AJ Hampson
    Tara Fermoyle
    Tessa Martin
    The Beaty Room
    The Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center For Creativity
    The Maple Tree
    The Pines
    The Red Poppy
    The White House Company
    The Yard
    Thomsen Homes
    Tim Beaton
    Treehouse
    Unbrushed Gallery
    Unglued
    Uptown And Main
    Uptown Fargo
    Ursula Hegvik
    Vineyard At Marion Lake
    Vintage Rentals
    Violet Velvet
    Virtual Health Care
    Wedding Expo
    Wedding Venue
    West Acres Mall
    Western Products
    YWCA Cass Clay

    RSS Feed


Picture
Client Portal
© 2020 Midwest Nest LLC
Site powered by Rick Rea
Terms and Conditions  |  Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Latest Issues
  • Features
    • design & diy
    • culture & lifestyle
    • cuisine
  • design challenge
    • Design Challenge 2021 with SCHEELS
    • Detail Photos - Design Challenge 2020
  • About
    • sponsorships & events
    • awards
  • Contact