The Duchess of Cambridge loves photography, with the royal even capturing the images released of her children for the past several years. Now, Kate Middleton is channelling that keen interest into a community photography project which aims to capture the mood, hopes and fears of the British people during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kate is launching Hold Still in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, of which she is patron.
“We’ve all been struck by some of the incredible images we’ve seen which have given us an insight into the experiences and stories of people across the country. Some desperately sad images showing the human tragedy of this pandemic and other uplifting pictures showing people coming together to support those more vulnerable,” Kate said.
“Hold Still aims to capture a portrait of the nation, the spirit of the nation, what everyone is going through at this time. Photographs reflecting resilience, bravery, kindness – all those things that people are experiencing.”
People from across the UK are invited to submit a photographic portrait, which they are encouraged to accompany with a short written submission. The project will focus on three themes: Helpers and Heroes, Your New Normal, and Acts of Kindness. Entries can be made from Thursday, May 7 and the closing date will be June 18. One hundred shortlisted portraits will be featured in a digital exhibition and a selection will also be shown across the UK later this year.
The palace described the project as “completely free and open to all ages and abilities,” adding that “Hold Still will serve to allow the nation to capture a snapshot of the UK at this time, creating a collective portrait of lockdown which will reflect resilience and bravery, humour and sadness, creativity and kindness, and human tragedy and hope.”
