P.J. Morgan Real Estate agent Lasha Goodwin has been taking photos since childhood. Combining land use economics expertise with her passion for historical preservation and her legacy Black family background, her project documents how North Omaha residents are “coping with the pandemic” minus normal socialization.

“We very much so live in consequence of one another,” she said, “so the fact that because of COVID we’re apart, there’s suffering. An essential life component is missing. But with technology, we can still get information and connect. 

“We’re living in a very imperfect circumstance. Our hashtag, well-researched, data-based society has been stumped by nature, and it’s been a minute. There’s a certain authenticity about that.”

Goodwin’s portraits depicting folks standing their ground at home or at unity gatherings brim with color and life. She tries catching informal details that reveal people’s resiliency or fragility.

“There’s nothing like the real thing of the moment you experience something. I’m trying to convey what did it feel like when I interviewed them. Many are grateful for the change of pace and the availability for other things like family dinners or hobbies. There are also themes of fear and how weird this time is.”

She devised her project after coming to terms with her own trauma.

“I was in a Zoom wellness committee meeting at work and everyone began to share what we’re experiencing during [the] pandemic—emotional highs and lows. And it was in that moment I realized I was actually struggling, and I wanted to know how other people were coping.” ›

Gathering the images and stories continued to remind her of the real threat of illness and the vital need for justice. It’s also helped her face her own insecurities and strengths.

“Prior to this project, I was taking pictures of things, not people,” she said. “When it comes to capturing people, I had this genuine fear. But communication [has] never been a challenge for me. I’m a talker. I love people. I love conversing with people.” 

Before, she mostly took pictures with a cell phone. Now she’s using a DSLR camera. She’s still learning, but likes the results.

“I’m a perfectionist. I feel proud of myself that I’ve stepped beyond my fear of imperfection.” 

Goodwin submitted a selection of her pandemic-related photography to The Durham Museum’s permanent collection, some of which was featured on their social media. She is also considering an exhibition.

“It’s important to cultivate stories of people who have experience with places and spaces,” she said. “I’m always looking for moments to capture in consideration for the future. I know as a collector of experiences, I will always make room for taking pictures.” 

View her project on Instagram: @lifeisgoodwin_photography (#PORCHtraiture: Connection in Quarantine).