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Erin's Story: One Year, One Family, One Pandemic

46 images Created 2 Nov 2021

I began photographing Erin and her family in March, 2020 days after Los Angeles went to lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic. Like so many others, their lives were severely disrupted.

This is their story in photos presented in chronological order.

Erin, who was set to buy a house with her boyfriend so they could put their families together under one roof, saw that abruptly come to a halt early in the pandemic after she was laid-off for the first time in her life only months into the crisis. Her two kids were suddenly attending school on Zoom from their small, suburban home while she looked for a new job and took on the added responsibilities of teaching and managing their daily lives at home.

Through at-home graduations in June 2020 to clandestine summer get togethers during lockdown to dashed hopes of schools reopening, Zoom fatigue and quiet holidays, 2021 brought renewed hope. Erin had found a new job and was back at work, the kids began to hear of possible school openings and Erin sold her home and prepared to restart her life where it had left off a year earlier.

What a year it's been.

Photos © Todd Bigelow/Contact Press Images.

Please contact LicensingCompliance@ToddBigelowPhotography.com with you licensing requests. All images available in color. Images registered with the United States Copyright Office. ©Todd Bigelow

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  • Erin works from home in communications managing clients' Covid-19 messaging but now has to pull double duty as a teacher managing her two kids' schoolwork under the Stay At Home order. Her son, Spencer, a high school sophomore, was struggling with Math.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-2068.jpg
  • Erin works from home in communications managing clients' Covid-19 messaging but now has to pull double duty as a teacher managing her two kids' schoolwork under the Stay At Home order. Her daughter, Brooklyn, is in 3rd grade and son, Spencer, in 8th grade.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-2079.jpg
  • Early on in the shutdown, residents were relying on package deliveries for nearly everything and were unsure if the virus could be transmitted on surfaces. Everything was sprayed.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-3604-2.jpg
  • With social distancing and Stay At Home orders prohibiting gatherings, the "Zoom Party" and "Drive-by" party have supplanted the normal birthday party for kids. Here, Brooklyn turns 9 yrs old and celebrates with a Zoom party with her friends from school.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-4874-2.jpg
  • With social distancing and Stay At Home orders prohibiting gatherings, the "Zoom Party" and "Drive-by" party have supplanted the normal birthday party for kids.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-4977-2.jpg
  • Social distancing means kids are now giving "air hugs" as seen during this social distancing birthday party for 9 yr old Brooklyn.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-5074-2.jpg
  • A tutor works with Brooklyn via Zoom to prepare her for a test the next day in 3rd grade math. Brooklyn stayed in her pajamas, unicorn robe and slippers all day, according to her mom, Erin.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-5259.jpg
  • Erin talks to Brooklyn's tutor as via Zoom.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-5324.jpg
  • Erin was furloughed from her full time job after 13 years and had never filed for unemployment insurance. Her mother, Ellen, came over to help her navigate the online system.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-8279-2.jpg
  • Erin attends a virtual conference with the local high school counselor and principal for information on incoming freshman. Her son, Spencer, will be starting high school in the fall and the lockdown has left parents with many questions.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-9381-2.jpg
  • Spencer Jundeff’s middle school cancelled their in person culmination and offered signs to 8th graders to place in their yard.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-9656-2.jpg
  • With all in person classes cancelled, Brooklyn and Spencer had to get their books and personal belongings from school in May.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-9918-2.jpg
  • With all in person classes cancelled, Brooklyn and Spencer had to get their books and personal belongings from school in May.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-0025-2.jpg
  • With all in person classes cancelled, Brooklyn and Spencer had to get their books and personal belongings from school in May.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-0088-2.jpg
  • With all in person classes cancelled, Brooklyn and Spencer had to get their books and personal belongings from school in May.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-0305-2.jpg
  • With all in person classes cancelled, Brooklyn and Spencer had to get their books and personal belongings from school in May.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-0370-2.jpg
  • With all in person classes cancelled, Brooklyn and Spencer had to get their books and personal belongings from school in May.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-0446-2.jpg
  • For the first time since the pandemic shuttered life in LA, but amid the Safer At Home order mandating social distancing protocols and banning “social gatherings of any kind,” Erin invited her girl friends over for a girls night. The women became friends through the local elementary school where their kids all attend.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-0584-2.jpg
  • For the first time since the pandemic shuttered life in LA, but amid the Safer At Home order mandating social distancing protocols and banning “social gatherings of any kind,” Erin invited her girl friends over for a girls night. The women became friends through the local elementary school where their kids all attend.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-0714-2.jpg
  • With the social distancing mandate into its second month, Erin is more tolerant of small social gatherings as Brooklyn’s friend was invited over to play on a warm, May afternoon. Still under Stage 2 of the Safer At Home order, all gatherings were still being restricted by the city's order to "only allowed with members of your household."
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-0953-2.jpg
  • Erin records Spencer’s 8th grade graduation speech. Spencer was one of three students who were asked to submit a speech to be played during the virtual commencement. Spencer at times grew frustrated trying to remember the lines to the speech.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-1585-2.jpg
  • Erin records Spencer’s 8th grade graduation speech. Spencer was one of three students who were asked to submit a speech to be played during the virtual commencement. Spencer at times grew frustrated trying to remember the lines to the speech.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-1647-2.jpg
  • Erin made sure Spencer’s graduation from Hale Academy Middle School was special despite being virtual. The day started with Erin decorating the house and then watching a virtual graduation posted by the school to YouTube. In the late afternoon, family was invited her home and Spencer, complete in cap and gown, walked down the side of the house to applause, gave a short speech and threw his cap in the air. Erin’s boyfriend, Justin, who owns the Grilled Cheese Truck, arranged for the truck to make a private stop for the party.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-4402.jpg
  • Erin made sure Spencer’s graduation from Hale Academy Middle School was special despite being virtual. The day started with Erin decorating the house and then watching a virtual graduation posted by the school to YouTube. In the late afternoon, family was invited her home and Spencer, complete in cap and gown, walked down the side of the house to applause, gave a short speech and threw his cap in the air. Erin’s boyfriend, Justin, who owns the Grilled Cheese Truck, arranged for the truck to make a private stop for the party.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-4489.jpg
  • Erin made sure Spencer’s graduation from Hale Academy Middle School was special despite being virtual. The day started with Erin decorating the house and then watching a virtual graduation posted by the school to YouTube. In the late afternoon, family was invited her home and Spencer, complete in cap and gown, walked down the side of the house to applause, gave a short speech and threw his cap in the air. Erin’s boyfriend, Justin, who owns the Grilled Cheese Truck, arranged for the truck to make a private stop for the party.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-4582.jpg
  • Erin made sure Spencer’s graduation from Hale Academy Middle School was special despite being virtual. The day started with Erin decorating the house and then watching a virtual graduation posted by the school to YouTube. In the late afternoon, family was invited her home and Spencer, complete in cap and gown, walked down the side of the house to applause, gave a short speech and threw his cap in the air. Erin’s boyfriend, Justin, who owns the Grilled Cheese Truck, arranged for the truck to make a private stop for the party.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-4690.jpg
  • Erin made sure Spencer’s graduation from Hale Academy Middle School was special despite being virtual. The day started with Erin decorating the house and then watching a virtual graduation posted by the school to YouTube. In the late afternoon, family was invited her home and Spencer, complete in cap and gown, walked down the side of the house to applause, gave a short speech and threw his cap in the air. Erin’s boyfriend, Justin, who owns the Grilled Cheese Truck, arranged for the truck to make a private stop for the party.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-4700.jpg
  • Erin Jundef prepares for a job interview by researching on LinkedIn the company and the person interviewing her the following day. She places notes on a board that will stand behind her computer during the interview for quick reference.
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-6477-2.jpg
  • Erin Jundef takes her daughter, Brooklyn, to Target for back to school shopping with a list provided to her by Brooklyn’s 4th grade teacher. Brooklyn then took to setting-up her bedroom with a new desk where she will be “in school” next month. Erin has forbid her daughter from being in bed or in other places inconsistent with a academic environment
    Coronavirus Self Isolation-6799-2.jpg
  • Brooklyn during first period Home Room. She's in virtual school that from her bedroom.
    Coronavirus Virtual School_BW-8561.jpg
  • Brooklyn during Music class where they listened to a One Direction song, learned a dance and then wrote music notes. She attends school virtually from her bedroom.
    Coronavirus Virtual School_BW-8677.jpg
  • Brooklyn during Music class where they listened to a One Direction song, learned a dance and then wrote music notes. She attends school virtually from her bedroom.
    Coronavirus Virtual School_BW-8806.jpg
  • Spencer had to choose a online video workout from YouTube to take and record for his virtual Physical Education class while Erin works from the couch after suffering a painful pinched-nerve overnight. Spencer wasn’t happy with the options.
    Coronavirus Virtual School B&W-8...jpg
  • Spencer takes his virtual Physical Education class while Erin works from the couch after suffering a painful pinched-nerve overnight that limited her ability to move.
    Coronavirus Virtual School B&W-9...jpg
  • Erin celebrates the first night of Chanukah with her children at home which began with dinner.
    Coronavirus Chanukah_B&W-9213.jpg
  • Erin celebrates the first night of Chanukah with her children at home. After dinner, lighting the Menorah and reciting a prayer, the kids opened gifts. It's been a hard year for both kids, especially Brooklyn who days earlier had to suddently deal with her dog Rosie being put to sleep.
    Coronavirus Chanukah_B&W-9348.jpg
  • Erin celebrates the first night of Chanukah with her children at home. After dinner, lighting the Menorah and opening gifts, Spencer and Erin go over an Honors English paper that had to be uploaded as part of his final. He was tired of working on it and wanted Erin to let him be done.
    Coronavirus Chanukah_B&W-9570.jpg
  • With Erin working from home and two kids uploading content and on Zoom at all times throughout the day, the network can get overloaded. Spencer hopes his extra credit video uploads in time with the deadline minutes away on December 18, the last day of his first semester in high school. 
    Coronavirus PE Coronavirus BW-9700.jpg
  • Erin is selling her home and moving into a new home with her boyfriend. It's bitter sweet but she's looking forward to a new chapter in life, she said. A sales agent, right, and his team photograph using a drone as Erin looks on.
    Coronavirus Preparing to Move BW-999...jpg
  • Erin is selling her home and moving into a new home with her boyfriend. It's bitter sweet but she's looking forward to a new chapter in life, she said. Erin and her sales agent move items from room to room so photographs can be taken for the listing.
    Coronavirus Preparing to Move BW-007...jpg
  • Brooklyn was required to watch the livestream of the Biden Inauguration as part of her virtual schoolwork on January 20, 2021.
    Coronavirus Virtual School Inaugurat...jpg
  • A contractor places the For Sale sign in Erin’s yard as her home is put up for sale.
    Coronavirus Home For Sale_BW-0528.jpg
  • After over a year of virtual learning during the pandemic, and exactly one year to the day after Erin was furloughed from her job, Brooklyn returned for her first day of in-person school. Spencer, a freshman in high school, remains in virtual learning so he decided to get up early and walk his sister to her first day of in-person classes in over a year.
    Coronavirus One Year Later BW-0788.jpg
  • After over a year of virtual learning during the pandemic, and exactly one year to the day after Erin was furloughed from her job, Brooklyn returned for her first day of in-person school. Spencer, a freshman in high school, remains in virtual learning so he decided to get up early and walk his sister to her first day of in-person classes in over a year.
    Coronavirus One Year Later BW-0793.jpg
  • After over a year of virtual learning during the pandemic, and exactly one year to the day after Erin was furloughed from her job, Brooklyn returned for her first day of in-person school. Spencer, a freshman in high school, remains in virtual learning so he decided to get up early and walk his sister to her first day of in-person classes in over a year.
    Coronavirus One Year Later BW-0827.jpg
  • After over a year of virtual learning during the pandemic, and exactly one year to the day after Erin was furloughed from her job, Brooklyn returned for her first day of in-person school. Spencer, a freshman in high school, remains in virtual learning so he decided to get up early and walk his sister to her first day of in-person classes in over a year.
    Coronavirus One Year Later BW-0952.jpg
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