Living as a key worker had always been challenging, but the pandemic brought to light the immense impact and sacrifices involved in these roles. This project focused on the life of Inez, a dedicated caregiver who often covered for her coworkers to ensure they got necessary breaks while providing 24/7 assistance to clients.

During the pandemic, many faced potential job loss, but as society adjusted to the new normal, Inez’s workload surged. Her days started at 5 am and often ended around 10 pm. As her friend, I witnessed the physical toll on her—weight loss and a greyish complexion—but the mental strain was less visible. Despite always appearing cheerful and energetic, Inez was concealing a deeper struggle.

In this project, I aimed to become her shadow, revealing the life behind the uniform of a hero. I documented her day, from her morning routine to her brief moments of rest, capturing what she ate and how she spent her breaks.

Over several days, I observed and documented Inez’s life to provide a comprehensive portrayal of her life as a key worker. This project sought to give the audience an intimate look into the reality of those who quietly upheld our society.

Reading, 2022