Photographer Captures People And Their Bedrooms To Show Their Different Ways Of Living (30 New Pics)

Barbara shared with Bored Panda that the idea of photographing people in their rooms was born in 2016: "I woke up early one morning and looked out my bedroom window to look at my garden. When I turned around I saw my husband wrapped up in blankets, bathed in beautiful golden light with his snore mask on. I had to chuckle at the dichotomy of beauty and humor. Then I thought about how I would complete the scene. It was then I realized that what we have on our side tables and around the room tells a distinct and personal story."

The photographer began to think about taking pictures of people in their bedrooms across the whole country. Most of Barbara's friends said that it was a very interesting concept. She started by photographing a few friends and some interesting people she met.

It was not that easy to find people who would be willing to open their bedroom doors and be completely honest and vulnerable. Yet, to Barbara's surprise, there are plenty who would.

"When I plan a trip to a place in the US, I make an announcement on Facebook and Instagram. Many folks will reach out and say they are willing, or they have a friend, relative or neighbor. From there the contacts grow. Also, I place ads on Craigslist and I print up cards with info about the project and my contact info. I leave these cards around during my travels. I also make it a point to go to smaller towns so I can visit local diners and small shops where everyone knows everyone."

Barbara photographs everyone who wants to be in the project. That’s her rule. "You just never know how it will turn out and I meet the most interesting and diverting people. Some make me laugh and others tug at my heart and soul for days."

We got curious about how the photographer manages to make people feel comfortable in front of her camera and expose their personal and intimate lives. Barbara shared that she chats with her subjects for a bit before they start. "I'm friendly and not very intimidating so it's usually easy to build a rapport. I make sure they know it is collaboration and it is their portrait as much as it is mine. I never make anyone do anything they don’t want. If my subjects are naked it is because they want to be. For many people, it is a high point in their life to show, in the most honest way possible, who they are. To take off any artifice and reveal their true nature is truly fascinating and often people just come alive."

The photographer told us that her subjects get very excited when they see their photos in print:

"One transgender gentleman had just finished transitioning and the photograph was empowering for him and his community. When I told him it had been printed in a German magazine he was so proud and excited – I had to track down copies for him and have them shipped over. It was heartwarming. One of the most prominent photos of the 'Jessica' series has been printed in just about every country. The image of her is almost iconic - someone called her youth culture American Goddess. Also, a friend and her young family were one of my first photos of her and every time it is published she is still so excited and we try to get copies."

This project has been going on for 6 years already. It's a very long period that might make it hard for people to keep being inspired. However, for Barbara, it's not like that. "Every time a door opens for me with a new subject I am completely overpowered by the newness, mystery and vulnerability of the scene. There is an aura that hangs in the air the whole time I am shooting. This is a person's life and story to be told and it is a high honor to be the one to tell it so I take it very seriously. Photography is the art form I have chosen and I am always invigorated and reborn over and over by it."

The photographer added that the project is almost complete now – it has been 6 years since she took the first photograph and she is currently looking for a publisher for the book.

"It is also my hope to have American Bedroom in museum shows that would travel across the country. That would be the most incredible way to honor all these extraordinary American stories."