Our latest photo books article tells the story in words and pictures of how folks got through the first wave.
When the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order landed on Los Angeles in March 2020, professional photographer Innis Casey grabbed his camera and began snapping portraits through the windows of his quarantined neighbours. He dubbed these images ‘quartraits’ and before long, he was booked seven days a week, shooting pictures of families, artists, professionals, and even some celebrities such as Kate del Castillo, Eric McCormack, Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada, Willie Garson, Brad Garrett, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
These quartraits, it turned out, were not just mementos, they were also time capsules marking an unprecedented moment in our collective history. Curious to know more about those he captured in his viewfinder, Innis asked his sister, travel journalist Kimberley Lovato, to dig deeper into their personal journeys.
What bubbled to the surface were stories of uncertainty, struggle, and loss alongside tales laced with perseverance, humour, and compassion. From being quarantined with an Airbnb guest and the heartbreak of having to say goodbye to a loved one to packing lunches for the homeless and transforming a backyard into Paris for a neighbour’s 50th birthday, this collection of stunning portraits and poignant reflections is Quartraits: Portrait of a Community in Quarantine, a gorgeous photo book and treasured keepsake to share with future generations.
What they said about Quartraits
“Although this moment has been hard on us, this book of photos and reflections is a beautifully-rendered and poignant time capsule. Someday, we will all go back to our busy lives and our children and grandchildren will ask about what life was like during the pandemic of 2020. Quartraits: Portrait of a Community in Quarantine is what we will show them.” -Kate del Castillo, actress
Brad Garrett
“No matter where you were during 2020, we were all connected by our humanity. This book is beautiful to look at and a reminder that kindness and community mean something.” -Brad Garrett, Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian
www.quartraits.com
Innis Casey says: “I was born and raised here in Los Angeles, CA. The entertainment industry has always been a part of who I am. I’ve been in front of the lens for many years now. This has allowed me to bring that experience to every one of my photo shoots, creating a fun and relaxed environment for my clients. Whether capturing that special moment with the bride & groom, or helping a fellow actor get the shots they need to take their career to the next level, I know that I am blessed to be able to create every day. I love what I do and I hope you do too.”
www.inniscaseyphoto.com
Kimberley Lovato says: “My travel and lifestyle articles have appeared in print and online media including National Geographic Traveler, Virtuoso Life, Private Clubs, Robb Report, American Express Essentiels, Southwest: The Magazine, American Way, Delta Sky, offassignment.com, travelandleisure.com, ciaobambino.com, and many more.
I love meeting new people and the outdoors—especially walking, hiking, and sailing. Indoors you can find me cooking and riding my Peleton. I am a perpetual student of the French language and find the best teacher is to travel to France as often as possible. As well as a writer, I am a mom, a wife, an aunt, a niece, a sister, a daughter, and a friend to many and I try to give 100% to each of these roles.”
www.kimberleylovato.com
© INNIS CASEY PHOTOGRAPHY
