I can hardly imagine a place more versatile than my bedroom. It’s a place of rest, sleep, mental recharge; a place for reading, writing, lazy mornings, cuddles, and so much more. Photographer Barbara Peacock recognizes the intimacy and meaning of one’s bedroom, so she started a project that’s all about it. For the past six years, she has traveled all over the US capturing the essence of people and their bedrooms in a stunning series of photos she named American Bedroom.
Barbara has been interested into photography since she has been a young girl, which is when she first picked it up. And the passion for telling stories through her lens has never left her. The idea of taking photos of people in their rooms dates back to 2016, and it came to her mind on a seemingly regular morning.
“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,” the photographer said in an interview with Bored Panda. “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 idea for the project was born, and Barb started small. She first photographed some friends of hers in their bedrooms. Then, she extended it to the interesting people she met. And then, she began searching for more of those who would be interested in posing for her. To her surprise, there were many of those who were up for it, despite the project revealing their private space personal and stories. American bedroom has become an integral part of Barbara’s travels, and vice versa. Whenever she plans a trip to a place in the US, she announces it on her Instagram and Facebook. People who are willing to participate then reach out to her, or they recommend her someone they know who’d like to become a part of the project. And she never rejects anyone. She photographs all the folks who reach out to her, and it ends not only with some stunning shots, but often with some very powerful emotions and memories. Barbara has traveled to many places so far, big and small. She met and photographed all kinds of people of all ages, heard their stories, and made them an integral part of their portraits. The series shows not only an intimate place in our homes, but also shows just how different we all are. There are so many different lifestyles, emotions, fears, desires that we all go through between the four walls of our bedrooms. It shows in Barbara’s photos, which is what makes this series so special and so moving. Take a look at more photos and stories below, and make sure to follow Barb’s work on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
