Unlocked in lockdown: Skills and hobbies that bring joy to mommies

Tags: Ayie Hernandez Miskov Bird Photography Camille King COVID Female Photographer Fitness Health Hobbies Lockdown Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Pandemic Photographer Plant-based diet Skills Wildlife Photography

Photographers Camille King and Ayie Miskov share how a change in focus led them to discover new passions and pursuits during the pandemic.

Our generation, or maybe even our parents’ and grandparents’, has never seen a time like this.  We are thrusted into an extended period of confinement at home, for our own safety, as the world comes to grips with the pandemic. Restricted in social activities, many have resorted to different ways to keep boredom or anxiety at bay or to cope with the demands and challenges of the new normal and the imaginable future.

This Unlocked in Lockdown series on the blog gives you a glimpse of how moms found joy in old and new hobbies and interests—investing their time purposely to better themselves and appreciate life around us.

Camille King: Bird and Wildlife Photography

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Despite the fear and drear surrounding the global crisis, the lockdown gave us an opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty at great measure. Cooped up for so long, we dreamed of the great outdoors and took delight in mere sights of beaches, parks, floras, and fauna. The stillness made us see the moon, stars, and sun on a different light and value our coexistence with nature.

In the case of Camille King, her newfound love for bird and wildlife photography sprung out of a pursuit to capture detailed images of the feathered friends who frequented her garden.

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This mother of a 14-year-old is a member of Click Pro, a global association of professional female photographers. She is also recognized as one of the 100 female photographers to watch. While photography has long been a constant in her life, she says, “I never had any interest in taking pictures of birds or wildlife before COVID happened.”

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Passion with a purpose

“Being home all day, during lockdown in Metro Manila, I noticed different bird species visiting my garden. I invested in a super telephoto zoom lens so I could take a closer look and photograph them.”

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“My love for love bird and wildlife photography just grew from there. It led me to learn about different bird species in the metro. I get so excited when I photograph new species for the first time.” Given these fast-moving and unpredictable subjects are challenging to shoot, Camille says, “birdwatching also paved the way for me to hone and develop new skills as a photographer.”

“This hobby is part of my routine during lockdown, and it continues to bring excitement to my day. I consider it as my ‘me time.’ Birdwatching changed me in a good way. Sometimes, I don’t recognize myself anymore. I can now identify birds by hearing the calls they make, and I love going outdoors. I also support the Philippine Eagle Foundation in my own little way.”

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Camille has also put her talent to good use by spreading awareness about birds and wildlife creatures. “Living in Metro Manila during a pandemic, I realized the lack of and need for green, clean, safe, and accessible spaces, particularly wildlife sanctuaries. I created a dedicated Instagram account, @hellobirdieph, for my bird and wildlife photos. By sharing these images, I hope to educate people about the beauty and importance of birds in the city and beyond, so others can eventually appreciate and learn how to coexist with them.”

Ayie Miskov: Fitness and Plant-Based Eating

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There are many who also found themselves faced with lifestyle changes over the past year. You’ve probably encountered the concept of “self-care” several times as the pandemic puts the spotlight on the importance of health and wellness. Practicing self-care is essential in keeping ourselves fit and healthy inside and out and our emotional reserves full.

Bangkok-based Filipina photographer and homemaker Ayie Miskov, also a mom of two boys, became a health and fitness enthusiast after she bid some old habits goodbye. “I started working out after my husband and I argued about how much time I spend on my phone. I decided to be more productive and made time for exercise and movement. Days turned to weeks and months, and before I knew it, working out turned into a habit that I love and enjoy doing.”

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“I was already on track with my fitness goals. Then, about half a year ago, my father was diagnosed with cancer. That made me rethink and re-evaluate my overall health and well-being. After doing my research, I became convinced that plant-based eating would be good for me. I gradually transitioned into this new way of life, and I gained peace of mind from knowing that what I put in my body will do me good. I love exploring and trying out different plant-based recipes, and all those kitchen creations proved that nutrient-dense food can also be delicious.”

“The biggest challenge I encountered, so far, is stirring my family to eat more plant-based food. In the end, I decided not to push them but just gradually lead them to that path. I try to prepare more vegetarian meals alongside plant-based dishes and encourage the kids to try them.”

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Tips and clips

Ayie enjoys sharing snippets of her fitness and plant-based journey on her Instagram stories and feed, hoping to inspire people to eat healthy and live an active and sustainable lifestyle.

“If you want to lose weight, there are lots of ways to do it. Start with small goals. For example, do a 10-minute walk today. Tomorrow, increase it to 15 minutes and so on. I would encourage you not to shock your system right away. Don’t be afraid to find a workout that will work for you and help you achieve your goals. Stick with the one you enjoy the most because there is a big chance you won’t have difficulty maintaining it as a habit.”

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“Should you consider going plant-based eating, always remember your ‘why.’ This will help you stay on path. The beauty of plant-based diet is it doesn’t push you to the extreme level at once. You can probably first practice meatless Mondays. Then try to go meatless for another day or a full a week and so on. You can also replace meat with beans or tofu, or try to eat more vegetarian dishes. There are many resources available, giving you different plant-based options and recipes you make at home.”