man and woman laying on bed in bedroom
Chantel Brink
Chantel Brink
February 7, 2024 ·  8 min read

Photographer Captures People And Their Bedrooms To Show Their Different Ways Of Living

Photographer Barbara Peacock has traveled across the USA to capture how people live. She takes photographs of the way they live, showing us all how different each and every one of us truly is. The bedroom is our most intimate space, and the people who allowed her in shared a very special side of their lives with us.

A place of rest, relaxation, and the quietest place to be alone in our own thoughts, the bedroom is a reflection of one’s true self. This is probably why it’s so intriguing to see someone else’s sacred space. It’s a way of getting to know them on a much more personal level.

Barbara’s true interest lies in the “poetic resonance of ordinary subjects.” This set of photographs is part of a very special project she has named “American Bedroom.” It forms part of a very intimate walk through the different living conditions and lifestyles that make up the American population.

Doris, Age 97

Doris, Age 97 in her bedroom
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

My life has been dramatic! But my three children are wonderful. My life couldn’t be better.”
Overland Park, Kansas.

Freddy, Age 67

Freddy, Age 67
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

My bed is my time machine. I’m a traveler in my dreams.
Sanford, Maine

Faith, Age 9

Faith, Age 9 wishes she had her own bedroom
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“Everything is gone. My mom keeps saying: “keep the faith Faith.”
South Oroville, California

The Belfon Family – Meg age 35

The Belfon Family – Meg age 35
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

Burning the tatter tots, cleaning up messes and getting the kids to school late is just part of life. Blending this big family is the hardest thing I have ever been a part of but the love and support has become the greatest gift and teacher, not just for me but for all of us.
Denver, Colorado.

Becky And Dave, Ages 65

Becky And Dave, Ages 65, retired and alone
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

We felt the weight of responsibility for our children for decades. Now we are on our own. Our empty nest has reawakened the joy of freedom we had as youths.”
Madrid, New Mexico

Dale, Age 48

Dale, Age 48 in her bedroom
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“I never wanted to be a girl, I just wanted to be a cowboy with red lipstick. Now, far away from Texas and all the religious repression of my youth, I feel powerful and finally free.
East Village, New York

Lula, Age 97

Lula, Age 97
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“I like people, all people. If you are good, I will know.”
Sartartia, Mississippi

Tuesday, Age 23

Tuesday, Age 23 in her colorful bedroom
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

It is in my life-threatening health that I have come into myself. I have already done more living than I ever imagined, way more than I was ever promised. The days when I feel the most pain can easily be filled with laughter and joy because my pleasures have been earned.”
Biddeford, Maine

Rachael, Age 9 And Aeriyna, Age 4

Rachael, Age 9 And Aeriyna, Age 4
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

It’s dangerous here, we need to protect the girls. We have basic dreams, a home with running water and electricity. But, mostly a safe place for the girls to grow up.” (Father)
Navajo Reservation, Kayenta, AZ

Miss Dorothy – Age 70

Miss Dorothy – Age 70 dancing in her bedroom
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

The ballet life, my passion, my love, my destiny. I am so proud that many of my students have successful careers.”
(Retired Prima Ballerina from the Joffrey Ballet), Pensecola, Florida

Harry and Alan – Ages 72, 75

Harry and Alan – Ages 72, 75 intimately sharing their bedroom
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

After 27 years together and 4 years of marriage, our closeness has elevated to a point that being together is a total of one, as in one plus one equals one.”
Hollywood, Florida

Megan, Age 6

Megan, Age 6 jumping on her bed
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“I’m a unicorn and a fairy.
Little Rock, Arkansas

Abagail, Age 4

Abagail, Age 4 in bed
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

I’ve got my favorite blanket and kitty sheets. They make me feel happy. I don’t get mad. I’m always going to be nice.”
Beaver Crossing, Nebraska

Lucinda, Age 88

Lucinda, Age 88 with her dogs on the bed
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“I’m alone now, with my dogs.”
Atlanta, Georgia

Camille, Age 32 And Ashley, Age 31

Camille, Age 32 And Ashley, Age 31 on their bed
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

Camille: “People have this idea that dreams are for the young, but my biggest dreams have only begun to come true now, in my third decade. It’s as though I finally gave myself permission to chase everything unabashedly, from what I believe family looks like to the sounds I want to share with the world. The world is opening up to me more every day.”

Read: Terrifying close-up of ant’s face wins Nikon’s photo competition prize

Ashley: “If you told me 5 years ago that I would be a touring musician, married to my amazing and beautiful wife, and living happily in Portland, I would have cried tears of happiness. Never give up the fight for your version of happiness in this life. You won’t know the treasures that lie ahead until you’re there living them. With our powers combined, we can do anything.”

Claire And Tee, Ages 19 and 23

Claire And Tee, Ages 19 and 23, color blind
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“Hold on tight. Hold on to one another. Show those you love how much you love them. If you think of someone, send them a note, let them know. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow, just today.”
We are color blind
Detroit, Michigan

Jamie Age 44 – (Pepper, Opal, Mazy & Pearl) sharing their bedroom with their favorite chickens

Jamie Age 44 – (Pepper, Opal, Mazy & Pearl)
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

With the world moving ever so fast, these apples of my eye remind me to slow down, see the beauty in all things. They are the light.”
Victor, Idaho

Jeanine, Age 64

Jeanine, Age 64 making the most of what she has
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“Life is good. Paradise will rise from the ashes and I will be part of that.”
Paradise, California

Read: World’s Only Pink Manta Ray Caught On Camera in the Great Barrier Reef

Chloe, Age 18

Chloe, Age 18 drumming away in her bedroom
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“I am considered by many to be an old soul. I feel an overwhelming sense of freedom when I am locked away in my bedroom in front of my drum set expressing the part of me I can’t often communicate in words.”
Lake Worth, Florida

Kasey, Age 7

Kasey, Age 7 on her bed
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

My bedroom is a trailer. I sleep here with my puppy, only not when it’s too hot.”
Slab City, California

Jordan, Age 62

Jordan, Age 62, once very alternative
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“I was a rebel all my life, now I’m just an old man.”
Portland, Main

Andrew, Age 31

Andrew, Age 31 in his hammock
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

Since I left traditional society I have never been happier. I just live one day at a time and don’t worry about punching a time clock 9-5.”
Slab City, California

Frances, Age 31

Frances, Age 31 with her cat
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

Right now I am the age that my brother was when he died. My space is full of reminders of love…love that is present, love that is changed and love that I’m hopeful for. I wish I could tell you about every object in this room because each one is significant, especially the tribute to him on the shelf behind me.”
Brooklyn, New York

Sisters Katie, Age 27 And Janie, Age 25

Sisters Katie, Age 27 And Janie, Age 25 on their bed
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

Katie: “I would take a bullet for this beautiful woman! I can’t believe we used to hate each other. It’s never too late to be best friends. I love her.”
Lafayette, Louisiana

Janie: “Despite being raised by the same parents our upbringing was vastly different and she had it a lot harder. I wish I could have changed things but I’ve always looked up to her courage and perseverance. I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world. She is my best friend.”

Jane Doe, Age 51

Jane Doe, Age 51 graced by beautiful light creeping through her window
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

There’s a story on my back, It’s written in ink and carved in stone. It is my life, it keeps me strong, I’m a Meme, a Mom, a Sister and a Daughter, But the story on my back is like no other, I’ve lived through Rape, Suicide, stalking and now Murder. The evidence is in, will the jury see? Or will they take my life from me?”
Texas

Read: Photographer Captures The Lives Of People In Yakutia, Where It Gets As Cold As -58 Fahrenheit

Tom, Age 86

Tom, Age 86 who once enjoyed the carnival life
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“I have lived in the Carnival all my life and I have loved it. I wouldn’t change a thing except that I’m going blind making it difficult to bring up my 13-year-old daughter.”
Gibsonton, Florida

Cody, Age 27

Cody, Age 27, free to travel
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“My life is all about expanding consciousness. Traveling in my van “Gaia” allows me to share her beauty and the hard work it took to create her. It brings forth a perspective that you should always chase your dreams if you truly want something, no matter how hard.”
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Andy And Db, Ages 53 And 52

Andy And Db, Ages 53 And 52 in bed
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

Beauty, heartbreak, grit and humor. Intersecting spirals, it’s tough building relationships. I love it, I hate it and then I love it again.”
Pensacola, Florida

Emily, Age 23

Emily, Age 23 on the bed of her holiday home -  a bus
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“Home for the Holidays in a vintage bus.”
Detroit , Michigan

Lupe

Lupe, a hard life
Image Credit: American BedroomSeries

“I’ve lived a few lives. In the end, it’s all about the love of family and one another.”
Guadalupe, Arizona

Telling stories, Barbara is one bad bitch

Telling stories. That’s pretty much the gist of it. I love people and I love stories. Not much has changed since I picked up the camera as a young girl. The heart of the matter lies in earnest and compassionate storytelling. That’s what I work hard for and yearn to achieve. It’s a never-ending quest that I am grateful to be on.”

You can find more of Barabara’s work on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Her website has a gallery of beautifully intimate images to go through too, so make sure to pay her a visit.

Keep Reading: Terrifying close-up of ant’s face wins Nikon’s photo competition prize

Sources

  1. Photographer Captures People And Their Bedrooms To Show Their Different Ways Of Living.” 121 Clicks. December 20, 2021.
  2. American Bedroom.” American Bedroom Series