Southbridge man finds joy during quarantine by taking pictures in his ‘isolation chair’

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. — As self-isolation continues to wear on many, a Southbridge man is finding new and creative ways to make the best of this tough situation.

Todd Carlson has been taking unique “isolation” photos in an old upholstered chair in different locations around the greater Boston area. The pictures have been gaining a lot of attention from Carlson’s friends and family, so he’s keeping up with the routine.

Carlson has been posing in the chair in major Boston landmarks or wide-open fields in the suburbs. He said anywhere he feels inspired or creative he will stop and pose, while his girlfriend directs the shot.

Sometimes he makes the photos funny, other times solemn. His friends and family are able to keep track of the posts on Facebook. It’s now turned into a fun way Carlson is able to keep up with loved ones he isn’t able to see.

“It’s gotten positive attention and positive feedback from my friends and family, so I continue with one picture a day titled with whatever the isolation of the day is,” said Carlson.

The old chair now joins Carlson and his girlfriend during their travels as they search for unique places to get the shot.

“Anywhere you might find a lot of people normally, that is now empty space. It’s interesting, it’s a stark contrast to what normal was,” said Carlson.

Carlson has been adjusting to a new normal for nearly 3 years. His son Jayden passed away in 2017, Boston 25 first introduced you to Jayden that spring. Months after his death, the Carlson family started a charity to bring toys for children who spend holidays in the hospital.

Carlson said he’s recently been searching for meaningful ways to pass the time and stay close to loved ones.

“We’re all able to stay connected a little bit through this, I talk to each of them regular and they seem to have been enjoying this,” said Carlson.

Carlson’s task is to post one new picture a day. On Wednesday, he shared a photo on the Boston Marathon finish line to honor the victims who were killed 7 years ago.

“To set up the chair on the yellow finish line that’s faded, not refreshed for this year’s marathon, it was a reminder of what we’re going through,” said Carlson.

He’s sticking to only posting to his private Facebook page for now, and hopes to continue to bring joy and emotion to his friends virtually.

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