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Recently we've shared a look into the bedrooms of Americans, and today the house tour continues. This time it's thanks to a Milwaukee-based professional photographer called Lois Bielefeld, who traveled the States (and parts of Luxembourg) documenting people during their Weeknight dinnertimes, revealing the amazing variety of people and their habits.

“I’m super nosy about people’s habits,” Lois explained to Feature Shoot. “I’ve always craved going into people’s homes- it’s inspiring, curious. It gives so many sometimes subtle and sometimes blatant insights about someone, and I just love to reveal that in my photography art.”

Some of the people you see have already been featured in her other photo series, but some are complete strangers to the photographer, found online and through old-fashioned info bulletins.

The only instructions Bielefeld shared with everyone was to go about their dinner plans as they normally would on any given weeknight, capturing the ordinary meals and the casualness of the whole thing.

While Lois suspected that some people did put extra effort in preparing for that particular dinner meals, she doesn't mind, because it only gives the series new layers to explore.

More info: Lois Bielefeld (h/t: demilked)

#2

Monday: Joalice

Monday: Joalice

Lois Bielefeld Report

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CelSlade
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know you guys are all being kind, and that is very sweet, but I think assuming she is lonely is a mistake. I am alone by choice and often eat alone, and I know many other people who are the same. Being alone is not always the same as being lonely. I've been married twice and was more lonely during those marriages than I have ever been when I am on my own. Some of us just prefer our own companionship.

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#3

Wednesday: Willie Mae

Wednesday: Willie Mae

Lois Bielefeld Report

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Gina Gee
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would eat dinner with her any day of the week. This woman has stories!

Patricia Davenport
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually think this is beautiful. She's very creative and has a wonderful eye for decor. It doesn't look lonely to me. It looks like someone who eats alone, but probably has a vibrant personality and life.

Rebekah
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks like a story teller. And I bet she has some good ones.

Tisha Bell
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From a design point of view, you have to appreciate how much of a time capsule this room is. This woman has character, and I have many meals with her just to hear her story.

D Rolls
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks like very lovely lady but the room kind of... hurts my feelings. It looks sad to me for some reason

Karen Cromarty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it looks warm and comfy but should get herself a tv dinner table one of the little foldaway ones

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Edna Warren
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet she has a story for each object...a memory for everything.

Susan Crabtree
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a lonely lady. I'd probably take the picture and then sit down with her.

Lana
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With an Arabic family, this is basically what all my family's houses look like.

Beverly House
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I almost missed the dear lady in her beautiful surroundings. I thought it was a lamp until I saw the plate. :)

Dottie Hall
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking why eat in the living room and risk getting that nice furniture and stuff dirty? Surely there must be a table and chairs, either kitchen or dining room.

Kikka io
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

a little charge this room. I do not think there is a place for lunch. I do not even think that you can dine there.

Barbara West
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very warm. She is surrounded by memories and possessions she loves.

Kit Lang
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of my ex mother in law's living room - that no one except the pastor was allowed to sit in!

Keith Westerman
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You KNOW she has some stories to tell. I could listen to her for hours.

Gnar Kill
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would eat with Willie May. I am sure it would be a great time.

Colette Bembenek
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unnecessary oppulence. Her expression is as if her privacy's been invaded.?

Allison Woodfill
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg.i could barely find here she blends in with her decor. Looks like she’s never lonely I bet she’s got a nice big tv to watch

Colette Bembenek
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gross opulence. She doesn't even look happy. Guilty? Can't decipher visually. Maybe it's a sad smile?

Rubee Tubesteak
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to sit down and have coffee with this woman...she looks fascinating.

TC
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Big living room with no dinning room. Or a lonely person perhaps. Really sad photo

Mike Fuller
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many black women/families have a room like this that seems like a parlor for entertaining but not for everyday use. It is sad to me, too, because it represents an ideal of what constitutes home by setting up a room that exists in frozen isolation until 'company comes" then is dusted off to impress. I've seen plastic on the sofas, sheets, etc., to keep them looking new. Most of them will have a picture of MLK and Jesus in them. They are definitely a time capsule. My guess is this lady does NOT eat in here everyday but would not be photographed anywhere else but in this 'for special company' room. If she has a cat, I'll bet even the cat is not allowed in!

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Susan Crabtree
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a lonely lady. I'd probably take the picture and then sit down with her.

lindsayaotter
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be afraid of spilling. Her light colored furniture...Oooo...What a brave woman!

L. S.
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's so colourful. I bet her nieces and nephews enjoy coming over

Dave Pierce
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see sadness...many women love lots of flowers. Mine included. What I LOVE is the photo (or painting?) behind her head, of her holding her baby. ;-D

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#4

Wednesday: Norbert & Marie-Josée

Wednesday: Norbert & Marie-Josée

Lois Bielefeld Report

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#7

Monday: Steven And Jomo

Monday: Steven And Jomo

Lois Bielefeld Report

#8

Tuesday: Alex, Sophia, Kathy, David, Claudia, Eva & Ana

Tuesday: Alex, Sophia, Kathy, David, Claudia, Eva & Ana

Lois Bielefeld Report

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Beatrice Alighieri
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one looks quite disturbing. A fancy dining room with a single casserole on the table, a father with a blank stare, a mother with a "help me" stare, and kids with various faces ranging from "What am I doing here?" to "Is that the face I'm supposed to make?".

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#9

Wednesday: Marc & Jan

Wednesday: Marc & Jan

Lois Bielefeld Report

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Troux
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everything in the picture and the names suggests these are Europeans.

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#10

Wednesday: Glynis, Liam, Jorin, And Mona

Wednesday: Glynis, Liam, Jorin, And Mona

Lois Bielefeld Report

#13

Wednesday: Kathy

Wednesday: Kathy

Lois Bielefeld Report

#14

Tuesday: Seynabou, Rui James And Marie

Tuesday: Seynabou, Rui James And Marie

Lois Bielefeld Report

#15

Wednesday: Danno And Amelia

Wednesday: Danno And Amelia

Lois Bielefeld Report

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#16

Monday: Paul & Linda

Monday: Paul & Linda

Lois Bielefeld Report

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#24

Monday: Dennis & Denise

Monday: Dennis & Denise

Lois Bielefeld Report

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#31

Wednesday: Leo And Michael

Wednesday: Leo And Michael

Lois Bielefeld Report

#32

Wednesday: Colin And Makeal

Wednesday: Colin And Makeal

Lois Bielefeld Report

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Rebecca Marvel
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the furniture "on a budget". Lawn chair and the wood/wicker table/chair was probably found on the curb or for $1 at a yard sale. Been there, done that!

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#36

Tuesday: Alden & Alan

Tuesday: Alden & Alan

Lois Bielefeld Report

#37

Wednesday: Brandy And John

Wednesday: Brandy And John

Lois Bielefeld Report

#39

Wednesday: Bruce, Heather And Wyatt

Wednesday: Bruce, Heather And Wyatt

Lois Bielefeld Report

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Eleanor Orser
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of these photos are sad and depressing. Many alone, lots of pills, lots of pre pkg meals. Many not eating at a table or together in same room. The pictures portray dark and gloomy looking meal times. My childhood memories were loud, everyone talking and lots of laughing. Perhaps not the fine manners some think a meal should be but it was catching up on everyone's day and family time together. Miss those days!

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