It’s already May and Coronavirus is still with us. While still in quarantine and unable to photograph people or anything involving people, I try to capture Covid-19 life as it unfolds around me. In the process, I end up photographing neighborhood places, nature, details of any kind that happen to catch my eye, self-portraits and, most recently, shadows.
There’s a certain darkness, drama, and also mystery associated with shadows–short, harsh shadows in the middle of a bright, sunny day, perfect for black-and-white images; long shadows with a hint of golden-hour glow, when the sun is low in the sky, just above the horizon line.
Here are a few images from my new series of Covid-19 shadows:
“Covid-19 Shadows” – a Self-portrait. 
Covid-19 Shadows. Leaving Covid-19 darkness behind. ©Alina Oswald. 
Covid-19 Shadows leaving Covid-19 darkness behind. ©Alina Oswald. 
Covid-19 Shadows: Surrounded by Shadows. ©Alina Oswald. All Rights Reserved. 
“The Ghost of Covid-19” Each evening at 7pm people appear on their balconies to clap, cheer and make noise for the Covid-19 first responders. ©Alina Oswald.
But as mentioned above, these days I don’t only photograph shadows, but also try to capture Covid-19 life as it unfolds around us. And in many ways, life goes on–Covid or not and sometimes forcing some of us to adapt to the new normal:
Window cleaning in a time of Covid-19. ©Alina Oswald. 
Covid-19 Life: On an empty deck, a lonely individual wearing face mask snaps pictures of the street below. ©Alina Oswald. 
1 May, 2020 – during Covid-19 pandemic, NJ state parks, including Liberty State Park, are open again to the public; mask wearing is encouraged, not enforced. Some people wear masks, many don’t. 
1 May, 2020 – during Covid-19 pandemic, NJ state parks, including Liberty State Park, are open again to the public; mask wearing is encouraged, not enforced. Some people wear masks. Many, don’t. 
Cute Dog Moments: A lady takes a snapshot of her cute dog in Liberty State Park. ©Alina Oswald. 
1 May, 2020 – during Covid-19 pandemic, NJ state parks, including Liberty State Park, are open again to the public; mask wearing is encouraged, not enforced. Some people wear masks. Many, don’t. 
Covid-19 life: Running without mask. ©Alina Oswald. 
Covid-19 life: Running without mask along supercalifragilisticexpialidocious sign. ©Alina Oswald.
Myself? I hope warmer temps will be here, soon. I don’t like winter or cold weather in general. This cold season hasn’t been too bad, in terms of temps, but felt endless….
And I believe that every once in a while we need to take our minds off Coronavirus and think of something else, if possible, if only for a brief moment.
Storytelling is important, especially in times like these. We all have our Covid-19 stories we share. I’m always interested in reading more about others’ experiences, thoughts, and stories. Thanks for reading mine and, as always, thanks for stopping by.
Stay safe and well.
NOTE: when photographing outdoors and also in studio, it’s always a good idea to have a reflector handy, like the 5-in-1 Westcott flexible reflector. Check it out here:
ALINA OSWALD 