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.
