My world is a different place during lockdown , I’m sure yours is too !
People have almost vanished from the streets , smiles are few and the emptiness of the everyday is everywhere .
Life feels hollow & slower now , moments have been replaced with a visual lethargy where a abundance of time and space exist , there is nothing decisive about the moments in front of me these days !
The chaos of the front-line is being photographed like other global catastrophes , but the day to day of this crisis is different , this is not a famine or a war , when they say “there is nothing to see here” its almost true !
The silence of our cities is louder than ever, as the secrets of this invisible, lethal threat are maintained !
How should serious photographers photograph these times, while respecting the passing of so many and observing the restrictions of lockdown ?
Is a visual rethink necessary ?
Nothingness is a difficult subject to shoot , I’m not sure what it looks like but I’m looking ?
Social Distance
Space and emptiness reflect the feel of these times to me, still photography should be the most suitable medium to reflect this enforced pause.
Being alive right now is not much fun ,……….. the alternative is worse !
Inactivity, is still and quiet , could quiet be the best word to describe the developing visual aesthetic of these times, is this silence the inevitable calm before the economic storm ?
Time will tell !
I think the current crisis requires a different approach, mindset and aesthetic !
If your pictures aren’t good enough , your probably not far enough away ?
Take care if your photographing these uncertain times, make best use of space and the respectful visual silence,
Stay safe !
David is currently following the pandemic crisis from a personal perspective on a day by day basis within the restrictions .
He is based in the South West of England .
Public Source is creating a archive of the Covid 19 crisis .
Visit covid19.publicsource.xyz to view the archive. To submit your work, email info@publicsource.xyz