Austin has always been different. It’s quirky and lively, I’ve seen it expand in every direction, welcome new faces and celebrate its roots in the form of food, art and music. The one thing I’ve never seen it do is stand still.
It’s my job as a photographer to freeze moments in time, capture them then recreate their story the best way I can. Like many of my friends and peers I have not been able to work during this strange time but instead of letting it discourage me I have tried my best to find the beauty where I can.
Although slightly eerie, I found the empty streets calming and almost therapeutic. Walking alone, camera in hand, face mask on, I felt like I was taking in the details of my city in a way I never had before. Normally I’d be photographing the crowds, shows, lights and general motion of the day, this time I shot the details, silence and spaces in-between. I was happy to see a few people out jogging, walking dogs and out supporting the local spots that offered curbside go to orders. All the normally packed bars were boarded up and some had already received the spray painted stamp of a graffiti artist. I tried to capture the good with the bad and despite the heaviness I felt as the the reality of it all sank in I was able to leave with a feeling of overall optimism of what will come after.
So let’s stick together, stay safe, stay strong and get our city back to it’s weird, different, beautiful self.
More than anything I’m looking forward to seeing my city get back to its weird, different, beautiful self.
East 6th street
