Pandemic: A snapshot of life in Washington, D.C.
A picture taken March 21, 2020, of the reflecting pool at the National Mall, apparently drained to make repairs. "Adds to the mysteriousness of our days, don't you think?" ponders photographer Robin Fader.
The "Streets of Corona" – a.k.a., Washington D.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic – take on an aura both isolated and communal in Fader's black-and-white images.
While her pictures capture once-bustling streets and parks that are now empty, they also show residents who persist – in helping others, spreading signs of hope, and taking the insecurity and hazards of a viral outbreak in stride.
Martha's Table
Workers at the community service organization Martha's Table prepare 400 meals for distribution.
Martha's Table
Portrait
Robin Fader is a Washington, D.C.-based photographer and award-winning producer and director of commercials and public service announcements. Her portfolio includes work for news organizations, corporate clients, and advertising campaigns. She also photographs music festivals.
"I photograph using predominantly available light, which allows me to be free in any environment; it also allows a more comfortable experience for my subjects," she writes.
"There's no question that I'm happiest with camera in hand. Being a photographer means engaging with people and providing images that can last for generations … and that is what I see as my legacy."
Social Distancing
Signs on a sidewalk outside the José Andrés restaurant Jaleo in Washington, D.C.
Heart
Decorating the window at Jaleo, in Washington, D.C.
Sign of the Times
Boarding Up
Bike Path
On Line
Social distancing.
Music
Musician Jon Noel. "I was fortunate to experience the amazing @jonnoel_music. He played to the empty streets with great passion deserving of stadium cheers," Fader said.
Cartwheels
Kids learn to do cartwheels.
Play
Driver
"Bus driver smiles after I tell her she's 'doing the GOOD work,'" Fader wrote.
Reminder
Testing
Fader wrote: "They were grateful that a school offered their parking lot to do [COVID-19] testing. The nearby shopping center turned them down, saying it would look like there was an epidemic if they did testing there."
Crosswalk
H Street Bridge.
Hearts
Bridge
Distance
As Fader was taking pictures on 14th Street, a friend of hers, Donnell Karimah, passed by. "It took all I had not to hug you!!!!" he wrote on Facebook of their encounter.
Playground
"For some reason, these really got to me," Fader said of images she took of a blocked-off playground.
Night Run
Potomac
A view from Georgetown.
Marquee
For more info:
robinfader.com
Follow Robin Fader on Instagram
Edited by CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan
See also:
GALLERY: Pandemic: A snapshot of life in Memphis by Jamie Harmon
GALLERY: Pandemic: A snapshot of life in New Orleans by Chris Granger
GALLERY: New Orleans, before and after lockdown by Sophia Germer
GALLERY: Pandemic: A snapshot of life in New York City by Peter Turnley