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The World Paused A Photographic Assignment

National Geographic photographers are known for their images, which are captured around the world. They were asked recently by their editors to capture a smaller world that we all now share, as the "world is paused by the Coronavirus.” Take time to view the images and statements by the photographers, and then consider your assignment. It is the same task given to the National Geographic photographers. You will capture in a single photograph a depiction of your, "world paused." Take time over the weekend to capture, edit, and select the single photograph to be posted with a statement. I will compile your work as a class exhibit (similar in format to the National Geographic article).

A usually car-packed stretch of North Parham Road, it is now seen carless and desolate, despite the few cars that still drive this area daily for work and groceries. I usually drive this each day to get to and from school, and a majority of the time it is so heavy with traffic that you have to wait once the light is green for fear of a stray driver running a red light. Now I cannot even leave my house unless picking up food from a restaurant with curbside pick-up. Even that is a rare event that now I and my family have been committed to - cooking, keeping up with family, and online schooling. Photograph by Eitan Burton
Now that the Coronavirus has become the new norm for people around the world, products like cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and these Kleenex have become more and more scarce. Schools are closing and public outings are now not allowed unless you are going to the grocery store. Social aspects of life have been non-existent while everyone takes precautions and practices social distancing. The world is definitely on pause while we take on this virus. Photograph by Elle Blangy
While on this quarantine break, most of my free time has been spent outdoors - either outside in my yard or on a wooded trail. Over the last few weeks, I have felt the happiest when outside and exploring new nature sites. While the world may be halted, the Earth is ever moving. Photo by Caroline Ray
Now, I know how a dog feels every single day. I am only able to see family members and leaving my house consists of mostly just walks down my street. Thus, my life resembles a dog’s life when the world is paused. Photograph by Grace Fass

Throughout my experience as a 18 year old boy living in a world of panic, crisis, and disease, I was able to capture a moment of bliss at the most renown sunset spot in Richmond - Libby Hill. In spite of the pandemic occurring around us, which is causing an almost stand still in jobs, homes, and schools, the world around us still goes on. I captured this image of the sun, just before dipping under the city's skyline, beaming across the sky and shading the clouds with a vibrant orange hue. Photograph by Harrison Woodley

People have been panic buying many things. The main panic buy is toilet paper. This is the toilet paper aisle at my grocery store. This aisle is usually stacked with toilet paper and other types of paper products. It is crazy to see this aisle now. Photograph by Grace Compton
My neighbor and I caught up as normal, with one exception; we didn't get within 6 feet of one another. Photograph by Anya Bhargava
My world paused is very different because I can't play basketball in a gym, because they are all closed due to COVID-19. Therefore, I have to play outside except on days when the weather is bad. It's not possible to practice everyday or as often as I would like. Photograph by Sherese Pittman
I have been taking advantage of this time to seek the outdoors more with my family and using it as an opportunity to unwind and disconnect from the chaotic world. This photograph was taken on the bridge of Belle Isle where my family and I decided to walk around and explore what Richmond had to offer with respect to social distancing. Photograph Cassidy Snow
As a result of the coronavirus, gyms across the world have been closed. I have been deprived of going to the gym recently. So, I have been working out at home. This is a picture of me. The two dumbbells in my hands are the only weights I have available to me, but I have also been using things like water jugs and a weighted backpack for my workouts. Photograph by Callan Hartman
This picture represents a world paused for me. Over the past few weeks, my family and I have begun to spend more time together. Board games have always been fun for us, so instead of being upset that we are quarantined we are making the most of it and spending as much time together as we can. Photograph by Jack Jordan
This picture depicts an empty neighborhood street on a bright sunny day. The street is completely empty amid fears of the coronavirus, which has prompted everyone to stay inside, even on such a beautiful day. Photo by Jack Morgan
It was a Friday night, in what should of been a bustling downtown with Cary Street Restaurants filled, except it wasn't; there was only silence. An eerie, silence that made this whole situation seem real and not from a dream. Former neighbors, standing apart because of fear. As uncertainty filled the hearts of every American and especially Virginians, we knew this situation was only temporary but how many years away is June 10? Photograph by Lucia Fogler
I took some photos of my neighborhood today because there is something very apparent that is going on. My neighborhood has a lot of kids in it. They are always playing and running around in the streets. But because of the coronavirus, there are no children to be seen. The only things that are left are some sidewalk chalk art. This to me really shows the impact of the virus and how it has altered everyday life. Photograph by Garrett Ashworth
Design by Lily Wood
I decided on this picture because going out walking with my family and exercising has been a staple of my quarantine experience. The background is black and white, showing the darkness of the coronavirus, and my shoes are colorful, showing the light that even just a walk can bring to your day. Photograph by Amy Mertz

Credits:

Created with an image by Alexander Andrews - "National Geographic"