New York, New normal
For my photojournalism assignment, I want to explore the changing circumstances in New York. What used to be the city that never sleeps has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19 and retreated indoors for everyone’s safety. Now as it’s waking back up, New Yorkers are navigating a new normal.
People are slowly reentering the outdoors but not without a mask. The subways have resumed regular service but still feel hollow. Department stores are open but someone will point a temperature gun at your head. We resist the idea of a brisk walk through the park if other people have the same idea.
I work in the city near Columbus Circle and was used to the packed train cars and the crowd of people sharing my sidewalk before the sun finished rising. Now when I have to pick up a morning shift I have the train cart to myself, and walk quickly to my job so I don’t have to acknowledge the echoing avenues.
I want to specifically focus my assignment on the emptiness of mornings in New York. Few people have to make a morning commute, so when New York would normally be thriving by 8am it’s still empty.
New York is slowly recharging but isn’t where it used to be. New York is embracing the New Normal.