Eye on the Road

US-27 highway, Tamarac, Florida.

As the world was plunged into isolation by the relentless grip of the pandemic, I found myself compelled to capture the eerie emptiness that had taken hold of our once bustling roads.

So, when I set out to pick up my wife, who was considered an essential worker, I took my camera and drone with me, hoping to capture the eerie emptiness of the highway. Armed with my photo gear, I embarked on a journey through the empty routes, determined to document the stark reality of this unprecedented historical moment.

As soon as I jumped into my car, I noticed a breathtaking sunset in development with hues of deep reds, oranges, and yellows contrasting the blue sky and dense clouds. And, even though I live in a city with very low pollution, the complete absence of the smell of fuel emissions was remarkable.

Once on the highway, I parked my car on the shoulder and raised my drone into the sky to capture an aerial panorama of the road. The resulting image was this breathtaking sight of the road, surrounded by a sea of empty lanes, symbolizing the tireless efforts of essential workers like my wife, who risked their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe and supplied during the pandemic.

Looking back, I'm grateful that I decided to use my drone to capture an aerial panorama of the empty highway. Not only did it allow me to frame the stark emptiness against the stunning sunset, but it also gave me a unique perspective on the scene. As I maneuvered my drone, I suddenly noticed a trailer passing by, emblazoned with the words "ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES." In a split second, I knew that I had to include it in my shot. With lightning-fast reflexes, I adjusted my drone's position. In a matter of moments, the trailer became a crucial subject in this aerial panorama. It was a fortuitous moment that added depth and meaning to the image. It reinforced the idea that essential workers were the backbone of our society during the pandemic.

I dedicated this artwork to all the essential workers who selflessly served their communities during such a difficult time. Their dedication and bravery will always be remembered.