Photo essay: Scenes From a Silent City

Life as we knew it is now on pause. Ohio is under a "Stay at Home" order because of the coronavirus. Nowhere is that more evident than in the silent streets of the many deserted cities, which includes our own beautiful Cleveland. Most people are heeding the social distancing, so mostly you see people out walking alone or with their partners or their faithful dogs. All social venues are closed down, and some business are takeout only or delivery. You can even get your favorite beer, dog food and other Cleveland goodies delivered to your home now.

I went out just before the shutdown, and after, and captured some scenes around the city. They show the eerie, deserted status of the city at times when it is normally hustling and bustling.  

Surely when this is all over, we’ll be looking at a new world. The streets may look the same and resume their normal busy activities and distractions, but hopefully we’ll find the true value in our relationship with each other. After such a long stretch apart from our connections with family, friends and businesses, maybe we’ll find ourselves a little more grateful, tolerant and kind. But for now, stay at home and stay healthy.

Bob Perkoski
Bob Perkoski

About the Author: Bob Perkoski

Bob is managing photographer with FreshWater as well as a Cleveland freelance photographer. His photographic approach is rooted in the art of storytelling. Whether freezing the energy of an event, encapsulating the magic of a performance, or astutely anticipating the decisive moments, his work displays an innate ability to distill the essence of any scene or subject into a single frame or series of work. In addition, Bob is the official photographer for LAND studio and Holden Forest and Gardens and has worked with various Cleveland organizations. In 2019 he published a book of his photos Rust Belt Burlesque. He's had work published in other books like LGBTQ Cleveland by Ken Schneck, Rust Belt Chic: The Cleveland Anthology, Rust Belt Chic: The Pittsburgh Anthology and Moon Cleveland by Douglas Trattner. Previously he was co-founder/art director for Balanced Living Magazine. You can view his versatile portfolio of work, which includes news coverage, portraiture, architectural and fine art at Perkoski Photography. Originally from Conneaut, Ohio, Perkoski now lives close to the city in Parma. He has been Fresh Water's managing photographer since the publication's September 2010 inception.