As we reach the five-year mark since Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic, renowned photographers share their most memorable images that encapsulate the fear, resilience, and human connection experienced during this unprecedented time.
Enduring Visions from a Pandemic: Photographers Reflect on Covid-19
Enduring Visions from a Pandemic: Photographers Reflect on Covid-19
A retrospective look at how the global pandemic was captured through the lenses of journalists who lived and documented the unfolding crisis.
In March 2025, a collection of photographers who covered the coronavirus pandemic revisited their most significant images, each serving as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous period that reshaped our lives. The photographs, now five years old, transport viewers back to a world marked by uncertainty, lockdowns, and profound loss.
These photojournalists were not mere observers; they were active participants in a global ordeal that demanded immense emotional fortitude. Capturing the essence of humanity during these times of crisis, they documented isolation and fear, but also moments of resilience and solidarity.
One striking example comes from Hong Kong in January 2020. As the news broke of a traveler from Wuhan suspected of carrying the novel coronavirus, Lam Yik Fei raced to the scene. The hospital was a whirlwind of journalists and emergency responders cloaked in protective gear. Fei's photograph of the ill traveler being wheeled away on a stretcher captures the palpable tension of a new threat emerging on the global stage, with sweat visible on the patient's forehead—a poignant symbol of vulnerability in an ever-evolving crisis.
These images, now imbued with memories and reflections, remind us not only of the challenges faced but also of the unwavering human spirit that persevered. They serve as a historical document of the pandemic, preserving the stories of those who lived, suffered, and united in the face of adversity. Each photograph holds a narrative of individual experiences intertwined with a collective fight against an unprecedented global challenge.
