As a professional photographer, my lens has been my portal to the world. Through it, I’ve learned to capture the emotions of people and the essence of moments. But this past year, I discovered something more profound, something that changed the way I view the world and the human spirit. I discovered The Covid Underground.

The Covid Underground, also known as Covid Zero or Novid, is a resilient counter-culture that has arisen in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Let me take you on a photographic journey to explore the lives, emotions, and aspirations of those embracing The Covid Underground.

This photograph captures the heart of a Covid Zero community on a sunny, autumn afternoon. Amidst the laughter of children playing in the distance and the scrumptious aroma of a picnic lunch, the people here wear masks and maintain distance as they immerse themselves in the joy of togetherness. This is a testament to how The Covid Underground upholds health and well-being as essential elements in their daily lives.

In this image, you see a group of masked artists preparing for an outdoor mural painting event. During lockdown, many people reconnected with their creative sides, exploring artistic pursuits that brought color and hope to their lives. As Covid Zeros, they seek to maintain that sense of innovation and adaptability, even as the world around them returns to its pre-pandemic state.

Here you see a serene landscape of an intentional community nestled in the foothills of a mountain range. The Covid Underground embraces the concept of intentional communities as a way to foster connections and support in a world that seems ever chaotic. These communities prioritize health and togetherness while rejecting the rat race and the seductive illusion of a normal life that has cast a shadow over the globe.

This photograph showcases a beautiful evening in an open-air theater where the Covid-cautious gather to enjoy a live performance. Gone are the days of packed indoor venues and close-quartered seating. Instead, the members of The Covid Underground prioritize safe, enjoyable events under the open sky.

In this image, you can see the vibrancy of a group engaging in an outdoor exercise class. They still adhere to the principles of The Covid Underground, wearing masks and maintaining distance, but their laughter and beaming eyes convey the joy of shared experiences. This is a poignant reminder of the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

Here’s a snapshot of a homeschooling space in a Covid Zero home, with a small chalkboard, colorful educational posters, and wooden desks. As part of The Covid Underground, many parents have chosen to homeschool their children and provide a safe learning environment that values health and well-being. This new approach to education eliminates the fear of exposure, while also fostering an atmosphere of curiosity and creativity.

I find this photograph particularly powerful, as it captures a moment of deep reflection within a member of The Covid Underground. It speaks to the hidden transcript of the community, a narrative that challenges the conventional wisdom of a pandemic-weary world. This portrait is an emblem of determination, resilience, and the commitment to create a new, healthier normal for generations to come.

The Covid Underground, which has captured my heart and my lens, is a transformative movement united by the conviction that health is more than just returning to normalcy. As I continue exploring this resilient counter-culture, I am constantly inspired by the people I meet, the stories I hear, and the small acts of courage that pave the way to change.

For as long as the pandemic lingers, and perhaps even beyond, The Covid Underground will continue to foster a culture of adaptability, compassion, and unwavering commitment to health and well-being. They embrace the reality of a world that has to adapt to the unforeseen and the unexpected.

Through my photography, I hope to bring their stories to light and illuminate the resilience of the human spirit when faced with extraordinary challenges. May we learn from their tenacity, embrace our capacity for change, and build a world that is healthier, happier, and more adaptable than ever before.

-Leslie