On an exercise walk in Williamstown on 31/05/2021, I noticed a lot of individuals conflicting against the set rules by government. Exercise is permitted with one other individual, while wearing facemasks, with exemptions for some. This asymmetrical photograph has depth with the leading lines, representing the footpath taken by many for their “essential” exercise. The family to the right seem to be following the guidelines, by both parents wearing a facemask (young child is exempt) and not interacting with others. This sparks human interest, by portraying safeness. By one family following the rules, this positively impacts the community, by setting an encouraging message, on the significance of wearing facemasks.
On the 23/05/2021, I visited Tokyo Teppanyaki on Chapel Street for a banquet dinner. The chef cooks in front of the customer, in close proximity; therefore, wearing a facemask is essential. This photograph is taken from the customer’s point of view using a standard lens, where the chef is the central focus of the image. The facemask acts as a safety precaution, to prevent bacterial spread. Chefs have no choice to wear a mask, and cannot present conflict towards the guidelines. Wearing facemasks in this environment impacts the customers and wider population, by keeping them safe and free from bacterial spread.
I visited Monash University on 20/05/2021. A group of outsiders also visited on excursion, shown in the wide-angle shot. The leading lines and depth of the pathway depict how the group spread amongst the buildings of Monash. This group was large, with no-one wearing facemasks. Despite being outside, it’s important that those in large gatherings wear a facemask, as the pandemic is still prominent today. I witnessed children coughing and spreading germs, when in close proximity to each other. If one individual tested positive for Covid-19, this impacts the group, university students, and would spread throughout Melbourne. Thus, wearing facemasks is ideal, to keep individuals safe and prevent cases.
After the annunciation of lockdown in Victoria, I went on a walk on 30/05/2021 in Williamstown. Exercise is deemed as an “essential” reason to leave home. Exercise is permitted for two hours a day, with one individual. Facemasks must be worn during exercise. This portrait is framed so the subject is centred, and is shown from my point of view using a standard lens. Broad lighting is shown, where the subject faces away from the light. Wearing a facemask during exercise sparks human interest, by ensuring protection from bacteria when interacting or crossing paths with others. This rule is prominent today. Those presenting conflict towards facemasks will be presented consequences.
This wide-angle photograph in Williamstown on 30/05/2021 shows individuals doing their daily exercise during lockdown. Individuals are cycling amongst the leading lines, implying the distance one covers during their exercise session. Off-centre, to the right is a public gathering of individuals in close proximity to each other. This is prohibited during lockdown. The government has stated that exercise may be done with one other person. Although some individuals seem to be wearing facemasks, others seem to be rebelling against the restrictions, creating conflict with the government’s authority. These individuals are not abiding by the rules, as public gatherings are not permitted, especially when facemasks are not worn by all.
When walking at Williamstown beach on 04/06/2021, I came across a disposable facemask left amongst the rocks. The facemask is dropped and forgotten. This is damaging to individuals, as disregarding facemasks does not protect them from the virus. By throwing the facemask away, it shows that individuals have deemed them unimportant, and implies that individuals do not care about protecting themselves and others. There is also a significant negative impact on wildlife. Facemasks can break up ecosystems. Wildlife can choke on the facemask, or become malnourished by filling up their stomachs with the facemask, which provides no nutrients. Wildlife can also become entangled in the elastic straps of facemasks.
On the sidewalk was found a facemask in the flora environment, near the Police Station on 03/06/2021 in Williamstown. This represents individual’s conflicts with abiding by the current restrictions to prevent spread of Covid-19, by disregarding a safety measure in front of the Police. This shot creates depth from the never-ending footpath, and captures the beautiful nature, which is ruined with the litter of the facemask. This impacts flora and fauna, as the plastic can ruin environments and ecosystems. This detrimental action of individuals disregarding restrictions set by authority figures not only negatively impacts us humans, but also nature and wildlife.
This facemask was found flying around in the wind in front of an individual’s house in Altona on 01/06/2021, giving the impression that facemasks are seen as unimportant and insignificant, as no one has the decency to pick it up. Due to the light material of the facemask, it can travel through the wind to other environments, which could be detrimental to animals, plants or humans. By being seen amongst the fence on the footpath, the low-angle emphasises the depth of the photograph, due to the leading lines, and depicts how the facemask can be flown into distance.
This symmetrical photograph in the carriage of a train displays a group of individuals on 20/05/2021, with most not wearing facemasks. When travelling on public transport, it is essential to wear a facemask, as public transport is a public area that easily spreads bacteria, due to the high amount of individuals using it. By one individual not following the rules, this can spread the virus, and impact the whole of Victoria. Individuals in the image are also seen in close proximity to each other, implying how they are against following restrictions, by not remaining 1.5 metres apart. Those who do not social distance are less likely to wear facemasks.
This photograph shows a disposable facemask lost amongst the autumn leaves, on 29/05/2021. This low angle shot provides depth of the pathway, and shows all of the burnt orange leaves accumulated amongst the concrete. Underneath the autumnal leaves is a facemask that did not even seem to be worn – just lost and forgotten. This gives the impression of the lack of prominence Victorians see from wearing facemasks indoors and outdoors, and their conflicts towards the government in following restrictions. It is clear that Victorians do not value the importance of keeping humans safe from the virus, and have no interest to prevent further Covid-19 cases.
