The photographs in this exhibition were created as part of a course at Millersville University titled Picturing the Body. Throughout the semester students were asked to explore topics relating to people, portraiture and the human form. When the course began in January 2020, we had no idea that partway through the semester our lives would be upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing and mask requirements in place, suddenly it was dangerous to be physically close to people.

Amidst massive changes and limitations, these emerging photographers were forced to make creative decisions about photographing people—while staying safe. In-person instruction was replaced with remote learning. Weekly face-to-face critiques were replaced with online discussions and awkward Zoom meetings. Despite these challenges and the uncertainty of the time, the students continued to explore a variety of approaches, from the absent subject to the self-portrait. The resulting photographs echo our collective anxiety and isolation, but they are also a testament to creativity and resiliency.

Shauna Frischkorn, Professor of Art / Photography