I Miss Us St. Pete ...

from St. Pete Life Magazine May/June 2020

Kudos

PHOTO ESSAY FROM A DISTANCE BY SANDRA DOHNERT

Several weeks into the “safer at home” mandate, Sandra Dohnert felt compelled. Everything around her was changing. Shops, restaurants and bars were shutting down. Museums and galleries, playgrounds, shops and libraries, too. Concerts and performing arts canceled. As a photographer there was only one thing she could do. Grab her camera and shoot.

Dohnert wanted to document her city -- show her neighbors as they were handling “safer at home.” Would they come out on the porch, peek through the window, or invite her into their snug little worlds for a moment to capture their pandemic day? The answer was a resounding YES.

In “I Miss Us, St. Pete,” Dohnert’s photo essay shows us how people around St. Petersburg coped with confinement. It hasn’t been easy; it’s often been a struggle emotionally, physically and financially. But one thing that is evident in these images: We are in this together.

Note, that these photos were mostly taken at residences or studios, so you won’t see face masks. The photographer also notes that she practiced social distancing while shooting her subjects. This is a selection of her images.

**Kanika Tomalin/St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor with Kai and Nia Tomalin**

“COVID-19 has brought unprecedented disruption to all our lives, creating many challenges that test our resilience and threatens the most vulnerable among us. But, it has also brought many unexpected blessings and opportunities. One for which I am most grateful is the focused time I’ve been able to spend with my children.” - Dr. Kanika Tomalin

**Jennifer Petrini Lovelady / Art Ambassador**

**Jon Reno La Budde / Reno Beach Surf Shop**

“Working throught the wait. Keeping a dream alive and navigating through and uncharted new challenge and staying positive for myself, my family and my community.” - Marina Williams