Oak Forest Amid Coronavirus: Photographer's Black/White Journal

OAK FOREST, IL — An Oak Forest-based photographer is documenting life in and near the city amid the "stay-at-home" order issued over the weekend by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Look through the Facebook posts of Kristina Ryon to see deserted scenes, all in black and white, from outside the usually busy Bailey's Bar & Grill, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Beggar's and more.

Scroll through the images atop this article for a look at Ryon's work

Traditional work for Ryon was put on hold when the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, but she decided it was important to document this time in history with a personal photo project.

"I got the idea to start shooting my hometown because this is where I grew up and this is currently where I am in lock down with this pandemic," Ryon said. "I want people to see these photos and feel something. I want their kids and their grandkids to look back on these photos one day and remember what happened in March of 2020.

"I wanted to document this time through a photographer's eyes. This is going to be history one day."

Also on Patch: Illinois Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order — What Does It Mean?

Powerful images depict the city under the stay-at-home order, with the words "closed," "stop" and "we deliver" found at several sites.

Have a look:

Here's Ryon's Part 2, with even more eerie images of life around here this week.

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