LOCKDOWN – The illustrated book

Claudia Betschart

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Corona has changed everything. To make the best of the lockdown, photographer Alex Lörtscher took pictures of otherwise busy places that were suddenly deserted. The results are impressive, thought-provoking photographs, which are summarized in the photo book LOCKDOWN, produced by Bubu.

Here you can get the illustrated book: www.bilderdiebleiben.ch

Due to the renewed topicality of the subject we have spoken briefly with the photographer:

For your photo project LOCKDOWN you have received great attention. Did you expect such a positive response when you visited the abandoned spots?

No, I didn’t expect that and it was not my intention. The pictures were taken out of the urge to photograph, but also the desire for fresh air. I simply followed my passion for photography. What also carried me along a little: the allure of the forbidden. On a Saturday morning I packed my camera and left home. In the certainty that not many people would do this on that day and with the certainty that I would create unique works with it.
Only the positive feedback on my social media channels and the motivating words of my wife gave me the idea to create and distribute a photo book. In the meantime we were allowed to produce the 3rd edition. My personal conclusion: Even if the book was not planned, I was able to realize a documentation of this time with my passion for photography and thus obviously satisfy a need.

In retrospect, did the excursion into the “world outside” have any influence on your current people photography in the studio?

With the illustrated book I practically made the step from the local photo studio to the whole of Switzerland. Not least thanks to the positive media coverage, I have gained a certain reach.
I can still count buyers of the book from almost all parts of the country.
Because many events, especially weddings, could not take place this year, I enclose a voucher for my photography with every order.
The idea is that in the coming year many weddings may be made up for and therefore there will soon be an increased demand for wedding photography.
Pictures that stay – these can be pictures with and of people, but at the same time they can also be places that have an effect due to the absence of people. So I have remained true to my motto. Nevertheless I am happy to work with people again in the last months.

Now we are in the second wave of the pandemic, people are again advised to stay at home and to practice social distancing. If conditions similar to the first lockdown occur again, will you be seen on the streets with your camera again?

No, I have no intention of doing a second book in the second wave. We have never experienced anything like the lockdown in spring. The book should underline the uniqueness of the moment.
On the contrary, I want to concentrate much more on capturing the time after the pandemic. To show the return to everyday life and the joy on people’s faces. The thoughtful and sad pictures of deserted places belong in the past.

Here is an excerpt from the impressive illustrated book:

The station Uster

Spookily empty. Melancholic dreariness in a place where on a normal spring day there is a lot of activity.

Zurich main station on a Saturday morning. No trains, no passers-by, deserted platforms.

“Accidentally, a person runs into my picture. She comes up to me and asks me from a safe distance if I am taking commercial photos. Not easy to answer, because I too had to close my store because of Corona.”

Zurich Airport

This scene reminds of Twelve Monkeys. In this science fiction thriller Bruce Willis is sent back in time to prevent the outbreak of a pandemic. Super Netflix fabric for quarantine at home.