LOS ANGELES – Using film is essential for photographer Jon Dragonette.

“It’s raw. It’s gritty,” said Dragonette.

When taking portraits, this method allows him to capture a real snapshot of a person, their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Over the past few years, Dragonette transitioned from primarily lifestyle photography to working with social justice organizations in hopes of sharing meaningful messages with his skills.

“I feel like with photography, it’s such an important tool to document history and be able to share stories and get people motivated and inspired to create change,” said Dragonette.

He continues to do this with his latest personal project, “The Corner of COVID and Main St.”

Dragonette asks the community to come out to different areas of L.A. to get their photo taken, wearing masks and also without them. He says this is more than just a documentation of the virus, but it’s living proof we are all created equal and are in this together.

“This virus doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter what town, what city, what country. Wherever you live, the virus can come in. It doesn’t matter what color you are, what race, what religion, what creed. It affects everyone the same,” said Dragonette.

This vision was amplified when Black Lives Matter protests began in city. He was able to capture the support of the movement during a pandemic.

“More people came out with signs and shirts and things to make a statement about how we are dealing with the pandemic of COVID-19, but we are also dealing with a pandemic of 400 years of racism in this country,” said Dragonette.

These photos will make their mark in history as they will be archived in the LA Public Library and the National History Museum of LA for future generations to see.

“One hundred years from now your grandkids and great grand kids can look at these photos,” said the photographer.

Dragonette hopes he will create lasting and meaningful conversations about what life was like during a global pandemic.

“Just look at the people. Look at the faces. Look at their eyes. Look how amazing they are. Again, L.A. is such a diverse city and it’s so special because of that. That’s what I want to perpetuate when I show these photos. It’s not just a specific type of person or a specific neighborhood or street corner. It’s every street corner,” said Dragonette.

Every street corner in Los Angeles could be the corner of COVID and Main.

If you would like to participate, Dragonette posts on his Instagram page when and where photos will be taken.