Navigating Photo Sessions During COVID
We all thought the world had stopped turning when the state of emergency was declared and businesses across the nation--and the world--were asked to shut down.
Of course the world didn’t stop turning--business owners still needed to keep their lights on, feed their families, and look out for their employees. And more than ever, they needed to get the word out: We’re open. We’re still here to serve YOU.
So photographers everywhere, who thought their source of income had just gone up in smoke, actually got an influx of inquiries: Can you shoot my retail catalog for my new online store? Can you take headshots for the podcast we’re launching? Can you help me with images for the sales page for my new online course?
Good news, right? But how was such a one-to-one, hands-on service to be provided safely in the face of a pandemic?
Well, with all the conflicting and ever-changing information out there about how to stay safe (and all the regulation differences from state to state), this still remains a tough question to answer. However, there seem to be a few measures we can all agree on, so here are some of our top suggestions to plan ahead and take precautions:
One: If you’re a client in search of photos, reach out to multiple photographers.
Some photographers are taking a step back in order to limit their contact with the outside world. In other words, their photography businesses are on hiatus indefinitely. So you’ll want to have a first-choice photographer in mind, plus a couple backups.
Two: Talk with your photographer at least once, for at least 30 minutes, before your shoot, using Zoom or just chatting on the phone. Ask about pandemic measures during this call.
A true professional will never let you feel uncomfortable while providing their service. (Well, if you’re not comfortable on camera, that’s an entirely separate obstacle! For now let’s limit the topic of comfort to COVID.) If you want your photographer to wear a mask, sanitize their hands, or maintain a safe social distance during your session, they ought to be able to comply. If they can’t, simply let them know you’re talking with multiple photographers and will get back to them if they’re the best fit, but look for someone who is more within your comfort zone.
When someone is willing to comply, you can also ask (it’s a reasonable, professional question) whether they’ve experienced any COVID symptoms or have been around anybody that has in the past 14 days. Symptoms might include coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fever.
Three: Plan to sanitize after the session. This includes anything you and the photographer touched, and the clothing you wore at the session.
If you bring a photographer into your home studio or workplace, plan on sanitizing doorknobs, sink handles, the flusher on your toilet… anything the photographer might touch during their visit. Not just props from the shoot--everything.
Also, even if your photographer wears a mask, it would be a good idea after their visit for you to toss all your outfit changes into the wash. If your family or colleagues are often in the space where you’ll be shooting, give them a heads-up that you’ll be shooting so that they can plan to be elsewhere during that time, especially if any of these family members or co-workers are over the age of 55.
Four: Ask that if your photographer is diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of the session to notify you immediately so that you can take action.
You’ve probably been in a bookstore or coffee shop recently where they took down your name and number, right? This was so they could reach you in the event of a COVID diagnosis among their staff. The more information you have, the sooner you can go get tested yourself and quarantine from loved ones if needed.
It’s reasonable to ask your photographer to provide you with that same courtesy.
If you’re a photographer:
Bring a mask to all sessions.
Change/wash your mask regularly.
Consider bringing latex gloves if the session will be very hands-on.
Provide hand sanitizer if a session will be held in your studio or a rented venue.
Volunteer to provide other measures of caution if there’s something specific your client may need or want.
Give your clients a list of commonly-missed items to sanitize after a session, such as doorknobs in their home if you’re shooting there, sink handles, countertops, props, and so on.
Be kind and respectful of your clients’ differing levels of comfort. Some clients will be very comfortable working with a stranger, but some will be very nervous. Whatever beliefs you have about the pandemic, put your clients’ needs first!
Have you worked with a photographer during COVID? If you loved their work and their level of consideration during this tense time, remember to tag them when you post their images to your social platforms! That return of kindness goes a long way and helps to support their business, as well.
