In this post, I’ll share how the pandemic has affected my work life as a portrait photographer. I’ll also share photos from a few shoots I’ve done over the past several months.
I’ve taken the pandemic very seriously since the start, often taking precautions even beyond what the government was asking. This is in part due to the fact that I don’t want to catch it and transmit it to my girlfriend, who is immunocompromised. It’s also due to the fact that I just think it’s the right thing to do in order to contribute to ending this prolonged collective mess that we’re in.
Unfortunately, I’m a portrait photographer when it comes to my commercial practice, which is definitely not ideal during a global pandemic. Covid made me crave jobs that are easier to transition online, like graphic design or illustration. Portrait photography means that I basically need to be in front of someone’s face. A POTENTIAL COVID FACE. So how am I making it work?
Well, for some gigs, I unfortunately deemed them unsafe and sadly had to turn them down. For many other shoots, we were able to make it work, often with some adjustments.
I’ve had more outdoor shoots. Way more Zoom meetings. I’ve limited group shoots, and I stagger individual shoots with long buffers in between. I maximize air circulation in the studio. I decontaminate everything. I’ve considered naming my first child Purell. I’ve shifted my process to limit the time we spend together in person. Now there’s much prep in Zoom meetings prior to the shoots. I’ve re-configured my studio for a better client-photographer separation. I actually shoot with longer focal lengths now to stay further away from my clients. I wear a mask before leaving my house and take it off only once I’m back home.
I do these things so I can continue working in an environment that I think is safe for my clients. I’m super grateful to all my clients who were able to understand the importance of covid constraints and the occasional awkward 2-meter dances we have to do when we’re in each other’s way.
Here are a few photos taken during this pandemic.
They happen to all be creative entrepreneurs / artists.
Thanks for reading!