Getting on with your day-to-day life is difficult enough during the pandemic, even for those who work from home. For professional photographers, it’s a whole other story. Being around people, often groups, is a requirement of the job for many photographers. As the event industry has been decimated, so too have the millions of photographers around the world responsible for capturing such events. However, as restrictions ease and the situation improves around the globe, photographers have started going back to work. Like with all industries, they have had to make adjustments that suit the new reality we all live in.
Lane Weinberg is the owner and primary photographer of Thisleftlane Imagery. He is based in Wilbraham, MA. He provides his insight into the different ways that photographers have started operating during the pandemic and tips for keeping safe while photographing clients amidst COVID-19.
Longer Lenses
According to Lane Weinberg, using a longer lens is a must during the pandemic. Such a lens ensures you can still capture great photographs, but from a farther distance away, which is key during the pandemic. If you’re used to shooting with a 35mm, consider switching to a 50mm, at least temporarily. Alternatively, if you already shoot with a 50mm, then upgrade to an 85mm. The more distance you can put between you and your subject, the better. Ideally, even if you normally shoot with a 35mm, you will be able to work your way up to an 80mm as the pandemic goes on. In addition to the distance advantage (as not only is the lens longer, but an 85mm camera requires you to take a few steps back in order to compose the shot), you might actually find you prefer the longer lens in the long run. For Weinberg, it’s entirely changed the way he shoots and now believes he’s a better photographer for having made this change.
Social Distancing
As with all industries right now social distancing is key, and photography is no exception. Lane Weinberg recommends that photographers stay a minimum of six feet away from their clients at all times. In addition, adopting a no-touch rule is also the best way to go. This can be difficult for photographers as being hands-on is typically a daily part of the job. However, during the pandemic, it’s best to try and achieve your shots from as far away as possible. If you need to direct the client on how to pose, try and do so with your words rather than your hands. Social distancing is also the official recommendation of the Professional Photographers of America: “Photographers should maintain social distancing, using no-touch posing methods when at all possible. Until further notice is received from the CDC and other health officials, the maximum gathering for a photographic shoot of 10 or fewer persons should be observed.”
Wear a Mask
Again, this is becoming standard across all industries but wearing a mask while photographing others is critical. In general, when in the presence of others who aren’t in your household, it is best to be on the safe side and wear a mask or face covering. Especially with photography, it is likely the people or person you’re photographing won’t be wearing a mask for the session, so to add an extra layer of protection for yourself, a mask is vital. Lane Weinberg always recommends bringing extra masks with you. One will inevitably get sweaty so it’s best to have a backup. If you are doing a larger photography session, then he also recommends bringing a pack of disposable masks with you to hand out to the crew, as everyone on set should ideally be wearing a mask at all times.
Shoot in Larger Spaces
Generally speaking, during a pandemic is not the time when you want to host a photo session in a small, cramped room. Instead, opt for larger, airier spaces with as much ventilation as possible. You may even want to open the windows in the room you’re shooting in. When possible, shooting outdoors is also an excellent choice, shares Lane Weinberg. Outdoor settings are the safest when it comes to COVID-19, so if the weather is cooperating, try and schedule photo sessions outdoors in low traffic areas.
Shoot Smaller Groups
Group shots, especially if you’re a wedding photographer, are a common part of the job, but right now it’s safest to photograph the smallest number of people possible. Try and take on individual photo shoots, family photo sessions, or even engagement shoots. If you are a wedding photographer and can’t escape the reality of having to be around a large group at once, then do your best to social distance and remind guests that being part of the group photo is voluntary and they are welcome to wear a mask if they do want to be in the shot. Lane Weinberg also recommends not going into the center of the dance floor to take those coveted reception shots. Instead, he has learned to shoot from the outskirts with a longer lens. While it can be frustrating as people will inevitably step in your shot, it’s still possible to get some fantastic shots from this angle if you stick with it. Also, when possible, try to photograph the couple on their own. For example, the bride and groom typically will get ready surrounded by their bridesmaids or groomsmen. If they want the “getting ready” moment photographed, ask them if it would be okay if your bridesmaids left the room so they were only shooting you, or you and your mother, in order to minimize the number of people in what is usually a smaller space.
Set Expectations in Advance, Says Lane Weinberg
Professional photography is no longer business as usual due to COVID-19. While your clients will assume that certain aspects of the job have changed, they likely won’t know exactly how photography is different during the pandemic. It is up to you to sit down and explain this with them in advance of your session, shares Lane Weinberg. Be clear from the get-go about what your roles and responsibilities will be and how your services differ right now due to the pandemic. For example, if you are a wedding photographer, who right now is only willing to shoot small weddings with a maximum of 50 guests, you will not only want to make this known to each client you talk to, but you may also want to update your website and social media pages with this information. In addition, with all clients, make sure they know the various cleaning, sanitation, and social distance protocols you will be following on the day of.
