Today’s show covers a few tips for shooting post-lockdown. Since we’ve all been cooped up for a while, you’re probably itching to get out and shoot again.
Depending on where you live, you might already be okayed to shoot. Or you may have been shooting anyway…I have my thoughts on that in PBH episode 96.
SO what can you expect when you get out to shoot again?
Here in Minnesota, photographers were legally allowed to work again on May 18th. My first session back was the same day. And it was wonderful. I was blessed with beautiful weather and gorgeous blossoms on all the trees. Really great timing.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re heading out again soon:
- It’s okay to feel anxiety about it. Some of us have lost people in our very close circles to this thing. It’s no joke, and feels even more intense when you can relate to this kind of loss. I was feeling a lot of anxiety as clients started wondering how soon we could get out there. Would I be safe? Would they?
Feel all the feelings. This is a weird time. But be honest about what you’re comfortable with. Really get clear on that point and don’t let client desires put you in a spot you don’t feel good in. - Communicate, or over-communicate, with your clients. Let them know what your boundaries are. That you’ll be wearing a mask to protect them. That you’ll obey social distance guidelines. If during the shoot you find yourself getting up-close, be sure to ask, “Is this an okay distance?”.
Clients are already nervous when it comes to shoots. They’re thinking about how they look and feeling awkward in front of the lens. Clear communication is helpful so they don’t have to worry about feeling even more uncomfortable if you’re too close. - Avoid going into people’s homes until we know more. I offer this one up more to protect your clients than anything else. There’s a lot we don’t know about how this thing works, and if you’re unknowingly carrying the junk, you certainly don’t want to be infecting others.
Think I’m being dramatic?
According to the BBC, as of May 20th which is when I’m recording this, today is the “largest daily rise in global covid-19 cases.” Just be thoughtful and careful out there. I do a lot of home sessions, and I’m suggesting front and back yards, which are a safe and still personal alternative. - Consider that you might be a little rusty. For me, it was a little over two months since I had shot a paid gig. That’s definitely the longest stretch I’ve had in a looooong time, maybe ever, since I started Jennings Photo.
It felt great, but I did snap a few pics of Islay the dog before venturing out. If you’ve been out of practice, it might not be a bad idea to do a little warm-up first. You can also jot down some of your favorite poses to reference should your brain freeze during the shoot. - Finally, enjoy muse! I had SO much damn fun getting home and editing images again. Instead of feeling like I had a bajillion images to get through and deliver, I felt energized and patient and creative with the images.
I feel that way a lot of the time, but this felt so fresh and good.
I guess what we can take away from a mandatory shooting break is that maybe it’s a good idea to step away once in a while. Recharge. And then look at things with fresh eyes.
