I’m going to outline the systems Appleby Photography has put in place to minimise any risk of transmission When working with clients.
Coronavirus Cell Heading.
I just read a very informative article written by Roger Cicala, founder of leading US photographic equipment rental company Lensrentals (and a former physician). Roger talks about the pros and cons of disinfecting camera equipment, making it safe for you and for your clients.
As a photographer myself, it got me thinking; how can I reassure people that I am ‘safe’ to work with in this Covid-19 era. The short answer is that I can’t. Having said that, I do everything I can to make my practices as safe as possible for both my clients and myself.
As someone who has lived with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) my whole life, I never thought the day would come where my germ phobic practices would be an advantage! When it comes to public places I am well versed in opening door handles with my sleeve, turning taps on and off with my elbows, avoiding contact with people and regularly disinfecting my hands. On public transport, I move away from anyone who coughs or sneezes, often having dirty looks cast my way – sorry if I don’t want your germs!
When COVID-19 arrived and the general public were told to start taking these measures, I thought ‘oh well this will be just another normal day in my OCD life’. However with C-19 I have adopted some additional measures. I now carry around a plastic spray bottle of industrial strength disinfectant. I use this to spray the tops and bottoms of my shoes, and the outside of my entire photography bag, before and after every job. I also disinfect my hands before and after every photography job and/or visit to a client’s home or workplace.
Just this week I have been working on a project photographing stained glass windows in churches; an ideal assignment right now as it doesn’t require any physical contact at all. I have photographed small churches that couldn't possibly hold more than 50 people, and the grandiose windows of a city cathedral, ready for grand weddings and state funerals. Each church carries its own energy. They are closed, so it’s just me with an access pass. I let myself in, take photos of life, death, sacrifice and salvation, and then close the door quietly behind me. It is a surreal experience, being alone in empty churches, no street noise coming from outside, walking down empty aisles, past empty pews, looking at the motifs etched into the glass.
Whether it’s a church, a corporate office, or a wedding, the photography I do fits well into the rules of social distancing. I never need to be more than two metres closer to a client. Using long lenses means that most of the time I am quite a distance away from any person or subject. One of Roger Cicala’s most important rules is “never let anyone touch your camera, for your sake and theirs.” My photography has now become in effect contactless interaction.
Finished / retouched files will always be transferred to a client electronically.
When choosing a photographer to work with, especially with current guest restrictions in place for weddings and other events, you want to work with someone who has strong hygiene practices, and who is methodical in their way of working.
Living with OCD has now become one of my greatest assets and a great advantage to my clients too!
If you’re interested in having some photography work done, check out my business page for Appleby Photography.