UPDATE : Since late July I've been working on a TV production, and as one of the crew that is interacting with cast, I am receiving regular Covid PCR tests - all have been negative as of 8th Aug.
As lockdown restrictions start to slowly ease (at different speeds) across the country, it becomes possible for me to take on some commissions. As I specialise in photographing people, its obviously of great importance that any shoots are done safely for both the subject(s) and myself, minimising any risk of infection passing between us.
So, until government recommendations change, I will be taking the following measures to reduce any chance of contamination between myself and my subjects…
- Discussing arrangements for my arrival and setup of equipment with the subject in advance of the shoot.
- Maintaining the recommended distance of 2m at all times. Where necessary marking “safe zone” areas on the floor.
- Using remotely triggered and monitored cameras where it is necessary for the camera to be within the 2m "safe zone".
- Shooting outdoors whenever possible.
- Wearing a disposable face mask at all times, and gloves where appropriate.
- Using hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes before and after every shoot.
- Travelling to all shoots alone by car.
- Working without an assistant wherever possible. If an assistant is deemed necessary we will travel separately to the shoot location and discuss and plan our working methods in advance.
- Using my own camera and lighting equipment, avoiding hiring in equipment wherever possible.
- No subjects will be asked to touch or move any of my equipment and I will not touch or move anything at the location without wearing disposable gloves, and only with permission.
- Where group shots are required, subjects can be photographed individually and combined later in post-production.
I also recently completed the ScreenSkills online awareness training course which covers specific TV and film production recommendations...
Obviously these precautions may affect what can and can’t be achieved on any given shoot, and more time may be needed to complete more complex jobs. However, with forward planning and discussion between all involved, I believe that many shoots are now perfectly possible to complete in a safe way.
The unpredictable nature of current events means that there is a likelihood that shoots may need to be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. If this happens for virus-related reasons I will not be charging a cancellation fee, and will work with the client and subject to reschedule at no additional cost wherever possible.
Communication between all involved is essential - if you have any shoots coming up that you’d like to discuss, please get in touch and we can work out the best, safest way to get what you need.
The Association of Photographers have published a set of "best practice" guidelines that go in to more detail on specific requirements for larger shoots, involving crew, locations, cast etc. These can be downloaded by clicking the button below..