While Covid-19 has changed our lives, it doesn't need to ruin our photography businesses. Here's a quick guide to safe photoshoots that keep your business running and your community healthy.
Follow your state's recommendations and orders. No matter what, you must, operate in accordance with the law. Beyond that, offer assurance to your clients that their comfort and safety is your top priority by keeping your business policies updated as the situation changes. Here's how.
First, get your Covid-19 specific policies and practices in place right now. In addition to showing clients that you care deeply about their safety and comfort, it's a valuable protection for you and your business. I'm not a lawyer, but it might be wise to add a section listing the symptoms (get updated symptom lists from the CDC or your local health department). Before each shoot, you could have clients to verifiy and sign that they have no symptoms, and have no known exposure to anybody diagnosed or showing symptoms in the recent weeks. You might also add a liability clause, in case the client does become ill in the weeks after the session, and thinks it might be your fault... Which leads us to the next step in a covid-proof plan: Ensuring client safety.
Adjust your workflow and photoshoot practices. If you used to have an in-person booking meeting, are you ready to transfer that to a virtual meeting? How will you accept payment and sign contracts? (Not sure how? I share how I moved everything from in-person to online, in this post.) Will you wear a mask to shoot? Gloves? If you must re-use props or any materials for more than one client, what's your sanitizing plan? If you won't share props, send the clients a "what to bring" checklist. Do you have room to shoot in the studio, or do you need a larger, or open air venue? Keep your clients informed and show them how you've adapted if you want to maintain your bookings.
Rescheduling shouldn't be a hassle. Make it easy for clients to choose a new date with an online booking service (I loveloveLOVE HoneyBook for this). Once you know when you'll be ready for shoots, send your mailing list one email, that outlines: your new plan to shoot safely, the link to your booking calendar, and your updated contract with the Covid-19 clause.
Finally, address what you need to practice before your next shoot. I love shooting with my 24-70mm. But not now. I'm practicing with my 85mm on my own family so that longer distance becomes my new normal. Also, now is a good time to practice your go-to poses in a mirror so you can strike a pose and have clients mirror you on the shoot. Some of us are fairly hands-on in terms of adjusting client hair, clothing, and props; now is the time to develop hands-off habits.
With a little bit of caution, and some clear and thoughtful communication, we'll keep our clients safe and our cameras clicking.