How to Safely Photograph Clients in The Studio: COVID-19 Edition

As cities and states begin to re-open across the country, I’ve been getting a lot of messages from photographers asking how I’m handling going back to work, especially given the fact that I work exclusively inside.

So today, I thought I’d share what I’m doing in my studio to stay safe and keep my clients safe as well.

Listen to the Experts

I’m not a healthcare provider and I’m not an expert on Covid-19, so first and foremost, I’m listening to the experts and following the guidelines put out by the CDC.

They recommend maintaining a safe social distance, and so I do, as often as possible.

When working with older kids and adults, I give direction and guidance on posing while keeping a safe 6 foot separation.

With babies and newborns, I ask the parents to assist as much as possible and only place babies in natural positions that do not require excessive posing or props.

Fun fact… this has always been how I photograph babies. Another reason to love my minimal approach to posing, it’s Covid-19 friendly! Learn more here.

Safety First

The CDC also recommends wearing a mask (it’s also currently a State mandate where I live), so I wear a mask at all times and ask that my adult clients do the same until it’s their turn for pictures.

I keep a box of disposable masks at the studio for clients who forget theirs (nobody has so far… but they are still nice to have on hand, just in case.).

And I had some cute ones custom made here.

Keep it Clean

Cleanliness has always been a high priority for my, but now I’m EXTRA cautious about keeping the studio in tip-top shape. My routine includes, disinfecting ALL surfaces (doorknobs, cameras, sinks, toys, pens…. anything a client may touch) and wear gloves while cleaning. The entire space gets a good wipe down (with Clorox wipes) before and after every session.

I also wash all fabric items on the warmest setting (blankets, pillows, teddy bears.etc)

I wash my hands frequently and keep hand sanitizer next to where I’m working for both me and my clients to use.

Work on Location?

If you work in other people’s homes, check with local COVID-19 reports in the town or city you are photographing in before accepting that client. For example, if reports show signs of surges or rapid increases in diagnoses close to your client’s home, it may be a smart to reschedule or set up a session outside.

We’re Living Through History. Don’t be Afraid to Capture It!

As crazy as all of this is, we ARE living through history. So, I make a point of getting a least one photo with my clients wearing their masks! Just so they can share them with their grandkids someday!