Covid safety guidelines for child photographers
Considering 2020 to be a 'year of change' is an understatement.
The current year has brought several challenges with it and has taught us plenty, along the way. But how are we, as a race, reacting and embracing these changes to keep us and everyone around us safe?
We know that hygiene is an inherent aspect of our industry. We are handling our client's most precious beings, so it’s a given that we have to be extremely safe and clean.
But during this pandemic, it’s our basic duty to educate and share our protocols followed during these times to not only build trust, but to make sure the experience is safe for everyone.
Here are 6 big changes we have brought to the forefront while working during the pandemic :
1) SPELL IT OUT
Create a list of the safety guidelines that you will be following. These guidelines have to include what you are going to do apart from the usual. And if there is anything you need the clients to follow, inform them very politely and explain your reasons. Make sure your potential clients will see this list to know the effort you are putting in. Sharing it on your website like we did or talking about it on your social media platforms or even email it to all your clients, if need be. You can even take references from the safety guideline I have created here.
2) FOLLOW THROUGH
It is very important that you follow the rules you have set, because this concerns everyone's safety.
I’d suggest doing the act of sanitizing before and after every shoot. Heck! Go a step further and wipe down the props in front of the clients too. It makes your intentions clear and keeps their mind at rest, too. Don’t forget the goal here. Safety, safety, safety!
3) SET EXPECTATIONS
Be clear on what you can do and what you cannot do during this period. For example in my safety guidelines I have clearly mentioned that we are currently avoiding renting props, we will be avoiding shooting at containment places and a few more. This way your clients will know what to expect and what they can ask for. So if you have a few things from your norm that you are not going to do then make sure to inform your clients.
4) STAY AWARE
It is very important that you are aware of what's happening at all times. So continuously educate yourself of the situation, the rise in cases around you, how others are coping with it, what more you can do to be safe etc. Sign yourself up for webinars or online lessons that help you stay aware.
5) HEALTH > SHOOT
During these trying times, it may seem difficult to let go of a shoot. However, if you notice that you are not the slightest bit well or if your clients have mentioned they are not well, reschedule.
Wait for everyone to recover. This involves everyone's safety and its priority. Always check everyone's health condition before going ahead with the shoot.
Moreover, there are millions staying home to flatten the curve, so if you should choose to go ahead and work, respect the norms set by your state governments and work within them.
6) REVIVE YOUR ENGINE
I am pretty sure we all have been in the comfort of our home for at least a month, due to the pandemic. That means our bodies need to be ready for the hustle our job requires. So do what it takes to get stronger before you go back to work. Boost your health and immunity to stay safe and be prepared.
If you've chosen to sit this one out until the pandemic settles, it's a respectable choice. If 2020 has taught me anything so far, its 'Live to fight another day'.
Hope this blog is useful for everyone who is slowly starting to get back to shooting. Stay safe and social distance.
Keep creating!
