KATY WATSON

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING THE PANDEMIC FAQs

You can learn more about my socially distanced shoots for individuals and families here, or if you are a business you can find out more on how I can work with you and your teams here. If you'd like to get in touch to discuss your options in more detail you can drop me an email. 

ARE YOU ALLOWED TO WORK AS A PHOTOGRAPHER DURING A STAY AT HOME MANDATE?

Yes, technically I have reasonable excuse to leave my home for the parts of my job that cannot be carried out from home. Having said that, I use my best judgement for each job and think more in terms of risk assessment. I will turn down work that I feel would be irresponsible. 

WHAT PRECAUTIONS DO YOU TAKE WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING?

Before every shoot that involves me leaving my home the first thing I do is check the AOP (Association of Photographers) for any updates on working in line with government restrictions. I sanitise all my equipment before, during and after each location/ job as well as frequently using hand sanitiser and keeping extra masks to hand. Most importantly, all my work during lockdowns and Tier 4 is socially distanced. 

WHAT WOULD A PHOTOSHOOT INVOLVE?

We will have an initial call before hand to discuss the photoshoot and communicate via phone during the session. The most popular choice for many at the moment is photographing through your windows where possible. We can also do photos in front of your front door. I allow for a limited number of bookings a day which would involve an outdoor open space such as a park. My 70-200mm (2.8) lens allows me to maintain a substantial distance whilst still providing a good variety of images for you. Again, this is in line with government guidelines as we will not be closer than a few metres, if even that. Having said this, my preference is for sessions that do not encourage you to leave your home so outdoor shoots are very much considered on a case by case basis. 

WHY SHOULD I BOOK A PHOTOSHOOT NOW?

I don't think it's something anyone should do necessarily, and as I mentioned there are jobs I will turn down if I don't feel it'd be responsible. Certainly not everyone will choose to have a photoshoot now, preferring to wait until things are 'back to normal' and safer. But one of the biggest lessons from last year is that we don't know which way things will go and when. Most importantly, I believe strongly in the necessity of documenting the big and nuanced signs of our times, for society and for individuals. With a background in documentary photography I create images that capture some aspect of your situation, such as photographing through windows, wearing face masks. We have all been deeply affected one way or another by the pandemic and  documenting this  moment in your life and your situation can provide a record for you to reflect on and remember when things do eventually get better.