On Covid Era Sessions

Nothing has made me happier in the last few months than to get a photo assignment, no matter how modest, or logistically complicated. I’m just happy to have a camera pointed at someone who isn’t in my family (despite their being lovely models).

Safety regiments are of course front of mind. For the photo team, we traveled separately, brought our own food and drink, and wore masks and gloves the whole time. That said, distancing was only lightly observed. I suppose that it was a combination of the practical need to get things done in an efficient manner, combined with being fully decked out in protective gear, that made the crew feel comfortable standing close to each other.

It’s now taken for granted that detailed conversations regarding on-set protocols will happen with the crew, but I’ve learned that it’s also key to have that talk with the subjects too. One sitter decided, just before the meet time, that they were not going to remove their mask for the portrait, despite the fact that we we were shooting distanced, and outside. Another didn’t wear a mask, and nor did their team, between set ups during an all-day indoor session.

My takeaway is that the safety decisions are most effective when made upfront. Questions like transportation, who will be on set, who not? Where you shoot, and with what goals? Once on set we are in the mindset of doing what is best for the pictures, and are trained to put aside other concerns to get the best work - and of course that’s how we long ago built our reputations.

Top Image: Polly Rodriguez of Unbound for Guardian Weekend. She exhibited perfect Covid safety decorum, on top of being a fantastic photographic subject.

Middle Image: The photographer wearing the prop stylist hat, metaphorically.

Bottom Image: A park sitting with Diane Paulus for Boston Magazine.

All BTS photos by Samantha Glennon