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ALEX ORROW PHOTOGRAPHY // Commercial Photography » Coronavirus Policy and Photoshoots

Coronavirus Policy and Photoshoots

Since restrictions have eased it is possible to visit a client’s workplace and or location and conduct photo shoots safely and in line with government advice on safe working.

As many staff are now returning to the workplace and organisations are recruiting staff, it is possible to undertake photoshoots with the same creative care and attention to detail as before – although with more advanced planning and in some cases a risk assessment. As an added measure I have undertaken and passed the COVID-19 APA Shooting Guidelines Assessment Test. As well as a Coronavirus Awareness course. I have introduced new policies to help keep myself and clients safe. The operating policy below is based on the guidelines published by the Association of Photographers and The Advertising Producers Association.

Below are the measures I have in place for conducting photoshoots safely. 


SARS-CoV-2 is the official name of the virus that causes the disease named COVID-19. The two phrases have become somewhat interchangeable and I use the generic term ‘COVID’ below to cover both.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Some medical context on SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 (also read the WHO’s dedicated FAQ):

  • The time between exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and the moment when symptoms of COVID- 19 start is commonly around five to six days but can range from one to 14 days.
  • SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted from an infected person’s respiratory secretions or aerosolised droplets (coughs/sneezes) reaching the nose, eyes or mouth of another.
  • The most common symptoms are fever, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms are diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
  • Some people with COVID-19 suffer or show no apparent symptoms. Asymptomatic sufferers may still be infected and there is strong scientific evidence that they can transmit the virus too.
  • The virus that causes COVID-19 can also survive on a variety of surfaces for different timespans and be transmitted to another individual from contact with them.

 

KEY PRINCIPLES

  • The purpose of (so-called ‘social-’) distancing and PPE is to break the transmission cycle of the virus and reduce the risk of infection. We should operate on the basis that we could all be potential carriers, and must adhere to the safety principles to minimise risk. Therefore the following essential rules are based on current UK Government guidelines, and must be adhered to:
  • Maintain 2m-distancing wherever possible, but at the very least 1m.
  • Wash hands for 20 secs with soap and warm or hot water or use hand sanitiser forat least 30 seconds regularly. Alcohol-based sanitisers should contain at least 60%alcohol.
  • Cough and sneeze in the crook of the arm or into a tissue and bin immediately.
  • Report COVID symptoms to your employer.
  • Continue to work from home wherever practicably possible.

 

CORONAVIRUS POLICY AND METHODS FOR CONDUCTING A SAFE PHOTOSHOOT

  1. Before taking on any new work it must be made clear who will be attending the shoot and in what numbers. Names and contact details must be provided for everyone attending.
  2. Risk assessment undertaken if required.
  3. Undertaking the advice and adhering to the latest government guidelines.
  4. Co-ordination of large numbers of people on a schedule to avoid congregation and congestion of people.
  5. Reviewing suitability of photoshoot location in order to maintain 2m safety distance and maintain one way traffic.
  6. Anyone attending must to their knowledge not have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID or anyone who is showing symptoms consistent with COVID within the last 14 days.
  7. All those attending must confirm they have not had  a cough, or a temperature of 38 degrees centigrade or above in the last 14 days.
  8. If anyone attending the shoot develops a cough or a temperature of 38 degrees centigrade or above at any point before, during or within 14 days following the shoot the photographer/commissioning client should be informed.
  9. Compliance with the commissioning clients COVID safety policy.
  10. PPE and hand sanitising are made available by myself or commissioning client.
  11. A safe 2m working distance is maintained at all times
  12. A face mask and gloves to be worn for shoots taking place indoors.
  13. Cleaning touch points at the end of the shoot.
  14. If review of images is essential on the location at the end of the shoot, a wireless transfer can be made to the clients mobile device or computer. An app is required to be installed by the client.
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