Covid-19: some helpful notes…
In my 20+ years in professional photography I thought I’d witnessed a few tectonic shifts: the CCD sensor eclipsing film or the emergence of mirrorless cameras which threatens the DSLR establishment. But then came Coronavirus. A pandemic affecting everyone and everything which totally fogs our immediate future.
How can you prepare for an unseen opponent which springs its trap with little warning, laying swathe to every sector and every demographic? It's the stuff of novels and ropey B movies. Yet, it’s here and Covid-19 is the Daddy of all game-changers. My son, who has just turned 6-years-old, freely asks if we can do certain things “when everything is good again…”. My wife and I can only nod and change the subject for fear of upsetting him. Government advice is ever-changing and I fear it’s going to be some time before we all figure out what the ‘New Normal’ (I hate that phrase) actually is, and how we can all learn to live and work in it.
So under the assumption I’m not alone in feeling this way, I’ve put together a brief guide to how I’m working during these unprecedented times, how I’m supporting my current clients as well as how I’m dealing with future bookings and enquiries...
Communication
Good communication is the very foundation of confidence, especially now. My approach and reputation has always been a creative supplier who embraces ideas and budget considerations, while accepting all my work is team-centric.
So every week, I am having phone and video calls with clients who require back-up to their planning, and I encourage anybody to get in touch. Even if you have booked another photographer and simply wish to seek some independent advice - if I can help, I absolutely will. Nearly all concerns can be clarified and usually solved with a chat - so please take advantage. It’s good to talk!
Rebookings
Existing clients who are naturally rethinking their plans and changing their wedding dates need not worry. In these situations the simple solution is to settle half of the balance payment come the time the full payment was previously payable - then a month before the new date the remaining half of the balance falls due, and the account is clear. At no time will any additional costs be levied over and above the agreed fee for the photography. I’m pleased to say this has been universally accepted as fair while we continue on through the fallout from the Pandemic.
On-Event
It’s wonderful to see so many of my colleagues in the hospitality industry now operating again in the hope weddings can embrace normality, as before. But we’re not completely there yet, even if that very welcome light at the end of the tunnel is becoming brighter.
Regardless, my work will become even more discreet and swift to enable great photography to flow around smaller celebrations. The smaller the event, the more considerate any photographer needs to be on the day - and this is paramount in my mind. And yes, I will absolutely be wearing my mask for the foreseeable future!
To talk through anything mentioned above or just put your mind at rest about a specific element of your wedding or event planning, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll get a chat in the diary ASAP...