Back to basics, navigating a new normal.
So things have been a little weird huh? The notion of ‘when things go back to normal’ is one that comes up multiple times in talking with clients and coworkers. There is so much beyond our control at play, but that doesn't mean it's all bad… and when things are different, strange, or down right difficult, I try to remember the things I know that are within my control, that I can rely on to get me through.
Back to basics.
While I cannot wait to be back on a true ‘set’ and working with or as part of a full crew, the reality is it’s going to be awhile. Not because we don’t have safety protocols, or because we aren’t ready to step up to the task, but rather the projects aren’t ready for us yet. Client budgets are tighter than usual, people are worried about their health, and, to be blunt, there is so much uncertainty caused by opinions of what’s fact or fiction.
But all that doesn’t have to diminish the artist. In fact, setbacks often empower us. It might be crazy to admit, but in the last 3 months I’ve been more productive than ever and discovered so many silver linings working though and adapting to the seemingly daily change. It’s by relying on the basics that I’ve stayed productive, did a little good, and reminded myself about why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Is there a way to continue to produce photoshoots? Yes. Have I been actively doing them? You betcha.
A behind the scenes and the result of a short assignment for Feeding America. See the rest (here)
How many cooks in the kitchen?
Just because someone is not on set does not mean they are not a part of the process. One client simply stated “we can only allow you to enter” citing their social distancing rules for the building they occupy. With that out of my control I tap into a run and gun style editorial shoot, and we make it work. It’s a revisit to my process. Can I do this solo? Do I need an extra assistant, if so how do I limit their contact with the subject or others on site? All things considered both on the day of and before the session.
Result and behind the scenes for an assignment for the Milwaukee Downtown BID featuring a wonderful bus driver name Willie. (more images in the BID’s blog)
Practice Particular Planning.
I have a bit of organization obsession. It’s a surprising thing to a few because of how free flowing things can get on set, but a well organized tool kit is really important to me. Light A goes into slot one in the case, batteries are marked like this, stands are assembled ‘this way.’
It’s a process, it’s practical, it’s a protocol for success. This orderliness allows things to be free flowing because when things are in their place there is a clear view of the space between to move within. Simple things like assignments of who can move what equipment, extra time for hair/makeup/wardrobe, or delegation of cleaning on site can go a long way toward organizing the chaos. Each photo shoot is different, so there is no universal solution. However, communication and planning make it all second nature.
Is it possible to do a 3/4 and full length portrait in a parking garage during a thunderstorm? Yes. Should you? Still up for debate. (more here)
Collaboration and comradery.
Safety and comfort of anyone I have the privilege to work with is a huge sticking point for me. Ask any athlete I’ve photographed, I try to stay conscious of the amount of reps, I’ll ask about their routine, and even ask them to coach me through the peak moment to make sure I know exactly what not to ask for because I dread the idea of even a minor injury as the result of a photograph. But during a worldwide pandemic what does safety look like? At first pass, limiting the points of contact are good first steps. But with open lines of communication and the willingness to understand and adapt to the changing landscape we can continue successfully creating together. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for safety, but if me wearing a mask makes the subject feel safe, that's worth it everytime.
A few portraits from my Curbside Portrait Series. When the pandemic hit WI in full swing I wanted for find a way to volunteer with business adapting to carryout and curbside offerings.
Image selection.
One of the most exciting things for me is that “wow” moment when someone sees the images we create together. In practice I am a ‘get it right in camera’ type of photographer, sort of goes hand in hand with planning so intently, so when tethered to the computer and the base color treatment applied you are seeing a fairly accurate representation of the final product.
Here’s the thing though, that computer becomes a hover zone where 3-4 people congregate shoulder to shoulder. One of the wonderful things about 2020 is we have no shortage of new technologies at our disposal to encourage distancing on set. From Zoom meeting that replaced our in-person creative brainstorms, applications that allow me to share screens to multiple ipads on set, live streaming the shoot back to art directors that opted to work from home, to well organized platforms for collaborative image culling after the session there are solutions that still allow me to experience that “wow” along the way while making sure everyone is still engaged in the collective process without knowing what each other at for breakfast.
In the end, together we rise.
Yeah, things are a little strange right now. It’s going to be an adjustment, there will be a few hiccups along the way, but the world keeps turning and as long as we move forward perhaps a new normal will be better for everyone. I learn best through practice and repetition, and while I am excitedly waiting for things to pick back up I’ll continue to create and hoan in on new processes and techniques, because to me that is my normal.