Shooting safely in the middle of a pandemic
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Shooting safely in the middle of a pandemic
Gotta keep working! Here's how I safely shot a two-day job for a jewelry client.
I've been shooting seasonally for Platinum Born for several years now. The shoots are always busy as we're always trying to capture as many looks as possible for the myriad different necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Usage ranges from social media content to in-store displays and print advertising. We often construct three or four sets
in my studio and jump from spot to spot throughout the shoot.
This season COVID-19 really challenged us to keep the two-day shoot high volume and productive while maintaining the health and safety of clients and crew alike. To pull this off, we came up with the setup shown above. Getting this done was a real learning experience for me and my team. I've since invested in some gear to help streamline and simplify the small things that seem to cause the biggest challenges. Looking forward to the next time.
1: Photographer
Like with most studio shoots, I shoot tethered to Capture One on the Digi Tech’s laptop.
2: Digi Tech
The Digi Tech's laptop is the “host” to a Zoom call that remote clients can dial into. Sharing is set to show the Capture One viewer so that everyone can see the images as they’re taken.
3: Remote Art Director
iPad Pro set up as a “caller” into the Zoom call allows the remote viewers to see a wide angle shot of the set and provide any feedback or art direction in realtime. Everyone on set can hear them.
4: Viewer for Photographer
To maintain physical distancing amongst the crew, the photographer and model get a dedicated viewer screen.
5: Viewer for Clients
Behind the set there’s a 2nd remote monitor for the stylist, HMUA and other on-set clients. See photo below.
6: Safe Talent
Everyone wears a mask except the talent when they’re on camera.