East Coast Headshots

The Safe Operation of Professional Photography in a COVID-19 World.

As an industry, Professional Photography has embraced the need to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, including shelter in place orders.

We are all eager to get back to work quickly once restrictions are lifted and we anticipate this happening soon.

In preparation for that, below are guidelines East Coast Headshots has adopted in conjunction with state and local leaders phased-in efforts to re-open businesses:

Adherence to State and Local guidelines

Above all, we believe in being a good community citizen. We would work cooperatively with state and local leaders to provide a safe environment for all. By adhering to guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control. We believe we can reopen our photography businesses safely, and at the same time contribute to the emotional and financial healing process that needs to take place in a post-COVID-19 world.

Personal Protective Equipment

If required, we would incorporate the use of PPE such as masks, gloves as well as whatever else is deemed necessary while working with clients as well as having Hand Sanitizer available for everyone’s use. 

Studio Guidelines

Currently I do not have employees but do occasionally use assistants so any photographic assistants who are sick should be expected to stay home, as well as myself & clients. Any appropriate area of the studio would be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and not used for congregating by anyone.

Social distancing / No touch

We would maintain social distancing, using no-touch posing methods. Until further notice is received from the CDC and other health officials. I have been providing this service for over 35 years and am very versed in this technique. Specifically, regarding my Headshot / Portrait business I am typically at least 15 feet away from my subjects, all of the lighting is preset and no real need to be close to them for repositioning.

The floor is already marked off with tape for you will be standing / sitting for your session so that I won’t “accidentally” get too close to you during your session. Photos have been included below to illustrate this.

If anything needs to be adjusted for the you i.e. tie, necklace, collar, etc. A mirror would be held up for you to see and you can adjust anything yourself, no need for me to have to touch you in anyway.

You can view your image(s) immediately after the session at the studio. I have a large monitor that you can view your images from a safe distance while I operate the computer, or if you wish you can operate the computer and just scroll between the images while I remain at a safe distance. If for some reason you are not comfortable with either of these options I can easily upload your images to an online gallery for you to review at your convenience.

By appointment only

The studio is located in Downtown Syracuse at 509 West Fayette Street, The Delavan building, and is very secure (plus plenty of free parking). Nobody can gain access to the building; the doors are always locked; anyone must be let in by someone in the building. We physically must let you in, there is no buzzer system to let you in. We hold to strict appointment times, allowing enough time to sanitize photographic equipment and common areas after each client session. Only one client would be allowed in studio facilities at any given time.

The time you would spend at the studio is typically approximately 20 minutes, so we are not around each other for an extended amount of time, thus reducing any risk.

Temperature checks and screening questions

If temperature checks are suggested, we would conduct them for each client prior to each session. Anyone with a fever exceeding 100.4 degrees would be rescheduled. Screening questions could include:

•          How are you feeling?
•          Have you had a cough or any flu-like or COVID symptoms in the last 14 days?
•          Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms with the last 14 days?
•          Are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined?

 Adherence to sanitation protocols

•          Standard sanitation protocols prior to each client should include but not be limited to:
•          Washing hands regularly before and after photographic sessions.
•          Sanitation of all props, chairs, benches with which a client may come into contact.
•          Sanitation of dressing facilities.
•          Sanitation of common areas, including doorknobs (interior and exterior), counter tops, pens and pencils, tablets, computers and           monitors.
•          Removal of unnecessary paper products or décor (magazines, newspapers, extraneous sales materials).

If anyone would like to speak with me directly to review any of this or even schedule a site survey prior to your session – my contact information is below.

We are looking forward to seeing you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Jeff Albro

East Coast Headshots

Owner / Photographer

jdalbro@eastcoastheadshots.com

509 West Fayette Street Studio #232, Syracuse NY 13204

315-935-3145 www.eastcoastheadshots.com

This view below shows where the lights are placed ahead of time and there is no need to move them. If for some reason I do need to move my Main Light you can see that it is up in the air on an adjustable Boom Arm that is easily adjusted from outside the circle, again no need to get any closer. The lower fill light never needs to be moved and again is preset prior to my clients arrival.

This view below shows Camera placement relative to the subject. You can see in the viewfinder how much you fill the frame and still I am a good distance away. I use a long lens to facilitate this. Again, no need to get any closer, the image size would not be proper for your Headshot.

This view below shows from the subject to the camera – still pretty far away.

This view below shows my tape measure extended all the way out to 16’ so you can see that I am much farther away than required.

So, as you can see from the photos above that I have a fairly large studio that lends itself very well for social distancing.