Photographers facing confinement
In March, the governments of France, Belgium and many other European countries announced a population lockdown to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The news is hard on everyone, and photographers are not spared. The new watchword is "Stay at home".
Only journalists are allowed to circulate. This is an opportunity for photojournalists to inform us about the new normal. The world's major metropolises are turning into ghost towns. Photographs show deserted streets, closed shops, empty offices and iconic landmarks completely deserted by tourists. At the same time, press photographers document medical and hospital life, and the sacrifices they make to save those suffering from the disease. It's a vital task of information and memory.
But while some professions are considered "indispensable" by the authorities and continue to operate, this is not the case for the majority of photographers. The events and cultural sector has ground to a halt, and studios are being forced to close, which for many is a real catastrophe.
Beyond the financial aspect, how can we reinvent ourselves to get through this crisis? That's the question on everyone's mind.
Confined to one's home, it's surely the ideal time for all the usually less glamorous tasks of the job. Like, for example, sorting through the images and selecting the best ones, perhaps lost to view or sleeping on the hard disks.
It's also a good time to prepare for the future. Digital communication on social networks is essential, so it's a way for professionals to catch up and avoid being forgotten. They repost their archives, their best shots and try to maintain or develop their network of contacts and customers.
Many people have managed to renew themselves during this crisis. Some, unaided, are taking up distance learning to earn a living. They showcase their skills and knowledge and share their passion via videoconferencing. Others document their daily lives and relearn photography without pressure. They shoot details, materials and landscapes from the comfort of their own homes, or even set the scene themselves. Domestic photography is reclaiming its rights. Artists have clearly not lost their creativity!
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