Photographers during lockdown
The news broke in March, when the French and Belgian governments, along with those of many other European countries, announced a lockdown to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is tough news for everyone, and photographers are no exception. The new motto is ‘Stay at home!’.
Only journalists are still allowed to move about. This situation presents an opportunity for photojournalists to keep us informed about the new normal. Major cities around the world are turning into ghost towns. Their photographs show deserted streets, closed shops, empty offices and iconic landmarks completely devoid of tourists. At the same time, press photographers are documenting life within the medical and hospital sectors, as well as the vital sacrifices being made to save those affected by the disease. In doing so, they are carrying out essential work to inform and preserve our collective memory.
While certain professions are deemed ‘essential’ by the authorities and are still operating, this is not the case for the majority of photographers. The events and cultural sector has ground to a halt, studios are closing, and for many this is a serious setback.
Beyond the financial aspect, how can we reinvent ourselves to weather this crisis? That is the question on everyone’s mind.
With teams working from home, this is an ideal time to tackle the less glamorous yet essential parts of the job. These include sorting through images and selecting the best ones – whether shots that have been misplaced or files that have been stored on hard drives for some time.
Now is also a good time to prepare for the future. Digital communication on social media is essential, so it offers professionals a way to catch up and ensure they are not forgotten. They are reposting their archives and their best photos in an attempt to maintain or expand their network of contacts and clientele.
Many individuals have reinvented themselves during this crisis. Some, without external support, have enrolled in online courses to earn a living. They showcase their skills and knowledge and share their passion via video conferencing. Others are documenting their daily lives and rediscovering photography without pressure. They are photographing details, textures and landscapes from home, or even staging their own scenes. Home photography is making a comeback. Artists have clearly not lost their creativity!
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