Photography in the time of COVID-19

The world is at a standstill. The fight against the epidemic has affected a lot of industries, businesses, and  the economy. From a freelance photographer’s standpoint, the past 2 months has been a dry spell in terms of doing commercial projects. With the current way of things, I believe it’s high time we evaluate our choices.

Let’s face it, those who prepared for the rainy days are in a better predicament compared to those who didn’t. When the quarantine started, we battened down the hatches and HOPED for the best.

Unfortunately, the world isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, hope alone cannot save us nor provide us with the means to bring home the bacon. With the ordinances being released by the national government, we have our hands tied around our backs. Weddings, debuts, parties, and other social gatherings has become a big no-no to society, it is frowned upon by social media and we, ourselves, as photographers, question whether we’re ready for backlash and in the worst case scenario, get sick from being exposed to other people if we do those projects.

Photography is a social business; we meet people regardless of what genre we practice. And here comes the pandemic which makes us question whether it’s time to give up the dream and look for something else to justify the means or keep that viewfinder in check. The way I see it, this pandemic is nothing but opportunity (Yes, I’ve done some reality checks myself). Resiliency I believe is a necessary trait, that mental fortitude despite being at an all time low is key. We have to adapt. We’re left with some choices:

Become an essential worker. Cook food, deliver goods, ship items, do online selling, find work in hospitals or other health care agencies, or even find employment elsewhere. If the pay is there and can provide for the household, its’ a keeper. Rant if you must, but this is the new normal. We can’t go back to what once was, we have to move forward and survive. I know that it’s a challenge. But we just have to swallow our pride and do what needs to be done. Look up former clients, establish rapport and work it out. They’re undergoing some drastic changes in their lives as well, seek what they need and fill that void. For every need, there will always be a service or solution. Think of ways to be able to use the pandemic and its circumstance to our advantage. It’s not a walk in the park or easy as turning on your camera, but we’ve got to urge ourselves to become better than what we suffer.

If you can’t really let go of the camera, become a photojournalist. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It literally gets you out of your comfort zone, but it’s the best choice to continue your passion of clicking the shutter amidst this pandemic. Reach out to government agencies, publications, and other established individuals, all you got to do is ask. Spread out your portfolio and give it a try, it may be somewhat farfetched from your usual genre, but if you only feel sane behind the camera, then it’s what you can do to make ends meet and keep yourself away from anxiety. As a volunteer for the Philippine Red Cross Misamis Oriental – Cagayan de Oro City chapter, I’ve taken my photography to the frontlines in the fight against the pandemic.

Like most of the photographers in the industry, we are at a turning point. We begin to question if our businesses can continue. A reluctant and hard pill to swallow, but nevertheless it is reality. If you are bountiful in resources, then you are safe for now. But for those who have made it a source of income, their bread and butter, they are now at a crossroads. Some might even have tried to sell their cameras and other equipment to adapt and start other businesses. It is a bold and daring move to let go of one’s passion, yet practical in all accounts. The present situation has cornered us in a position where we’ve never been, but as the cliché quote goes: “ when life starts to become blurry, adjust your focus”.

We have to keep moving forward until such a time we find that we are safe to carry on our passions, advocacies, and photography. Plan ahead, but live each day one day at a time. Let us all stay safe.