I have done my fair share of photography during this pandemic and lockdown. I see this as an opportunity for important photo-journalism, but it must be done responsibly. For one, I am within 6-feet of no one when I photograph, almost always using far-distance lenses to accommodate this task. That being said, I wanted to list a few do’s and don’t I’ve learned to use.
DO- Wear a mask AND gloves. This makes everyone else feel safe around you.
DO- Wear nice clothing. This might seem like a weird one, but I have always received far better reception from strangers and businesses when shooting in the field. Most people will understand that your intentions for taking pictures are pure if you look the part.
DO- Respect people’s consent. Know when it is appropriate to take a photo and when it isn’t. IF you want to capture an intimate situation, then ASK! If you approach people with a friendly face and a reasonable request, many are inclined to pose!
DO- Ask permission. Sometimes it isn’t possible to ask for consent, and from what I have seen from professionals, the best you can do is try to limit those encounters. REMEMBER: taking photos in a public street or area that allows for photography use is legal and does not require consent from those people who are subjected to that photography within reasonable understanding that they are being photographed. What does this mean? You can’t sit in bushes and secretly photograph cute girls at the park. But if a girl is walking adjacent to a bench in front of you at the park, you are more than welcome to include her in your photo, consent or not. THIS BEING SAID: you should still always ask for consent to those people when the opportunity arises, this will eliminate most awkward and frustrating encounters, and is the ethically right thing to do.
DON’T: take pictures through peoples windows, on their balconies, or in there cars without their consent. This may seem harmless, but is the quickest way to push past a strangers comfort zone. Although these spaces might be viewable to the public, they are private. And in context, consent should be asked for.
DON’T: Ignorantly Tresspass. I’m going to use this one with a grain of salt. I think that many views people are interested in seeing are ones you arent supposed to get to. Or ones that are private for most. That being said, if you see an area that is not yours, try your hardest to locate a property manager of some kind and ASK PERMISSION. Once again, this is a harmless ask, and most times it is greeted with a kind response, especially if you take heed of this situation and show them your work!
Here are some photos I’ve taken relevant to this crisis:
Lastly, I wanted to link a video from the legendary Josh Katz on how he’s been capturing rooftop culture in Brooklyn during this pandemic. –
JCC PHOTOGRAPHY 