COVID 19 Protocols for Working on Set
COVID 19 Protocols for Working on Set
I work on photography projects that vary from day to day and client to client. It is not uncommon for me to work on projects with just my camera and a portable light. Other projects may require a little more gear and an assistant, and some require a team of photo and production assistants, hair, makeup, and wardrobe stylists -sometimes, it truly takes a village.
I have been producing photography projects for 30 years worldwide for large and small clients. Over the years, things have changed mostly for the better, scouting for locations from my laptop and casting talent over Facetime. Creative meetings with clients once in a conference room are conference calls on my iPhone, and this isn't because of a Novel Coronavirus; this is just progressing with technology. For the past decade, I have created productions having never met the client or creative team in person.
Working in the current pandemic is not the same old production even with these technology tools, we have new protocols in place to protect us from this public health crisis. How I proceed with a project depends on the project itself, the creative goals, and the solutions to get the job done safely. I do not believe that we have to make quality compromises; I think these new challenges are different parameters we (I) have to resolve creatively.
I take into consideration location, which then leads to several questions about where, when, and what will we need to make that work? Shelter, Food, and Bathrooms always come to mind, whether it is just a whole crew of people or me. As for the new protocols, the fewer people on set, the better. Can we creatively solve the problem of getting people together in a photograph? There are post-production solutions, in-camera solutions hey it is 2020 a technologist turned carmaker just sent two astronauts into space, of course, we can do almost anything. All we need is time and money, Seriously though we solve problems daily for fun and profit.
No matter what the project, there is a new production protocol.
The day of or the night before if it an early call time, we will send a text message to subject, talent or crew members:
We are confirming our Photography Session for today.
As part of our COVID 19 Protocols, please reply to answer these questions.
1. Do you have a cough or difficulty breathing?
2. Are you unusually tired or fatigued?
3. Do you have a fever?
4 Do you live with or recently have spent time with someone who is not feeling well?
5. Have you been with anyone who may have the Coronavirus or Seasonal Influenza?
6. Have you traveled outside of Pennsylvania to a high-risk state within the past 14 days? (https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Travelers.aspx)
If you answer yes to any of these questions, please reply YES so that we may reschedule your session for today.
Otherwise, reply NO, and we will see you at our scheduled time.
Thank you
Richard Kelly Photography
Indigo Factory, Inc.
412-370-0582
If they reply Yes, They get this text:
Thank you for your reply; we hope you feel better soon. We encourage you to reach out to your primary care physician as quickly as possible.
Please contact my office to reschedule your photography session. richard@richardkelly.com
Sincerely
Richard Kelly Photography
Indigo Factory, Inc.
412-370-0582
We hope that they reply. No, then this message is sent:
We look forward to seeing you for our scheduled photography session.
We ask that you be mindful of those you interact with today and respect others by:
* Wearing a face mask.
* Practice social distancing - 6 feet is a comfortable distance.
* Wash your hands while humming a good tune for 20 to 30 seconds.
* Follow any local public health or safety instructions.
I will wear a mask during our photography session. I have created protocols and procedures to work efficiently and safely. If you have any questions or concerns during our photo session, please let me know.
I will have hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes on set and additional procedure face masks if you need one.
We look forward to a creative and safe photography experience."
Richard Kelly Photography
Indigo Factory, Inc.
412-370-0582
Protocols on set or location
Any crew members and I will have the appropriate PPE, always wearing facemasks and keeping a safe distance from each other, we may also wear gloves, and goggles when necessary.
Many of our recent photography projects have been on location out of doors, which is easier to manage ventilation concerns. We evaluate indoor locations as they arise and consider the vector points, high touch areas, air ventilation, and people's density on a space before making a final decision about the workspace.
For photo sessions that require client input and real-time decision making, we have iPads on set for client review while maintaining a social distance. We have online technology solutions for sending images to a cloud website for remote client reviews. And access to Facetime interactions for behind the scenes conversations about wardrobe and makeup decisions—all of this robust engagement and more with broadband internet.
Richard Kelly Photography COVID 19 policy and protocols (08/15/2020)
• Follow guidelines of the CDC, State, and Local health departments
• Everyone Wears a Face Mask ( I have extras if needed.)
• Practice Social Distancing (at least six feet).
•Practice Personal Hygiene - washing hands with soap and water and or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly.
•Continual Checking of Symptoms
Fever (100.4 or higher)
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Cough
Sore Throat
Loss of taste or smell
• We also ask anyone required to be on set not to travel to any of the high-risk locations as outlined by the PA Dept of Health within the past 14 days. https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Travelers.aspx
There are creative solutions to every problem presented onset, whether COVID 19 or something else. As professionals, we solve problems. Today We live and work in a world pandemic, which requires us to be diligent and responsible for ourselves and each other. COVID19 Protocols also require more time and may cost more money. Planning is the key to keeping us working safely.
We encourage positive conversation about these COVID 19 production protocols if you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
Richard Kelly
President
Richard Kelly Photography
Indigo Factory, Inc.