In this post, I want to share my technical approach to working on photoshoots as social distancing is required during the COVID-19 crisis.
I wouldn't consider doing a photoshoot unless local officials allow for social interaction. With that in place, I set out to follow all necessary steps to guard our safety. All the pictures in this post are done using fixed focal lenses that let me fill the frame from a long distance, an 85mm, and a 200mm telephoto.
More than a Portrait Lens
For me, the 85mm is a focal length that primarily I used in controlled settings, like in a studio and mounted on a tripod. Over recent shoots, I’ve learned that the 85mm works quite well for environmental portraits and full body shots. It brings a flattering compression that separates the subject from the background without any noticeable distortion. On the flip side, the 85mm needs a little extra time to keep up the focus on sequential frames, and it pushes me to slow down every other frame, which can also be a good thing.
Person in Frame: @booksnooksyoga
Abstraction Tool
My 200mm is relatively light to carry, but it's tricky to see when is the best choice on a portrait shoot. I like the exciting background it creates as it flattens distance fields to the extreme. I don't use the 200mm only to bring forth any distant subjects but also to remove distracting elements. The ergonomics of that lens makes framing a little cumbersome, so I try to remind myself to leave extra breathing room when using it.
Person in Frame: @elleseramusic
I always wear a face mask, keep my distance of 6 feet or more, and make things simple as possible to maximize our time during the shooting process. Facing obstacles is imperative to anything worth doing, but whatever we can do to increase our safety is not an obstacle at all.
