Photography in the Time of Pandemic
COVID-19 has affected us in many ways. Its social and economic impact has redefined our lifestyle, how we connect with people, and especially how we earn a living. It is especially tough for freelance photographers whose nature of work puts them always on the go. Since the crisis started, there has nothing but cancelled projects and no gigs. Social distancing may save lives, but it also kills livelihoods. So what’s a photographer to do?
FaceTime Photography
Professional photographers and shutterbugs can explore FaceTime photography as a viable alternative to face-to-face snapshots. Just bring out your iPhone, iPad, or Macbook, pour in your creative juices and start earning from the comforts of home. Here’s a list of everything you need to help you start your online photography sessions.
1. iPhone, iPad or Mac Laptop
Your model’s device of choice determines the quality of photos. However, it will depend on what’s available to her and what she feels most comfortable using. If she has access to all three, a quick check of the megapixels will show which device has better photo quality. Go for that one. It helps that Apple incorporates true depth and studio-quality lighting with its cameras.
On the other hand, most photographers prefer using their laptop to capture photos, so they can do all their edits in one place.
Enable FaceTime Live Photos by going to the settings, FaceTime, Live Photos, and toggle on. Remember to set all photos to upload to your iCloud.
FaceTime Photoshoot Tip:
Work your magic with what you have. You won’t get the same quality of photos as when you’re using your camera but this works.
2. Internet Connection
FaceTime photography will require a stable internet connection. Use DSL or Fiber internet if possible as FaceTime is sure to eat your data plan like a hungry hippo.
If your subject is using cellular data, she can disable other running apps that may consume all her allowable data. This will also speed up her device.
You can switch to wi-fi or cellular data as needed to get the best internet speeds possible. This will also help in conserving bandwidth so you don’t break your data plan.
FaceTime Photoshoot Tip:
For internet issues, refreshing the network helps. Remove your sim and wait for a few seconds before reinserting it and starting your device. You can renew the wi-fi through your iPhone settings or tap Forget Network and rejoin.
3. Photoshoot Models
In FaceTime photoshoots, your subject is an essential part of your team, requiring them to wear many hats. Your models become their own stylist and make-up artist. They can help set a mood or make a theme come to life. They can be your source of inspiration and someone you can exchange ideas with.
Photographers can enlist the help of family and friends or pay for a professional model. You can get client requests for an online pictorial.
FaceTime photoshoot Tip:
Arrange to do a FaceTime with your model before the agreed shoot date. This will help you connect and plan for the photoshoot. Use this as a good time to talk about what you both want to accomplish.
4. Background and Location
With the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) still in place, your subject’s home is your studio. A garden is a plus. If there isn’t one, explore different areas of the home where you can take beautiful shots. It’s just a matter of perspective.
Use a solid color or detailed background for a portrait shot. White is a favorite for its versatility. It is easy to change it to other colors when doing post edit work.
FaceTime Photoshoot Tip:
Request a virtual tour of your model’s home. This will give you an idea where to do your shoot. Corners, walls, doors, the living room and windows can serve as your backdrop. Get creative and improvise.
5. Lighting
Your model won’t have the lighting kits you normally use on your studio or location shoots. Take advantage of natural lighting. Morning light gives you direct sunlight for clear and warm photos. As light fades and the day ends, you get softer and calmer images. The golden hour is the time right before sunrise and right after sunset. This is the best time to take silhouette photos. For portraits, it adds drama and texture. You can take back lit photos from your iPhone using the natural light from your window.
FaceTime Photoshoot Tip:
Watch for exposure and shadows when taking your photos. You can adjust this on your iPhone to get your desired brightness level.
6. Angles
Angles give your photos definition and purpose. Portrait shots are easy to manage, with your model positioning the iPhone mid-level. However, you are not limited to portrait shots with FaceTime photography. For intricate angles, your model can position the iPhone on a higher surface to get an overhead or top down shot. Another person in the household can assist. They can do low angles by placing the iPhone below eye level of your model.
FaceTime Photoshoot Tip:
Remember that getting your desired angle requires coordination between you and your model. Significantly, capturing different angles in your shoot gives you different views of your subject.
7. Look to the Experts
CNN Style published an article on New York DJ and photographer Guy Furrow. He uses FaceTime to capture edgy photos of his friends. Meanwhile, Ireland based Photographer Anita Sadowska takes photos of models in New York using FaceTime. She posted a behind the scenes video on YouTube to document her photoshoots.
FaceTime Photoshoot Tip:
Watching videos and reading articles of FaceTime photographers will help you discover new techniques and inspire you to find your own style.
All photos in this article are by Barry Trinidad. He is a Manila-based freelance photographer and videographer who does FaceTime photography.
FaceTime photography is a creative response to the changing times. It is gaining a following as a viable medium in art as social distancing becomes the norm. With preparation and a good working relationship with your model, you can take professional looking photos too.