By now, you are probably already well aware of the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected much of the world. And if you had planned on getting married in the coming months, you have probably had to rethink your plans. The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most serious health concerns that has occurred recently, and everyone from engaged couples to wedding planners and service providers have been affected.
The crisis has even affected wedding photographers. Many professionals have had to deal with new challenges and obstacles to performing their duties. Whether they have already secured contracts or are still in the negotiation stages, wedding photographers have had to come up with creative solutions to providing essential services to their clients.
Companies that employ wedding photographers have had to resort to inventive ways to carry out their business. On the one hand, these companies have to uphold their professional reputations and continue to provide the services that their customers expect. At the same time, they also have to ensure the safety and well-being of their photographers and staff.
It is truly challenging to continue to provide quality wedding photography services in the time of the coronavirus. But some companies have found a way to do so without compromising the quality of their services. Here’s how some wedding photographers and firms manage during the pandemic.
Scheduling
Many wedding photographers work with their clients to find mutually agreeable scheduling solutions. This is especially important since many couples have had to postpone or even cancel their wedding ceremonies in order to comply with quarantine and social distancing guidelines.
For most companies, cancellations entail costs that are difficult to absorb and deal with. Wedding photographers are generally more amenable to rescheduling bookings by a few weeks or even a few months. Depending on how much your community has been affected by COVID-19, your wedding photographer may be willing to reschedule the booking until such a time as when the quarantine is lifted.
Cost
Some wedding photography companies may offer reduced rates on photography and video services during the COVID-19 period. If you are intent on having your wedding push through (while taking the necessary precautions, of course), you might be able to find a company that will agree to handle your video and photography requirements at lower-than-standard rates.
If you already have a wedding photographer in mind, talk to them and find out what kind of deal they are willing to give you during this trying time. Be frank and forthcoming about your concerns. You might be surprised how readily your wedding photographer would be willing to work with you to come up with an arrangement that works for both of you.
Safety
One thing that everyone will have to be concerned with is safety. Ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of everyone concerned is a responsibility that all parties will have to share. As the couple-to-be, you will have to coordinate with your wedding planner, various service providers, family members, and guests to ensure that everyone is on the same page concerning safety.
It is especially important to find service providers that share the same focus and concern as it relates to COVID-19 safety precautions. Your wedding photographers should have a workable safety plan in place, along with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). They should also implement proper quarantine and social distancing measures and procedures. Finally, they should be willing to work with you on safety protocols if you have specific requirements.
In most cases, any concerns arising from the current coronavirus situation can be dealt with by honest and open communication. Don’t hesitate to talk to your wedding photographer at the earliest opportunity to air your concerns. You will find that reputable firms will be quite willing to work with you to come up with an arrangement that works for everyone concerned.