By Olivia Snaith-Cairns
Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, many photographers have struggled to find models, locations, and access to take photographs. This has made it difficult carry on with their work. With many people losing jobs, not being able to access work, or sadly losing loved ones, lockdown has brought a lot of hard times for everyone throughout the world.
Wilfred Carter, self-employed photographer, said: “I don’t say no to anything anymore. I am trying different styles, techniques and a variety of different things to try and broaden my skill set. I wouldn’t say my actual practise has changed but I just try and keep moving forward with my progression and growth in the craft.
“I definitely think about what is reasonable to achieve now and see if it is acceptable, in terms of Covid. I don’t shy away from challenges and like to take on big projects. But there comes a time where you need to establish a line in the sand, and I think that’s what’s changed the most.”
He adds that his difficulties are compounded by the fact that people “aren’t as happy to reach out and invest anymore”, which means his work pace is slow. “People don’t want to spend the same way so trying to market yourself and make yourself seem like a necessity more than a want is definitely challenging.”
Antonello Zappa, 25, is an Italian photographer who has been based in London for four years. “Since lockdown there are more concerns on jobs, extra care of the entire production. But because of the restrictions, and people can’t travel, I have less opportunities than before.”
One bonus of lockdown, he says, is that he has extra time to devote to his craft. “Since lockdown began, I have more free time to work on my things for sure! Less work is frustrating but it’s a general situation for everyone.
“I have done some workshops, experimented on my own, and worked on new styles and techniques. I also studied crafting talent. So, despite being in lockdown and having less work, I have had more time to work on my own projects.”
Apart from working on his photography, Zappa has also had to become a master of publicity in order to get more customers, he says.
“I use social media to promote my work: Instagram stories, insta posts, TikTok, linked. Any online platform that I can upload videos and photographs to I use,” said Zappa.
“My job, besides being a photographer, is networking. That is how you can get someone to know you. The more you share or some else shares the more chance you have of someone viewing your work and getting commissions.”
Photojournalism university student, Alex Cimpeanu said: “Photography is something you do on your own. Theory and guidance do help a lot, but it finally comes to having the means to visually convey your ideas best as you can.”
having more time to herself has also been a bonus for her, she said. “The way I take photographs has changed in the way that I found myself with more time to experiment with different mediums. I have taught myself how to make cyanotypes and even got myself a film camera for Christmas and fell in love with analogue,” explained Cimpeanu.
“The only thing it took from us, I think, was the opportunity to use the equipment and designated photo spaces at uni, like the darkrooms and the studios. Intimacy and comfort are a huge part of taking portraits and Covid just made us not know how to do that anymore.”
Photographers described that despite the lockdown, they have had more time to work and explore different techniques and styles, using their new free time to experimenting new photography ways. It remains to be seen how the art will evolve when things eventually return to normal – if they do!
Leave a Reply