Photographers record the events of our time. Yet recording life during COVID-19 brings significant challenges. Photographers want to be good citizens in not spreading the virus, while still recording its effects on society. As society moves toward a new normal, you want to record life events such as weddings and graduations. COVID-19, however, has made life unpredictable. Circumstances and your feeling of safety changes as infection numbers rise and fall. Revenue streams are difficult to predict. Follow safety guidelines and check your photographer insurance policy to determine coverage for financial risks.
Safety Guidelines
Act to keep you and others safe.
- Follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and your state regarding the reopening of studios and the size of events that can be photographed.
- Follow social distancing guidelines. Use no-touch ways to pose subjects.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment such as a mask and gloves when working with clients.
- Keep employees at home when they are sick. Act to prevent employees from gathering in small break rooms.
- Enforce appointment rules. Allow only one family or client in your studio at a time, or, in the immediate area if you stage photographs elsewhere.
- Take temperatures of clients, employees, and yourself. Ask screening questions to determine whether anyone is sick or has been in contact with someone who has exhibited COVID-19 symptoms or been diagnosed with the disease.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Sanitize common areas, surfaces, and gear.
- Add a waiver to your current contracts to protect you in case someone becomes infected and believes that infection stemmed from an encounter with you or one of your employees.
How Insurance Helps
Your photographer insurance helps protect your business in these times of uncertainty. Event Photographer Insurance provides liability coverage if someone sustains an injury at an event. Even if someone files a groundless complaint, insurance will cover the cost of defending against it.
Insurance also provides financial help if you are unable to meet your contractual obligations to cover an event or if the event is canceled after you’ve already invested money in it. Insurance also covers your equipment if it is stolen or damaged, and provides cash to help repair your studio in case of fire or other covered loss. In many states, insurance protects if you or an employee makes a mistake that causes a financial loss for someone else.
Key Takeaways
- Protecting yourself, others, and your business and equipment are critically important during these uncertain times.
- Follow the CDC, state, and local guidelines regarding the opening of studios and the size of events.
- Protect yourself and others by providing a social distancing experience. Also, wear personal protective equipment, sanitize common areas, and ensure you and your employees stay home if you are sick.
- Consider adding a waiver to your contracts absolving you if they contract COVID-19 and believe it came from their encounter with you.
- Event Photographer Insurance can provide financial protection in case of event cancellation or your inability to meet your contractual obligations to photograph an event.
- Photographer insurance also provides liability coverage and coverage for stolen or damaged equipment. In many cases, it offers financial help to rebuild or repair damaged studios. In some states, it provides financial support in case of errors or omissions by you or your employees.
Marine Agency Corp. has been providing business insurance for 98 years. It provides coverage specifically designed for photography and videography businesses in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Marine Agency Corp. partners with a financially stable Berkshire Hathaway company to offer you the best photographer insurance. Contact us today at 800-763-4775 or online to discover how we can provide peace of mind during these troubled times.
