In early March, millions of businesses not deemed essential were ordered to close leaving millions of Americans without work. What about the photographers?! Where are they throughout this pandemic? Are they still shooting? If so, how are they practicing social distancing?
I (Teslie) was reached out to by a photographer who is experimenting with a new photography service. Businesses are about reinventing themselves and, well, all of us are about recreating our new norm. Elario Photography of Albany, NY is taking photos from the comfort of your own home via FaceTime and all you need is an iPhone (and to get dressed).
Elario has been shooting since he was 11 years old. While they are known for wedding photography, Elario captures anything from newborn sessions to fitness photography and more. Usually this time of the year, Elario would be planning a pop-up session outside his Madison Avenue studio in Albany where anyone is invited for a few of his signature black and white shots. But because of Covid-19, Elario couldn’t make this happen and had to come with a different plan- FaceTime Portrait Sessions. Yup, brilliant!
This was the first time I put on a pair of jeans in 2.5 months! It felt good to make my hair pretty, throw on some hoop earrings and smile for the camera to capture photos in a time that I will never forget.
JP sporadically announces FaceTime photo sessions on his instagram- @jpelario. He recently launched a “Couples FaceTime Session” and they have been selling out quickly!
Hire A Photographer, And/Or Set Up Your Own Quarantine Photo!
Tips from JP Elario to take your own quarantine photos:
Find a place in your home that has natural lighting
Look for a space in your home with a blank wall
Prop the camera up or above eye level on whatever you have- stack of books, chair, table, etc.
Try taping your phone to your laptop (by the camera) that way you can tilt the screen in order to get the right angle.