Post Covid Family &

Individual Portrait Photography

Life after over a year spent avoiding people has been challenging to say the least. The photography industry took a significant blow because of coronavirus restrictions, but as we enter the post COVID era, getting back to normal may not look as familiar as we thought it would. The year and a half in the pandemic pressure cooker has changed the human experience, and the photography industry has only begun to interpret what we have experienced in various ways that will surely display the vast nuances of feelings that so many around the world have encountered.

Ultimately, what we deemed as important and capturable has shifted, and new photography trends in both the family and individual portrait space have emerged along with the way we conduct business.

Where we Find Happiness has Changed

What we thought was once unworthy of being captured on camera because it was too simple, raw, or constituted as boring is now precisely what people want to see. Humanity in our natural state and the happiness, joy, and beauty in everyday moments is now being splashed across digital and print media. The perfect photo isn’t entirely out, but there is most definitely more creative freedom that can be taken, which allows those being captured to find radiance and presence in their natural habitat.

Photographers Will Have Hard Decisions to Make

With vaccines steadily gaining momentum in the U.S., many if not all states have lifted much of their COVID-19 restrictions. But the umpteen Americans that have yet to get a vaccine (or booster shot when it comes time to do so) are still under older regulations posed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and this means that photographers will have hard decisions to make in the coming months.

Sanitation procedures should still be adhered to, and social distancing and masks may yet be needed for any unvaccinated clients that are served. However, communication and creating structured policies that are based on recommendations from organizations such as the CDC can help photographers navigate the still murky waters caused by the coronavirus.

“Getting Back to Normal” Will Take Some Time

Above all, patience and innovation are the keys to success in the post COVID era. Beefing up marketing, running specials, and hosting events are all great ways to get people out of the house and on-location for photoshoots. In addition, focusing on the experience and pure enjoyment of taking pictures is a great way to get your clients excited about getting professional lifestyle portraits taken.

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Abigail Baker is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with Werever, an outdoor kitchen cabinet retailer.