Doing photojournalism during the COVID-19 pandemic

he COVID-19 crisis will go down as one of the more historic moments of our century like the Spanish Flu was during the last one. Although it’s a tough time to go out because of the dangers of contracting the virus, now is the time to go out there and take pictures. Each shot we take at this time is a piece of history, according to Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

Image source: https://cpj.org/

Image source: reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk

The question is, how do you perform photojournalism during this pandemic? The photographers at the International Journalists Network served up a few best practices on how to take pictures on the field.
First and foremost, photojournalists should always mind and obey safety protocols like social distancing and wearing masks. No one should go out on a limb just to take a great shot. The good thing is there are now many devices that enable a photographer to take shots from afar like long lenses. You should also prioritize spending as little time shooting outside. This means you will have to thoroughly plan your work so you get in and get out fast.
When going on assignments or photography trips, preparation is key. Make sure you carry a first aid kit or medical supplies with you at all times. Aside from this, you should also keep up with the research on the COVID-19 virus so you can anticipate developments on the field while shooting on site.
You should mind how you treat your subjects. Make sure you’re honoring and capturing their dignity. Avoid increasing tension during an emergency and take shots only at calmer instances.
Finally, make sure to check your own condition to see if you’re feeling well. Reporting your own health may save the life of other photographers, your subjects, and your team, Vijaya Prakash Boggala adds.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala has written medical abstracts to published medical literature. He is also into painting, photography, and DIY projects. For similar reads, visit this blog.

Interesting photography subjects during this pandemic

This pandemic has shown us a different side of people, cities, and society in general. As we all gather ourselves in search of the new normal, photographer Vijaya Prakash Boggala believes that photography can give us a clear picture of our current situation and possibly what comes next. If you want to flex your photography skills today, here are some interesting subjects you can take on during this pandemic, provided you follow all necessary safety protocols such as wearing a face mask and follow social distancing rules.

Image source: weforum.org

Image source: theatlantic.com

Cityscapes
Streets are empty, there are hardly people around, and it looks like the setting of an eerie movie. Photographers can highlight the beauty of empty spaces, cityscapes that are devoid of humans as subjects. It’s also an opportunity to take photos of nearby sights that are often filled with people before the pandemic hit.

The new normal
Through photographs, we can define what the new normal is; people walking a safe distance from one another, people working from home, designated standing spots in supermarkets. Your photos can show how society is adjusting to the impact of COVID-19.

Food photography
A lot of people have taken to the kitchen to learn how to cook or bake. You can do the same and learn how to plate well as well as photograph your works. This small challenge can really help you improve your lighting skills, as well as photo editing skills if you like manipulating your shots in a computer.

Nature photography
Given that people have been avoiding nature-rich locations like national parks, Vijaya Prakash Boggala believes that nature photography would reflect something new. Here, we can see nature reclaim, heal, or even revert back to its original form.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and has contributed to the 2011 article “A mortal case of moonshine.” In his spare time, he watch live sports and works on painting, photography, and DIY projects. Visit this website for more reads on Vijaya’s interests.