Government Guidelines (England), plus PurplePort Tips for the 15th June Reopening of Business: Studios, Photographers, Models, MUAs & More...

a very useful and helpful video - the other issue to consider is ventilation and air flow in a small space

This article is handy. I’ve used this article as a point of reference when communicating with photographers in regards to what I expect when I am working with them. Thank you for blogging.

I have still not opened my studio as I don't consider shooting in a small space with little ventilation (666 square feet) to be completely safe. We are all breathing the same air.

In order to carry out a meaningful risk assessment for Coronavirus transmission, some medical knowledge is necessary and to estimate any work related risk accurately it is necessary to have precise data to work with. The government should make the information available as soon as is practical.

I'm staying closed down as a Business for now , no rush to reopen to take pictures... When I am I'll let all know .. and make it clear on my profile.

I think a one to one location shoot that is done not far from both peoples address with social distancing observed shout be ok from next week. Do most agree with this?

Better get used to the idea that this is something else that is likely to get killed off.As one of the people who has been working continually throughout this farce,apart from a couple of weeks off at the start of it which were due me anyway,I have to say that I am not convinced.Too many things just don't stack up.No public gatherings,but it is OK to have a riot over something that happened to a criminal on another continent.No travel,but the boats are still coming over the Channel and flights are arriving at Heathrow.Medical evidence that does not toe the official line promptly vanished from social media outlets.Massive civil unrest in Europe going unreported on mainstream media.History being erased. Wake up,kiddies.Seems that someone has decided to use 1984 as an instruction manual after all.

People should stop moaning about Boris, hes here to stay for quite a few years obviously.... - Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 25th May 20202 GOV.UK

As a commercial photographer and studio owner working on government defined "essential" requirements throughout the pandemic, I'm pleased to say that all of the procedures have, for me and my studio, been in place even before the announcements were first made and needed only the slightest adjustments when the relaxation came. However my studio is still refusing some shoot enquires and, furthermore, some people are finding the restrictions my studio is imposing, in line with government restrictions and guidelines, don't meet with their specific needs, and I am really sorry if that is the case. The studio is still declining attendees using public transport, (our decision), and I do have to be there at the studio when it's being hired. I am concerned about photographers with home studios not recognising the fact that those venues are still off limits under the new guidance, other than shooting out in the garden on the "meeting people from another household" rules. In-house "home" studios can't comply I feel.

That's very helpful thank you.

Some might find this video useful that I created a week or so ago - it is specific to my own studio, but I suspect that there are other similar studios out thee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlw44GUPbqE

Thank you for this article I live in wales so obvs it is a bit different for us at moment but still some great tips and information. Hope everybody on purple port and the pp team have all got through this with not too much illness,stress and pain and to people who suffer with mental health especially anxiety...you are amazing and strong! well done I myself know how hard these times have been but were nearly there now and can get back out having some crazy fun adventures creating the world as our visions want :)

Something to bear in mind. PPE is only effective if it is used properly, so take some time to educate yourself in the correct use. 1. If you remove your mask, remember, it is potentially infected and if you place it on a surface, it could either infect that surface or become contaminated from the surface. If you place it back on your face, there is a potential risk. 2. Gloves should only be worn for specific tasks. The gloves can become contaminated and could then contaminate anything you touch, including your nose/mouth. Instead, consider washing your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. That is just as effective and saves gloves for tasks that really need it (such as in healthcare). There are still supply issues around PPE, particularly gloves.

The rules regarding studios are irrelevant to me as I for one must travel using public transport, but I will not be doing that in the near future.

Is it safe if a photographer and model drive together in the same car to a location shoot over 100 miles away if they wear masks? I wouldn’t do I it myself but know someone who has and thinks it’s perfectly safe,

If I’ve been in lockdown since 14 March, no one has visited the house except deliveries left outside for treating before being brought in, have not met anyone on isolated walks, then surely I am the only one at risk if a model visits the studio. I wouldn’t be able to pick up from the station and would prefer someone who drove rather than visit straight from public transport.There is enough room to distance within the studio; although the model would have to prepare herself there now with obvious privacy. She would have her own bathroom which we could clean when she has left. There is an extremely large garden. I assume by PPE you are only referring to mask and gloves. I am more concerned about the model touching equipment. I’m sure most home studios, if large enough, would be similar to the above. It relies on the person visiting to be honest and sensible. I must admit I would really to like to shoot again and practice some of the techniques I have been experimenting with but I am apprehensive.

Will be good to be able to shoot again.

I don't mind strict social distancing but not keen on wearing a mask for a 6 hour shoot will have to give that some thought, im breathless after breathing through one for ten minutes.. I think id rather not do the shoot

Many thanks for the useful summary of the regs and handy tips

Before buying or using any PPE it is important to understand why you need it and what it is for. Taking masks for example, what type do you need - are they to protect the wearer or everyone else? Also make sure you know how to use the PPE properly, there's lots of advice on the correct use of masks and gloves. Using PPE the wrong way can be worse than not using it at all.

This appears to be specific to England only. Scotland and Wales have their own timetable and advice for easing of lockdown restrictions.... (Sorry, NI, I don't know about you.)

Not in Wales. "Shops in England can reopen on 15 June but the Welsh Government will not update its advice until 18 June.... Currently, only essential shops, petrol stations and garden centres can open in Wales "provided the two-metre social distancing rules can be applied". https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52924382 At present, you can only travel 5 miles in Wales.

Surely some of that is not UK but England only, and not Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland?