Capturing a Moment in Time - Tips from a Professional Photographer in times of COVID-19

There’s nothing quite like a live concert. The energy, the music, and the power of a shared experience only exists in that one moment in time. But after the concert is over, there is one person who can help us remember those amazing moments - the photographer. Photographer Will Young has been working with Arts Commons to capture these amazing artist and audience moments for over ten years. He’s often seen hiding in the wings, or carefully moving through the auditorium, his camera at the ready. 

“Arts Commons is one of my favourite clients! I'm not just saying that,” jokes Will. “Working at Arts Commons I get to see shows and meet performers that I otherwise wouldn't see and I've discovered a lot of artists that are brilliant.” 

“There's also a challenge trying to get good images given the noise and position restrictions that exist in a live theatre with an audience. I can't simply walk up to the stage and get in the way of someone enjoying the show even though that might give me a better image.” 

Like most artists, photographers have been hugely impacted by COVID-19 with everything from backyard weddings to Saddledome concerts cancelled. All of the remaining shows in the Arts Commons Presents 2019-20 season were either cancelled or postponed, leaving event photographers like Will with the challenge of how to continue to do their work, looking at different opportunities, and ensuring those opportunities can be executed while safely social distancing. 

“Fortunately, I have found opportunities with other clients who needed images specifically advertising their response to the pandemic,” says Will. “In one case I was asked to create Photoshop composites because shooting live models in a studio wasn't possible while following the physical distancing guidelines.” 

Part of what has made this transition easier for Will is that as a photographer, he routinely split his time between taking his own photos, and retouching photos for other photographers. 

“Work has slowed down, but it's still possible to stay in business. I feel privileged and lucky to run a freelance business that has always operated out of my home office, so I can continue working as if there was no pandemic, while traditional office spaces have had to adjust to telecommuting. I just need to find projects that fit the current social and economic conditions. Not to mention I've also spent more time watching Netflix with my wife and dogs.” 

To anyone who may have discovered a new passion for photography during the COVID-19 shutdown, and is looking for some free advice, Will has three major pointers: good lighting, simple composition, and practice, practice, practice. 

“A common mistake I often see is an aspiring photographer will feel they need to spend a lot of money on great equipment to create photos like the pros,” says Will. “The truth is basic equipment will work well if it's used properly. Professional equipment just makes the work go faster and more efficiently, but doesn't necessarily create a good shot when put in the hands of an amateur.” 

“Knowing where to place a light, or place a model in the right light, and how modifying it will change the look of the photograph, is a foundational skill set. I'd say it's more important than knowing what every button on a camera does, and as important as understanding the subtleties of composition and photographic storytelling. Anyone who wants to learn the technical skill of photography should focus on light first and the camera second. To learn the art of it, you have to research others’ work and practice your own.”