The latest guidelines from the government easing COVID-19 restrictions allow more visitors back into care homes, which is welcome news to residents and their families.
As an interior photographer, I’ve undertaken many care home photography assignments over the years, and I have to say that carers do an incredible job even in normal circumstances. I take my hat off to them for the service they have delivered in the most challenging year during the pandemic.
I have several care home clients, having worked in the sector as a commercial photographer. I take exterior shots of the building for websites and other marketing collateral, though it’s the interiors in care home photography that I find especially interesting; they present a challenge for commercial photography because unlike many interior shoots where a shot can be staged, there are people around all the time. It’s their home, not a show home.
Photographing residential care homes requires a different sensitivity, and the ability to work quickly. I do as much with my clients beforehand as possible to understand the brief and what is required. That way, I can minimise the impact of being there on the day of the shoot. I work my schedule around the agenda of the residents, and prioritise the shot list with the client in advance.
I aim to show off the homes to their very best, and convey how friendly and comfortable they are. Sometimes that does mean moving furniture or adjusting things to set up an image aesthetically. Once I’ve styled the room, I set up my studio lighting and tripod.
I’ve come to understand how important it is that things are left ‘just so,’ particularly in specialist dementia homes. My top tip is to take a few quick snaps of the room on my phone before I make any adjustments so I can be sure I replace everything exactly how it was previously. It’s like I was never there.
Have a look through my portfolio and if you want a Bristol photographer with experience in care home interiors, get in touch today.
