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| Photojournalists Struggle Through the Pandemic, With Masks and Long Lenses | Photojournalists Struggle Through the Pandemic, With Masks and Long Lenses |
| (6 days later) | |
| March was shaping up to be a good month for Brian Bowen Smith, a photographer in Los Angeles who has worked for Vogue and GQ. He had five big jobs lined up, including shoots for two movie posters. All five were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. | March was shaping up to be a good month for Brian Bowen Smith, a photographer in Los Angeles who has worked for Vogue and GQ. He had five big jobs lined up, including shoots for two movie posters. All five were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. |
| “There is no work whatsoever,” he said. “It’s kind of scary, actually.” | “There is no work whatsoever,” he said. “It’s kind of scary, actually.” |
| To fill his newly free hours, Mr. Bowen Smith drove to Joshua Tree National Park and trained his camera on the barren landscape. It was a long way from the work that usually pays his bills. In recent years, when he is not photographing Christian Bale, Miley Cyrus and Issa Rae for major magazines, Mr. Bowen Smith has shot ad campaigns for Marc Jacobs and other fashion companies. | To fill his newly free hours, Mr. Bowen Smith drove to Joshua Tree National Park and trained his camera on the barren landscape. It was a long way from the work that usually pays his bills. In recent years, when he is not photographing Christian Bale, Miley Cyrus and Issa Rae for major magazines, Mr. Bowen Smith has shot ad campaigns for Marc Jacobs and other fashion companies. |
| Now he is telling himself that everything will be OK. “A lot of stuff can be done remotely,” he said. “And maybe that’s going to be our future. Everyone wears masks.” | Now he is telling himself that everything will be OK. “A lot of stuff can be done remotely,” he said. “And maybe that’s going to be our future. Everyone wears masks.” |
| As practitioners of a craft that requires long hours of getting up close and personal with their subjects, photographers have been affected by social distancing restrictions perhaps more than other media workers. | As practitioners of a craft that requires long hours of getting up close and personal with their subjects, photographers have been affected by social distancing restrictions perhaps more than other media workers. |
| “Photographers can’t do what reporters can do — they can’t be on the phone,” said María Salazar Ferro, emergencies director of the Committee to Protect Journalists. “They have to be very close to the action.” | “Photographers can’t do what reporters can do — they can’t be on the phone,” said María Salazar Ferro, emergencies director of the Committee to Protect Journalists. “They have to be very close to the action.” |
| Josh Ritchie, a freelance photographer in Florida, estimated that he lost $10,000 in recent weeks because of canceled assignments. To scrounge up money, his attorney has been scouring the web for illegal use of his images. | Josh Ritchie, a freelance photographer in Florida, estimated that he lost $10,000 in recent weeks because of canceled assignments. To scrounge up money, his attorney has been scouring the web for illegal use of his images. |
| “At night, I’m binge-watching ‘Tiger King’ and having mini panic attacks,” Mr. Ritchie said. | “At night, I’m binge-watching ‘Tiger King’ and having mini panic attacks,” Mr. Ritchie said. |
| Some photojournalists, like Gary He, have gone in search of images particular to a unique moment. One of Mr. He’s photographs, taken last month for the food website Eater, captured an unsettling scene that would have been unremarkable before the spread of the virus: Dozens of people, including delivery workers, crowded on a Manhattan sidewalk as they awaited pickup orders from the restaurant Carbone. | Some photojournalists, like Gary He, have gone in search of images particular to a unique moment. One of Mr. He’s photographs, taken last month for the food website Eater, captured an unsettling scene that would have been unremarkable before the spread of the virus: Dozens of people, including delivery workers, crowded on a Manhattan sidewalk as they awaited pickup orders from the restaurant Carbone. |
| “I did a lot more shooting from across the street than I normally would have,” Mr. He said in a text message. And that meant a change in gear. “I use a midrange zoom for most of my work,” he added, “and I’ve been using the longer end of the lens a little bit more these days, to get me a few feet further away from my subjects, mostly for their safety and comfort.” | “I did a lot more shooting from across the street than I normally would have,” Mr. He said in a text message. And that meant a change in gear. “I use a midrange zoom for most of my work,” he added, “and I’ve been using the longer end of the lens a little bit more these days, to get me a few feet further away from my subjects, mostly for their safety and comfort.” |
| For an Eater shoot last week focused on New York City restaurant workers, Mr. He moved in close, wearing a mask, to take intimate portraits. | For an Eater shoot last week focused on New York City restaurant workers, Mr. He moved in close, wearing a mask, to take intimate portraits. |
| Some photographers have come down with the virus. Mark Kauzlarich, a freelance photojournalist and commercial photographer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic and Vanity Fair, said he got very sick last month. Doctors told him it was Covid-19, although he was not tested. | Some photographers have come down with the virus. Mark Kauzlarich, a freelance photojournalist and commercial photographer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic and Vanity Fair, said he got very sick last month. Doctors told him it was Covid-19, although he was not tested. |
| “I had said very openly I was sure I was going to get sick,” he said. “We have to be in the field. There’s no way to completely mitigate.” | “I had said very openly I was sure I was going to get sick,” he said. “We have to be in the field. There’s no way to completely mitigate.” |
| Mr. Kauzlarich, who is on the mend, sounded as if he would not change his approach. “To be a good journalist,” he said, “you can’t be 40 feet away.” | Mr. Kauzlarich, who is on the mend, sounded as if he would not change his approach. “To be a good journalist,” he said, “you can’t be 40 feet away.” |
| Anthony Causi, a staff sports photographer for The New York Post, died of Covid-19, the paper announced on Sunday. A spokeswoman said The Post did not know how Mr. Causi had contracted the disease. | Anthony Causi, a staff sports photographer for The New York Post, died of Covid-19, the paper announced on Sunday. A spokeswoman said The Post did not know how Mr. Causi had contracted the disease. |
| The pandemic may be the biggest news story of a generation and, while taking precautions, many editors have sought to get images that show it. On March 10, Radhika Jones, the editor in chief of Vanity Fair, commissioned Alex Majoli to photograph his hard-hit home country, Italy. Vanity Fair published his photo essay on Sicily two weeks later. | The pandemic may be the biggest news story of a generation and, while taking precautions, many editors have sought to get images that show it. On March 10, Radhika Jones, the editor in chief of Vanity Fair, commissioned Alex Majoli to photograph his hard-hit home country, Italy. Vanity Fair published his photo essay on Sicily two weeks later. |
| Ms. Jones said that Mr. Majoli’s experience, which has included stints in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, made her confident that he would take care of himself. | Ms. Jones said that Mr. Majoli’s experience, which has included stints in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, made her confident that he would take care of himself. |
| “There is something that is so powerful about an image,” Ms. Jones said. “It doesn’t require translation. We made these pictures in Italy, and in certain ways they’re specific to that experience and even specific to this photographer as an Italian. But they’re also about humanity, and they are universal.” | “There is something that is so powerful about an image,” Ms. Jones said. “It doesn’t require translation. We made these pictures in Italy, and in certain ways they’re specific to that experience and even specific to this photographer as an Italian. But they’re also about humanity, and they are universal.” |
| Caitlin Ochs, a freelance photojournalist in Brooklyn, captured images of daily life in the borough amid the outbreak for a Reuters project. Before another assignment, for The Wall Street Journal, an editor at the paper provided her with a Ziploc bag containing N95 masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. | Caitlin Ochs, a freelance photojournalist in Brooklyn, captured images of daily life in the borough amid the outbreak for a Reuters project. Before another assignment, for The Wall Street Journal, an editor at the paper provided her with a Ziploc bag containing N95 masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. |
| Her daily disinfecting routine, informed by an emergency room nurse whom she photographed, can take more than an hour. At the end of a day’s work, she puts on new gloves and wipes down her equipment — cameras, lenses, lens caps, cables — with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol solution. She also sprays the floor, light switches and faucets with a bleach solution. Before she showers, she stuffs her clothes into a garbage bag to wash later. | Her daily disinfecting routine, informed by an emergency room nurse whom she photographed, can take more than an hour. At the end of a day’s work, she puts on new gloves and wipes down her equipment — cameras, lenses, lens caps, cables — with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol solution. She also sprays the floor, light switches and faucets with a bleach solution. Before she showers, she stuffs her clothes into a garbage bag to wash later. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| “Sometimes all this feels crazy, like I’m turning into a hypochondriac,” Ms. Ochs said in an email. “But I’m trying to work from the side of being overly cautious.” | “Sometimes all this feels crazy, like I’m turning into a hypochondriac,” Ms. Ochs said in an email. “But I’m trying to work from the side of being overly cautious.” |
| Compounding the challenge is the fact that staff jobs for photographers are hard to come by, and many work freelance. The Juntos Photo Coop, made up of four photojournalists in Arizona, published an open letter arguing that the coronavirus crisis had exposed inequitable working conditions for freelance photographers. The group demanded that media organizations provide photographers with protective gear, mental health check-ins and emergency health insurance. | Compounding the challenge is the fact that staff jobs for photographers are hard to come by, and many work freelance. The Juntos Photo Coop, made up of four photojournalists in Arizona, published an open letter arguing that the coronavirus crisis had exposed inequitable working conditions for freelance photographers. The group demanded that media organizations provide photographers with protective gear, mental health check-ins and emergency health insurance. |
| “We’re finding out that the most vulnerable people in our industry are the ones without health insurance, who can’t pay rent, who can’t afford to quarantine,” said Caitlin O’Hara, a Coop member. “We’re going to lose all these diverse voices in our industry if only the people who can afford to quarantine can keep working.” | “We’re finding out that the most vulnerable people in our industry are the ones without health insurance, who can’t pay rent, who can’t afford to quarantine,” said Caitlin O’Hara, a Coop member. “We’re going to lose all these diverse voices in our industry if only the people who can afford to quarantine can keep working.” |
| Despite the hazards, many photojournalists are driven by a need to record what the world looks like at a dramatic time. | Despite the hazards, many photojournalists are driven by a need to record what the world looks like at a dramatic time. |
| “This kind of story is why we all became journalists, no?” Mr. He said. “The pandemic is historic and, especially because of the social distancing, with everyone indoors, there’s a real need for trained storytellers to inform readers about what’s really going on out there.” | “This kind of story is why we all became journalists, no?” Mr. He said. “The pandemic is historic and, especially because of the social distancing, with everyone indoors, there’s a real need for trained storytellers to inform readers about what’s really going on out there.” |
| He added, “I’d do the work for free if I had to.” | He added, “I’d do the work for free if I had to.” |