Over the National Day weekend, I was contacted by our local media network, Mediacorp, for a short interview on conducting photoshoots and running a photo studio during the pandemic period. While it was a somber topic to chat about, I related to them that there was still a silver lining: Despite the pandemic, people never stopped celebrating! Even though having a photoshoot during a pandemic felt a bit different and people were more wary, that did not mean that the celebrations stopped.
Important life milestones like birthdays, graduations or weddings used to be celebrated with huge grand parties before the pandemic. Now, everyone has cut down on big ceremonies, seeking more intimate and meaningful celebratory activities instead.
Here’s my chat and interview (as well as some Behind-the-scenes footage) with Channel 8’s Singapore Today – 狮城6点 on 8 Aug 2021. I was interviewed in mandarin but here are my answers translated into English as well.
Q: Given the pandemic, are there more people who opt for professional photo taking services?
M: Yes, I have seen an increase in the request for professional photo-taking services; especially to commemorate milestones in life such as convocations, birthdays and k2 graduations and somtimes, simply just family time.
据我的观察，疫情下 拍摄毕业照和全家福需求有增加趋势. 大家转而以专业摄影来纪念人生里程碑。增加的有毕业照，生日照和全家福等。
R: What is the surge like? (in %)
M: There was an estimated 300% increase in interest and demand. K2 Graduation Lifestyle photoshoot alone experienced a tremendous surge.
我观察到，估计大约有三倍的增加. 拍摄全家福也有增加的趋势。
R: For what kind of occasions are photoshoots most popularly sought after? (like graduations or Birthdays?)
M: Graduation Photoshoots are very popular, as are photoshoots booked to celebrate Birthdays and anniversaries. k2 Graduation photoshoots are in huge demand because all celebrations for this genre were cancelled or postponed during the pandemic period. To commemorate these precious milestones, many parents have taken to book k2 Graduation Photoshoots for their little ones.
庆祝生日的拍摄， 毕业照 和 三代同堂的全家福 都相当的受欢迎.
幼儿园以前有毕业典礼，可是现在都被取消了。因此家长想找一些可以给小孩子留念的活动，就会想到来拍摄。
R: Are there any special packages being launched during this period to attract more customers?
M: Our prices have been fair and consistent all year round, we do not run any promotions or special packages at this time.
我们的价格都是定价，没有特别的促销。
疫情的关系，我们很多人被出国旅行，因此可能口袋有些闲钱，所以想回一点钱做些有意思的活动。
R: What are the challenges for your business during this period? (like SMM measures?)
M: In a photoshoot during a pandemic, Safe-distancing is observed at all times between clients and the photographer (myself). I will be masked at all times throughout the shoot as well. This is a challenge at times as my voice will be muffled, and facial expression hindered. Safe-distancing while photographing babies is tricky as well, because I can’t personally help to position or pose (newborn) babies.
保持安全·就离这就有一点点困难，因为有时宝宝很难去接近他。
Q: What are the challenges for your business during this period? (SMMs measures?)
M: Photoshoot during a pandemic, Safe-distancing is observed at all time between clients and the photographer (myself). I would be masked at all time throughout the shoot. This sometime is a challenge as my voice would be muffled. Safe-distancing while photographing babies is tricky as well because I can’t help to position or pose (newborn) babies.
保持安全·就离这就有一点点困难，因为有时宝宝很难去接近他。
R: Have you come across any client’s unhappiness arising because of this (safe-distancing)?
M: No, everybody has been very understanding during this trying period. I believe we’re all working together towards a more resilient Singapore and a better tomorrow!
啊，不会。国人都非常的理解和谅解。加油新加坡，明天会更好！
