‘Photography is not an essential service’, says national photographers group

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Photographers across the world have been finding work the past couple weeks in the form of “porchtraits,” but a Canadian group wants them to stop.

The trend, where photographers take family photos from a distance, has spread widely across North America, including in many cities in Canada.

RELATED: Photographer capturing family moments all while keeping distance

However, the Professional Photographers of Canada isn’t a fan of the “porchtraits,” and is asking those taking them to stop.

In a release posted to its website, the group says, “Photography is not an essential service or business. This virus is extremely contagious and is killing people all over the world.

“Sadly, we are seeing the death count rise daily in our country. This virus can only move, if YOU move.”

We understand the good intentions behind Porch Sessions and we did not come to our decision to recommend against them for our members lightly. Here is our press release with our full reasoning: https://t.co/KC3iDCfNhz

— PPOC National (@PPOC_National) April 11, 2020

Many photographers are pushing back against the recommendation, saying taking photos in this way is harmless, while others have put the lens cap on and stopped.

Instead of telling photographers not to do something that is perfectly safe (the distance is the point!), how about working FOR photographers, most of whom have no income now? And yes, photography IS essential. Can’t live on bread alone.

— MichaelWillemsPhoto (@PhotoWillems) April 12, 2020

https://twitter.com/J_Ronin/status/1249207356627574784

https://twitter.com/arista_photos/status/1249011254640795650

The chief of Calgary’s Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), Tom Sampson, says taking these pictures is a good thing.

Sampson posted to Twitter recently saying, “this is both a viral pandemic and a mental health crisis. Your work helps tell the story of how folks at home are coping with the stress and strain.”

Let’s remember that this is both a viral pandemic and a mental health crisis. Your work helps tell the story of how folks at home are coping with the stress and strain.

— Tom Sampson (@iceTyyc) April 11, 2020

“I get the ‘feel good’ aspect of this type of session,” said Chair of the Professional Photographers of Canada, Louise Vessey. “But now is not the time. These stories will still be there once the dust settles and we are on the other side of this pandemic crisis.”

Vessey adds photographers could inadvertently do things to spread the novel coronavirus, like knocking on the door, ringing a doorbell, or even just passing someone on the street too closely.