Mountains and Rivers Media
Rewilding the Human Imagination®
  • Our Health + Safety Guide for COVID-19

    Mountain & Rivers Media's plan for operations considers the safety of our clients, staff, and the broader community as its highest priority, while enabling us to continue our mission of providing our clients with engaging and authentic photography, video, and digital assets.

    What is the COVID-19 Coronavirus?

    On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan, China.

    The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19.

    In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.   


    The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or

    talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close

    contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and when there is poor ventilation.  


    COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Our Process

Before Any Shoot - Evaluate Risk

Environment

Preferable locations are outdoors, with space and natural ventilation. Minimizing the duration of interaction is also important.

Activity

Activities which minimize forceful exhalation are ideal. Shouting, yelling or singing – along with sneezing or coughing – can increase droplet production, and increase risk of COVID-19 transmission.


Volume of People

The fewer, the better. The photography or filming set or location should be modified to ensure more space when talent is unmasked.


Distance

When assessing space, it is important to evaluate whether or not participants can maintain social distancing while working. The density of people in the studio or location, and whether or not these spaces present challenges to social distancing, must be considered.


Ventilation

Ventilation is an important factor in preventing the virus that causes COVID-19 from spreading indoors. For more information, and for specific steps you may consider to improve indoor ventilation please see this article from the

WHO. These steps should be considered in consultation with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professional.


When evaluating the risk of participants present, those with pre-existing conditions like asthma and diabetes, and/or who are over the age of 65, are considered at high risk for COVID-19 infection. The CDC has provided additional guidance on people who need to take extra precautions. On set, those unmasked, or those working closely with unmasked talent, will be considered at higher risk for exposure.


Photojournalists working in the field may encounter environments that are more difficult to evaluate, or even control. As such, masking, the use of hand hygiene, and socially distancing when possible, are preferred measures to reduce risk.


The same guidance for adults – masking, social distancing, and using hand hygiene – applies to children in the studio or on location.

Maintain Proper Social Distance

Before The Shoot – Pre-Production

For pre-production or set planning sessions, participants should ensure they are sitting at least six feet apart and not sharing any writing equipment (including but not limited to

pens, pencils, and tablets). Whenever possible, these sessions should be conducted virtually. If these sessions must be done in person, each individual should wear a face mask to reduce spraying of droplets 

Staff, Crew, and Subject Screening

Screening Crew, Contractors, and

Other Participants

As the central point of contact for all the people coming to a photo shoot, no matter if it is simply one client, or a broad group of assistants, techs, clients, and more. Regardless of the size of the shoot, it is critical that the proper procedures and screenings be performed.

Proper screening is the first line of defense in ensuring we are doing what we need to be doing to protect any production. All crew, talent, and other participants in the shoot are required to stay home when sick and notify us of their illness. Those who are ill should follow CDC guidance for isolation at home and contact their physician or medical professionals as needed.

Face Masks

Face masks should be worn at all times

Face masks should be worn at all times, especially in environments in which physical distancing

cannot be maintained. To reduce the amount of exposure, those in front of the camera, such as talent,

should continue wearing a mask only until photography or filming requires the removal of a mask. 


Once photography or filming is complete, masks must be put back on, until photography or filming resumes. All participants are encouraged to avoid eating or drinking (i.e. times where a mask is not worn) in those environments that do not allow for physical distancing.

Proper Use of Face Masks

Face masks must be worn appropriately

Face masks must be worn appropriately, entirely covering the nose and mouth. Participants are expected to maintain their own PPE,  the photographers will call out any misuse that is identified. All staff and crew are trained on how to properly maintain, don, do, and dispose of their PPE, and properly clean reusable PPE, such as cloth face coverings. 


Face masks are discarded when they become soiled, damaged, or no longer fit appropriately, at which point participants will use a new face mask.


Surgical masks are recommended, but cloth facemasks are acceptable as long as they are cleaned daily.