#MYC19STORY 11 A Fashion Photographer Surviving COVID19 in NYC

I am a photographer based in New York.

My work involves working in the fashion and creative industry. After moving to New York from Los Angeles, I built a network of creatives to collaborate with, both freelance and contracted work. I work with agencies for both test work for their models who need updated portfolio images. I also work with magazines and anyone who needs photography work done, in the style of editorial, fashion, documentary style.

After the announcement of the NYC lockdown and quarantine, I had every shoot canceled for the foreseeable future, which at this time, is about 2 months out. I am paid by the artists and the agencies directly, which obviously, supports my rent in NYC, food and livelihood. It is a scary feeling to know how long this will last.

I canvassed every bar and restaurant in Lower Manhattan as well as the village to find supplementary work. With the mandatory city ordinance of closing bars and nightclubs as well as some restaurants, no one at this time is hiring. I feel for the other creatives. We thrive on embracing our creative juices. We opt not to do traditional work, whatever that means to you, because we love to inspire and be inspired. That's also no longer an option at this time. This recession is going to last a while and during this time, I have no idea how I will get more work.

Taurat Hossain