Photographer Insurance
How has photography changed? Why is photographer insurance so important these days?
There are many professions in which the professional relies on their essential tools. A handyman needs their toolbox, and a builder needs their hammer. Perhaps no profession, though, relies so singularly on one invaluable piece of equipment as a photographer and their camera. This is why photographer insurance is so important.
These fantastic devices must essentially become an extension of a photographer’s body, taking in light and pictures and hopefully in the long term generating revenue and a living for the person who most hold it so dearly.
Photographers to this day continue to use costly pieces of equipment, but even the first cameras ever used were considered massive luxuries at the time.
If you would like to read more information or learn more about the pricing of business insurance, you can do so here.
A Short History of Cameras
Projections that used quasi-cameras have been used for far longer than many people might guess at first. The camera obscura preceded even the photographic camera and was used to create projections over a thousand years ago. These devices required expert designs and remarkably steady hands to build, maintain and operate. Those using such equipment back then to entertain the richest of society would’ve certainly enjoyed the possibility of insuring their equipment as the intricacy of creating such parts by hand was no easy task.
The first cameras that resemble what we think of for the photographic process were the size of rooms, and people would essentially be sitting inside the cameras. An opportunity to look for insuring your venue if ever there was one!
Until the early 19th century, we saw the application of small portable cameras that meant people could add angles and the choice of location to their repertoires as photographers. This potentially adds more things into the mix that a photographer must ensure runs smoothly. With the expectation of portability comes the necessity of travel. Perhaps sets can now be accommodated, and these again must be preserved for a photographer to flourish.
Who Would Need Photographer Insurance?
Now with smartphones, has the meaning of a camera evolved and the meaning of what it is to be a photographer. Is someone who makes money from taking selfies, such as Kim Kardashian, a photographer? She certainly has been paid to take pictures.
What about that person who’s always taken pictures of their cat that’s just been offered a tenner to promote a cat toy on their dedicated Instagram account? With the continuing blurred lines of photography and photographers, it becomes even more challenging to work out how preciously these things should be guarded and just how financially irresponsible it may be to proceed without ensuring your equipment and maybe even your workspace.
Suppose you are taking pictures of your kitten. In that case, chances are you don’t need to worry yet. But, if your audience is snowballing, but you don’t yet have the kind of guaranteed income that would allow you to replace your camera should it break, then maybe paying a small amount each month to put that safety net out there would be a good idea.
Your line of work may have you out among the public in the busy world more often. If you’re working freelance and selling pictures of an inner-city to local newspapers and magazines, then you’re going to be at risk every day of something going wrong. Being surrounded by so many people, some are just clumsy, and if you’re unfortunate, some may even want your expensive equipment for themselves.
So, what Photographer insurance should you get?
Having insurance against theft can help you feel safer about the fact you’re openly carrying such an expensive piece of equipment around and potentially putting it in people’s faces. In worst-case scenarios, you don’t want to be endangering yourself getting in violent situations if someone does decide they’re willing to be violent for your camera. Hopefully, one never finds themselves in this situation. Still, if you have insurance against theft, you can make safe decisions when these situations arise in the knowledge that the loss of your camera won’t spell out financial doom for you.
Public liability insurance is recommended for the inevitable mistakes with people who knock your equipment over, which would otherwise potentially set you back thousands of pounds.
Last of all is employers’ liability insurance, which you’re likely to need if you’re working with a team. You’re legally obliged to have this should you employ any other people to help with your photography, such as lighting or framing. Even if it weren’t mandatory, we’d recommend it since it can help to keep both you and your employees safe and protected.
Find out more about the importance of insurance here.
Other useful links about Business Insurance:
Zurich Business Insurance
Lifestyle Consultant Insurance
Not-For-Profit Insurance
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