As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our lives, we wanted to gather information and resources that could be of interest and assistance to local photographers. We will do our best to keep this page up-to-date, but please keep in mind that the situation is continually changing and there may be a delay in some updates. Also feel free to comment below or drop us a line if you’d like to suggest an addition to the page. Thank you and stay safe and healthy, everyone!
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides guidance and loan resources for small businesses. Current funding options include the Paycheck Protection Program (loans that will be forgiven if used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (loan advance up to $10,000 for economic relief), SBA Express Bridge Loans (for small businesses with a current business relationship with an SBA Express Lender), and SBA Debt Relief (SBA will pay the principal, interest, and fees of current and new 7(a), 504, and microloans issues prior to Sept. 27, 2020).
- The IRS extended the deadline to file and pay federal income taxes to July 15, 2020 and will begin processing economic impact payments by mid to late April. More information is available here.
- Beware coronavirus scams, such as people contacting you claiming to be with the Treasury Department offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments requiring personal financial information or advance fees, taxes, or charges. You can report such scammers at www.ic3.gov.
- Freelancers Relief Fund, operated by Working Today, will provide assistance of up to $1,000 per household to qualifying freelancers to cover lost income and essential expenses.
- Qualified individuals can take up to $100,000 in coronavirus-related distributions from an IRA or qualified retirement plan without paying tax on it or early distribution penalty if repaid within three years.
- Freelancers can claim paid sick leave in a coronavirus emergency.
- Format created the Photographer Fund to help self-employed photographers facing financial hardships, offering up to $500 per person.
- Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to practicing artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19, with rolling application periods through August 20.
LOCAL RESOURCES & INFORMATION
- The DC Mutual Aid Spreadsheet includes links and information for all sorts of resources available for both helping others and if you need help yourself. Be sure to check all the tabs!
- Here’s a list of local independent freelancers, artists, gig workers, and shift workers impacted by COVID-19 cancellations. The list includes a bit about each person and ways you can send them money to help. You can also fill out a form to request being added to the list.
- WPOW DC created a GoFundMe to raise emergency funds for members in order to help with everyday expenses that may have been incurred due to lost work or medical issues.
- P0STB1NARY created a mutual aid project to support independent artists in response to COVID-19.
VIRTUAL CONNECTION & LEARNING
- Capital Photography Center has taken their courses online and are offering 50% off any course with the code SAVE50V.
- While we shelter in place, Leica is offering #StayHomewithLeica online programs that include Instagram photo challenges, Instagram Live interviews, and more.
- Focus on the Story is hosting weekly online chats and discussions on various topics. You can join their Facebook Group to keep track of those sessions and other news for photographers.
- ASMP is holding a series of virtual town hall meetings to provide a quick update on the state of the industry with regard to COVID-19 and then open the floor to attendees to ask questions and share concerns. Previously recorded town hall Q&As are available here.
- Nikon is providing all of their online courses free for the moth of April.
- PPA is opening all of their online education to all photographers and small business owners worldwide. Create a free account to access over 1,000 online classes. Note the page says for two weeks, but the exact end date of the offer is unclear.
GENERAL TIPS & INFORMATION
- Learn how to disinfect camera equipment and spaces with Lensrentals.
- Popular Photography shares tips for freelance photographers at this time.
- PPA provides 7 marketing tips for photographers during the pandemic.
- COVID-19 & Freelance Artists is a new site created by four freelancers in response to the current situation to provide free resources, opportunities and financial relief options for artists of all disciplines.
- SmugMug rounded up some resources, grants, funds, and other info to help working photographers.
