Secure the Shot - Winter for Photographers

Winter brings beauty but also hidden dangers. For photographers, the winter season is often filled with opportunities such as snowy landscapes, festive portraits and bustling holiday events. Yet behind the sparkle of frosted windows lie risks that can disrupt your business if left unchecked. Two of the most pressing seasonal threats are burst pipes and the increased risk of theft. In the latest edition of Secure the Shot, let’s explore both risks and share how you can safeguard your livelihood with some quick wins.

The silent threat of burst pipes

Cold snaps can turn a minor oversight into a major disaster. Burst pipes are one of the most common winter hazards and for photography businesses, the damage can be devastating. Imagine waking up to find your studio flooded, equipment ruined and bookings cancelled. Beyond the immediate financial hit, the downtime can erode client trust.

Why do burst pipes happen?:

Water expands as it freezes, putting pressure on pipes until they crack. When a pipe cracks in a property which may not always be attended, the water often has more time to do more damage.

What’s at risk?:

• It’s not only the building that suffers when a pipe bursts. Also at risk are your cameras, lighting, backdrops and computers as well as your everyday soft furnishings.

Prevention tips:

1. Keep indoor spaces heated, even when the studio is closed or you are away on business. The heating doesn’t need to be all of the time but just enough to keep the system ticking over and for the pipes to remain at a steady temperature.
2. Insulate any exposed pipes and check for any drafts.
3. Know where your stopcock is; quick action in the event of water ingress through a burst pipe can minimise the damage sustained.
4. Visually check any pipes you suspect may be more at risk. If you are aware that some pipes are older perhaps, or quite close to colder parts of the studio, simply checking them sporadically could help you catch something before the worst happens.

From frozen pipes to winter thieves

Before and after the Christmas period, another risk emerges, and that’s theft. The holiday season generally sees a spike in burglaries, with opportunistic thieves targeting businesses that may be closed for extended periods or filled with newly acquired, high-value items. Photography studios are particularly vulnerable, given the concentration of expensive equipment.

Why theft increases:

• Longer nights, busy shopping areas and predictable closures make businesses easy targets.

What’s at risk?:

• Cameras, lenses, drones, computers and even client data.

Prevention tips:

1. Review your security and invest in robust locks, alarms and CCTV if you feel you may be prone or vulnerable to theft.
2. Avoid advertising closures on social media which sign post to criminals when you and the studio may not be around. Inform your trusted clients by email or by phone instead.
3. Store equipment securely, or off-site, when possible.

Keeping your focus where it belongs

Both burst pipes and theft share a common theme: disruption. They pull your focus away from creativity and client service, forcing you into crisis management. By anticipating these risks, you can stay ahead of the curve and keep your business running smoothly through the winter months. Think of it this way, just as you plan for lighting and composition in your shoots, planning for seasonal risks ensures your business remains resilient. Winter should be about capturing magic moments, not dealing with preventable disasters.