Premises liability exposures can be moderate to high. At the studio, client areas must be well lighted with floor covering in good condition. Exits must be sufficient in number, be well marked, and have backup lighting in case of power failure. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. Lights, equipment, and wiring can cause trips and falls both at the studio and off-premises.
Off-site shoots present the highest exposure for injury as the photography has little or no control over hazards. Photographing animals can result in bites, kicks, and scratches. If outdoor shoots are carried out in remote and wilderness areas, injuries may result from slips, trips, falls, falling objects, drowning, or attacks by insects or wild animals. Drivers may be injured in automobile accidents.
A photographer's efforts on location to "get the shot" can result in injury to members of the public who may be in the way. Advertising and personal injury losses may result from violations of copyright or trade dress, invasion of privacy, and similar allegations.
Environmental liability exposure exists only if dark room processing is part of the operation. In that case, it can be high due to the potential for air, surface, or ground water, or soil contamination from chemicals used in developing solutions which may be toxic. Disposal of waste must be in compliance with state and federal standards.
Workers compensation exposure is low for studio photographers, who work on site, do not develop their own film, and use digital cameras. If the photographers develop their own photos, exposures increase due to the potential for skin, eye, and lung injury arising from cumulative exposure to developing solutions, which may be toxic. Employees must be fully informed as to the potential effects of any chemicals, including long-term occupational disease hazards so that they can take action as quickly as possible.
Property exposures may include an office, studio, and incidental storage. Ignition sources include electrical wiring and lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems. Combustibles include large amounts of paper and props used in the studio. Cameras and electronic equipment used in digital photography are high in value and are highly susceptible to damage from fire, smoke, water, breakage, and theft.
Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty and money and securities. Hazards increase without proper background checks and separation of duties. If employees deliver photographs off-site, such as to schools and other organizations, there should be a written procedure for tracking orders and receipts.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the photographer offers credit, commercial articles floater for cameras and other photographic equipment, computers, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Cameras and other equipment may be transported and used at off-site locations.
The equipment is sensitive and susceptible to damage from breakage, theft, fire, and water damage. Equipment may be a target for theft and must be kept in a locked compartment during transport. There may be a bailees' customers' exposure if the photographer develops film or repairs photos for others.
Commercial auto exposure depends on the frequency of off-premises shoots and the radius of operation. Drivers must have appropriate licenses for the exposure and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained, and records kept in a central location.