As many of you are probably aware, countries around the world are under some kind of lockdown of one type or another and this means that gatherings are limited if not outright banned.
We’ve covered on this blog how difficult this environment is proving for event photographers who basically can’t work whatsoever. For those of us that depend on this for our living, the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing less than devastating.
Nonetheless, there have been weddings and small events during the pandemic but, apparently, one gathering in Lakewood, New Jersey violated that state’s lockdown orders and resulted in the wedding photographer present being fined.
In what is being called a “backyard wedding” by the press, the New Jersey incident involved photographer Yakov Makukha and a wedding party of six people. When police arrived, they issued summons to all of the adults present. They were charged with a form of disorderly conduct that carries a $USD 1,000 maximum penalty and also potential jail time of six months though, as PetaPixel highlights, no one expects them to suffer that latter punishment. It is unknown whether or not the summons requires an appearance in court.
The New York City area, which includes large parts of New Jersey, has been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not surprising that the lockdown rules around there are quite strict.
What do you think of the police’s actions in this case? Justified because of the stay-at-home order or a little too heavy-handed for your tastes? Let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments section below if you like.
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