Because of the COVID lockdowns, I've heard a lot of firms lamenting the fact that many clients are not letting design firms photograph their completed projects. While it's a good idea to respect your client wishes, there are a few things that you can do that might help you gain complete access so you can photograph those spaces and who knows, change their mind so they let you do your thing.
• Few people know is that commercial photography and filming were considered essential during the pandemic (at least in Ontario), so if a client gave you access, you wouldn't be breaking the law.
• Most photoshoots rarely have more than 2-3 people on set, so even in smaller spaces, it's very easy to physically distance.
• Rapid tests can be had for a very reasonable price, so if there was any concern about letting in someone who's contagious, 2 rapid antigen tests within 24 hrs of each other will give you a 95% + accuracy in detecting an infected person. Even a single test has a 90% + accuracy, but unlike the PCR, you get the results in less than 15 minutes. I have done this myself with great success and we didn't get anyone infected.
• Most non-residential buildings are still very much empty, so a client's concern over transmitting COVID are pretty much moot at this point. There's never been a better time to shoot commercial offices, condo sales centres and other public buildings, as there is no one around to get in your way. The only downside is that if you want people in your shots, you have to coordinate your own models, but that's not a really difficult problem to solve.
In short, a lot of the restrictions imposed on the general population do not apply to commercial shoots, and your clients can be reassured that with some basic precautions everyone will be safe. I've done multiple shoots, even during the most restrictive lockdowns with no issues at all, and now that things are reopening, there should really be no reason to not get access.
If you'd like to know more, feel free to reach out with your questions.