So I decided to try out different masks to get a better idea of which types of masks are the best masks for photographers to use during the coronavirus pandemic. The cloth of a bandana feels like it’s going into your nose and mouth when you breath hard. This mask is really just a novelty. I love that you can pull it down when you’re far away from people and just have it around your neck and then pull it up later to cover your mouth and nose. Also, the other positive is that the bandana isn’t a cloth neck gaiter. Dr. Corey found that blue surgical masks had the best acoustics. I love it. None of the other masks shared this trait. This mask is made for construction workers and we originally bought it when we were sanding, painting, and staining a bunch of wood in our garage. So let me just tell you what you’re in for with this mask. Somehow, even though it doesn’t fit snug against the face, it still holds a ton of heat. I wanted mask that looked professional and felt comfortable. This mask has gone out on several engagement shoots with me and two weddings, and it’s the reason why I wanted to try a bunch of different masks out. Complicating matters even further is the CDC recommendation that people remain at … Depending on how tight you tie the bandana, it is either uncomfortable around your face or constantly slipping off and needing to be retied. You don’t need to buy a bunch of masks to try to find the best mask to be a little safer. Also, while it’s great that the mask is easily recognizable, the sterile blue doesn’t really fit my aesthetic on a wedding day. It feels like it’s doing a better job of keeping you and others safe than a cooling neck gaiter (a cloth neck gaiter would have much the same effect). It doesn’t have a wire for the nose. This is ranked lower than the floral mask because the floral mask material feels better and the floral mask has a larger wire. A cloth neck gaiter on the other hand is just trapping all that heat all around your neck. If you want more info on that, Steve wrote something about it here mask hacks. That made me worried that it wouldn’t do a great job at keeping me or my clients safe. The fabric is perhaps too thin. Probably the second most comfortable after the disposable mask. The cloth used in this mask is a synthetic blend. The bandana is like a worse version of a cooling neck gaiter. Further, clear masks often fog up, according to York. I didn’t like wearing this mask very much, but it’s the mask I would want if I had to do photos on a packed dance floor or if I had to do photos in close quarters with the wedding party. I don’t have a beard. And they certainly don't keep you from making a good impression. While I didn’t have a chance to shoot seven different weddings to test all of these masks out, I did go out on a shoot in 90 degree heat and tested them all while actually shooting. That said, it was a lot more comfortable to breath in than most masks. What that means is that when you’re breathing hard more of the fabric feels like it’s going up your nose or into your mouth. This mask also didn’t muffle my voice nearly as much as some of the cloth masks, which is probably due to the increased air flow and the lightweight material used to make the mask. It’s rougher than the cotton mask. It’s not as bad as a bandana, but still not great. I want to point out that I never had problems breathing while wearing any of these masks, but there was some discomfort and mild claustrophobia. While I never felt out of breath with this mask, it was a bit uncomfortable. Since September, the staffers and student clinicians at the clinic on the first floor of the university’s Alumni Memorial Gym have worn clear plastic masks and face shields. It doesn’t have a wire for the nose. Pros: Reminds me of Schitt’s Creek which brings joy to my life, Cons: Basically everything else… don’t buy novelty masks for work. About the author: Steven Van Elk is an Indianapolis-based photographer who specializes in weddings and commercial work with his wife, Jennifer. This mask also didn’t muffle my voice nearly as much as some of the cloth masks, which is probably due to the increased air flow and the lightweight material used to make the mask. Of the two, I would recommend the neck gaiter so you can sew a wire into the elastic band to get a good seal around your nose. Hushme is a bizarre high-tech mask that blocks the sound of the wearer’s voice so that people nearby can’t hear what is being said. You can’t donate used masks, but you can wear them again and write about them. Much like a floral tie, this mask provides a nice accent of color to what you’re wearing on a wedding day. The cooling neck gaiter, which also clings to your skin tightly, has a similar effect (and looks a lot more professional). After doing some Amazon searches, I thought I found one that was perfect. One last problem area is that masks muffle your voice. This mask, and all the cloth masks to be honest, share a similar trait. Some masks feel uncomfortable. Try one out, you'll be amazed at the difference the MuffleMitt makes! This means more viewfinder fog when shooting. It’ll be very helpful. We’ve taken the time to scour online retailers and reviews in order to find the best face masks for teachers, so you don’t have to. I was too. You can’t donate used masks, but you can wear them again and write about them. The elastic bands for the ear loops fit my head well and didn’t irritate my ears while wearing this mask. Originally, it was a gift for my wife, but it just didn’t even come close to fitting her because of the ear loops being too big and not elastic. The elastic of the ear bands felt great. If that’s a major concern for you, I would suggest a light weight neck gaiter or bandana. 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