Independent companies are finding new and inventive ways to keep it business as usual during the Covid-19 outbreak.

As part of our Backing Local Business campaign, the Guardian is shining a spotlight on the firms that are innovating to survive the coronavirus crisis.

AS a photographer of 13 years, getting out and about is essential for Jane Burkinshaw, owner of Love Your Lens.

She runs workshops including ‘photography for teens’, ‘photography for parents’, ‘get off auto’, ‘food photography’ and ‘phone photography’, and offers bespoke tuition for individuals, groups and businesses.

For now, the coronavirus outbreak has forced her to postpone all workshops and face-to-face lessons, but she’s turned to online to keep her clients in the picture.

“I’ve been approached by lots of parents about offering online tuition to their teenagers and I’ve got that up and running,” Jane said.

“I’m sending them videos and projects and giving feedback on their images via an Instagram group chat.”

Jane, from Pickmere, is also launching an online phone photography workshop, which will include a Facebook group where people can ask questions and post their images.

“It’s the most popular face-to-face workshop I offer so I’m hoping for a good take up,” she added.

Jane has also launched a new online boot camp – the Love your Lens Academy – for people wanting to work on their photography with professional get support.

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Members join one month at a time and get individual support and tuition, with projects set to challenge and develop skills. She’s also offering online one-to-one lessons for teens and adults tailored to their camera and particular requirements.

“Although it’s been challenging with the sudden loss of income, I’m really excited about moving my business online and it’s made me accelerate plans to go online," said Jane.

“I had some qualms about being seen to benefit from the crisis so I’ve been making lots more free tips and help on Facebook and on my website as well.”

For more information about Love Your Lens visit loveyourlens.co.uk

Do you run an independent business in our area that has had to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic? Email northwich@guardiangrp.co.uk and share your story.