COVID-19 Plan for Back to Work
I keep hearing that we’re living history right now, and while I’d love to argue we live history every day, I’ve kept my mouth shut. Truthfully the world is changing faster than ever right now which means we get the opportunity to develop a new lifestyle for ourselves. New lifestyles mean new plans for sessions, weddings, etc. With the disappointing announcement that our governor has extended the stay home stay healthy order, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that sessions and elopements will be able to resume in June and weddings (although small) in July.
My COVID-19 Plan
I know you were hoping for better news; so was I. However, this gives us time to develop plans for moving forward in the next phases of the pandemic. I’ve created a five part plan for your safety (and mine) when sessions and weddings are able to resume.
Outdoor engagements and family sessions
Typically I have only taken one session per day. This will not be changing for the foreseeable future. All of these sessions will continue to be taken in outdoor, open air spaces. Sessions will be limited to those who are participating in the session and myself. For your safety and mine, I will use zoom lenses or those with longer focal lengths, and maintain a minimum of 10 foot distances at all times. If you’ve shot with me in the past, you know I’m very hands on with posing and I love warm hugs. Sadly, those things won’t be happening, but I will still demonstrate poses from a distance and send you air hugs from 10 feet away at the end of your session. I will also be masked before and during your session, so my acting skills will be our number one form of communication. Don’t worry, Gracie has made us play charades about a billion times, so my acting is on point.
Outdoor elopements
Elopements will follow many of the same protocols. You may notice I’ll be shooting with dual cameras more often, both with long focal length lenses attached. I used to offer up my vehicle for a changing area, and unfortunately this will be off limits until further notice. I will be releasing a special elopement package in the coming weeks that includes an officiant, photographer and florals.
In-home, lifestyle sessions
My plan for these is much like the above. You will find that I’m wearing a mask, and I’ll be carrying limited gear with me so that I do not need to set anything down. I will continue to be hands off, and demonstrating posing from a distance. The goal would be to maintain a 10 foot distance whenever possible, but being indoors, I would do my best to stay at LEAST 6 foot away. In order to keep from bringing unnecessary germs into your home, I will send a list of prop ideas for you to use as inspiration for your session. This way we maximize items you already own, and keep everyone safe as possible!
Boudoir Sessions
For boudoir sessions in the coming months, I will be working at select locations where I KNOW I can work with the studio owners to provide a safe and clean environment for all my clients. I am currently working on a plan for opening my own studio. In the meantime, I will be arriving at the studio spaces approximately 60 minutes ahead of time, to sanitize the space before using it, and allowing for extra time to sanitize after the session. This means that “in-person” previews will take place at a later date via teleconference. Teleconferences will also be used to preview and make changes to your little black book! Of course, a mask will be worn and I’m hoping it’s gonna be a pretty one.
Weddings of all sizes
When they’re finally allowed, you’ll see my wedding days look much like my elopements. It’s likely that you’ll see my second shooter in a mask as well, and we will be working a minimum of 6 feet apart. It’s likely we’ll take our breaks individually in my car, and avoid small cramped spaces. This unfortunately means you may need to be very selective over who’s in your bridal and groom suites during the getting ready portion of the day. We will work with you to create a timeline that allows us additional time for those getting ready shots. Plan to have yourself and one or two attendants during your getting ready photos.
Masks will be changed no less than twice during the wedding day. I’ll also be carrying a small pack with hand sanitizer in it. Air hugs are going to become a big thing around here. You’ll find me shooting with longer lenses during the reception so that I can keep my distance, even during the cake cutting.
Those health items that apply to all sessions & events
It’s crazy how we can question our own systems during a pandemic, but we’re navigating new waters! While I usually take extra precautions from one session to the next, sharing them with you helps all of us to feel a little bit safer.
Going forward, there will not be a rescheduling fee if you or a family member is sick, provided you notify me a minimum of 6 hours in advance of your session. (Exception: studio sessions where additional studio fees will apply to rebook the studio for your session when rescheduled). If you or a family member show up to your session with symptoms of any illness, a $50 rescheduling fee will apply to cover my costs (gas, time and childcare) and I will leave the location immediately. Your session may be rescheduled once the fee is paid.
In the instance that I fall ill, all sessions will be postponed until I have recovered and been checked out by a doctor for my symptoms. Any sessions that have taken place in the 14 days prior to my illness will be notified to watch for symptoms of illness.
All of my gear will remain on my person at all times. It will be cleaned and sanitized between client sessions and weddings. No props will be provided to clients for any session and my details kit will be sanitized between weddings. All clothing and masks will be laundered between weddings and sessions.
Whew… that was a lot of information. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that phase 2 comes along very soon and we can see each other in person again. I really wish I could hug you all right now and tell you to your face that everything is going to be ok. Someday we’ll adjust to a new normal, but it’s ok right now to just be getting by one day at a time.
