Well, this isn’t exactly how I imagined my first blog post…
I’ve always wanted to have the time to blog and create content to share with all of you, DIY videos, photography tips and tricks, etc. Now that I finally have the time to write, I figured I’d start off with acknowledging the elephant in the room.
Covid-19
Needless to say, it has impacted the world in ways we can’t even imagine. We continue to live in the solidarity of our homes. People have lost their lives and the lives of people they love. Businesses have been shut down for months and many will not recover. I want you all to know that I do plan on continuing to work once the state has re-opened, but things will be different.
you should know, I’m a total germ-a-phobe
So yea, I’m taking this thing pretty seriously. Especially because the majority of the time I’m working with kids so I have a responsibility to the parents to ensure that their children are in a safe environment. In normal circumstances, this means securing any equipment to prevent accidents, keeping small objects away that they can choke on, making sure all the props are clean before the next child uses them. You get the idea…
Postponing existing photo sessions
To start, all existing photo sessions will be moved to late June/early July and fingers crossed those can happen. Only outdoor sessions will be scheduled so there will be no in-home or studio shoots. Any new client inquiries will be scheduled for mid-July or August.
“I heard the parks re-opened, so Why do I have to wait to have my photo session?”
Although state parks have re-opened they are not allowing photo sessions at this time. They are still working to maintain social distancing laws, and until further notice they are not allowing photographers to schedule sessions. If photographers are seen on the premises working they can be ticketed and heavily fined.
If you are looking to have a photo session earlier than the last week of June, I will have to contact the local police station to receive some type of permit authorizing me to conduct a photo session.
safety precautions
These are the actions I will be taking to ensure each and every client will be safe during their session
Questionnaires: I used this time off to set up a new program that I’m super excited about when booking clients. Everyone will receive a questionnaire prior to their session so I can gain more information about their wants and needs to provide them with a customized photo shoot experience. I’m also utilizing this new tool as a waiver that clients can fill out in regards to Covid-19 safety.
Please please please fill out the waiver honestly. Your session will not be cancelled indefinitely if you have been exposed, it will just be postponed until deemed safe. This works both ways. if I were to find out my household member has Covid, or if I were to travel or been exposed, I will postpone our session at least 14 days. Again, while I know this isn’t convenient it is for everyones safety ESPECIALLY the children involved.
2. No newborn sessions until further notice. I feel like this one kind of goes without saying, but until Covid becomes a thing of the past I will not be taking any newborn clients or selling annual collections. If you are interested in Maternity sessions those will be hosted outdoors once the parks re-open.
3. PPE: I will be wearing a mask and gloves to every session, and have a bottle of sanitizer at the ready. I do ask parents if you are not involved in the session to please also wear a mask.
4. Social distancing: This is probably the most important point. I want to let you know that it is very easy for me to maintain 6+ ft distance away from you and your child while I’m working. I have long lenses and high resolution cameras that allow me to create tack sharp images from even 15 ft away. What will be different is I will not have the ability to pose the children without your help. Parents will have to be more involved during the session more-so than usual to help pose the children. That being said, sessions may run a little longer than normal but I will not be charging for such excess time.
5. Minimal props: This one makes me want to cry 😭You guys all know how much I love creating custom sets for all of you, but in order to minimize exposure I will not be using any props that children can handle for the time being. Basically, anything that they would normally touch like pillows, blankets, baskets, swings etc. I will not be using. However, anything decorative that will be in the background will still be included. We might have to get creative together to collaborate before the session, and feel free to bring anything from home that you think will work for the shoot. We can do this!
6. No dress rentals until further notice: Wahhhhh!!!! I feel your pain. Bentley and Lace dresses are my favorite and I would so love to rent them out for your sessions. I will definitely be making an announcement once we are able to rent these out again!
Lastly, I want you all to know how much i miss each and every one of you, and i cannot wait to start working again!
And I promise after this no more depressing posts! Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this and from now on it will definitely be more up-beat and inspiring news. I hope you are all staying safe, healthy and happy during this difficult time. If you have any questions for me please feel free to reach out, or if you just need someone to talk to I’m here! Love you all and thank you for your continued support 💕
Xo,
Nicolette