I am very excited to announce that it has been two weeks since my second dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine, which means that I am now fully vaccinated. While there is a variety of opinions around getting the vaccine, I felt strongly that it was important to provide a safe and comfortable environment to everyone I have the pleasure working with in my business. Being fully vaccinated also makes sure I keep my own family (especially my children who aren’t able to get the vaccine) as safe as possible and, like most people, can hopefully start enjoying things like going out to a restaurant or visiting another state without putting anyone at risk.

Studio safety procedures

Wearing a mask

I will continue to wear a mask during sessions unless specifically asked by a fully vaccinated client not to. As of May 19th, the new guidelines specify that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask outdoors or indoors unless in specific situations like a concert or an elderly facility. Since a Studio photoshoot is typically a fairly safe environment overall, I feel that it would be appropriate to follow these guidelines if requested. However, a mask will always be worn around non vaccinated clients and children to make sure everyone’s safety is maintained to the highest standard. My own comfort will never trump the safety of others, and that’s something I will still maintain going forward.

Studio safety protocols

A full cleaning will still be conducted before and after every client and high-touch surfaces will be disinfected as usual. The Studio contains an 3-stage air purifier with a 360° air intake to completely filter room air every 12 minutes and remove 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns. A 6-foot distance is typically maintained throughout the session, which includes reviewing the images on a large screen TV and. Clients are also required to reschedule if they are feeling unwell and no session will take place if anyone isn’t in full health (myself included). Overall, none of this will change as a result of the guideline changes provided by the CDC and will probably remain in effect indefinitely.

On-location photo sessions

When working on location or in an office setting for corporate headshots, I will always wear a face mask and follow the more stringent safety guidelines, even if everyone in the office is vaccinated. This is important to reduce exposure and rink for any other clients I work with in the future and is non negotiable unless we are told otherwise by the CDC.

Everyone’s reaction and approach to handling this Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021 has been highly individualized. I’ve worked with clients who had no concerns and those who worried constantly about their safety during this time. There is no right or wrong way to handle your own personal safety preferences (or your decision to get vaccinated or not), but my job as a business owner is to make sure everyone I work doesn’t get exposed to unnecessary risk. This means keeping the Studio space clean and sanitary, following CDC guidelines, and being extra cautious during each session as well as in my personal life.

If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know before the photoshoot or during our time together. There is no request too minor as I take my client’s comfort and safety very seriously. Most of all, I feel strongly about providing a non-judgemental space, no matter what your views are on the pandemic or the vaccine.