As we move through the phases of reopening here in Connecticut, I wanted to touch base and outline all the changes that will be taking place in the next months. First and foremost, there are all the new safety procedures, as well as changes to the session process in order to eliminate as much face to face contact as possible.

I will take a look and evaluate this process in September to see how we can optimize some of the items below, as well as, apply any new regulations or suggestions from the government to keep everyone safe.

STUDIO SAFETY PROCEDURES

CLEANING BEFORE AND AFTER CLIENTS

The Studio space has always been cleaned before and after each client session. That process will stay the same, with the addition of disinfecting and wiping down all high-touch surfaces like exterior doorknobs and light switches. Sessions will be limited with sufficient time allocated between clients to clean and prepare the space. The safety of my clients has always been a primary concern for me and I will continue to do everything in my power to guarantee and clean and safe environment for everyone who works with me in my Studio.

PROTECTIVE MASK & SOCIAL DISTANCE

While it is not possible for photography clients to wear protective face coverings, I will be wearing a cloth mask during the entire time of the session. We will also be maintaining the 6-foot distance as much as possible. I do ask that clients wear a mask during hair styling, if that is part of your session experience.

STYLING APPOINTMENTS

Typically, all Styling & Wardrobe Consultations are done in-person. However, all styling appointments (until further notice) will be done digitally over Facetime or Zoom instead to ensure everyone’s safety. While this certainly won’t be the same experience as meeting face to face, it will still achieve the same result of us working through the plan for your session and figuring out what everyone is wearing. It is still a very valuable and important part of the process and deserves the time to get things right.

POSING

All posing and directing will be done verbally and at a safe distance. While this might slow down the session a bit, we will still be able to achieve the same results as before.

ORDERING

I feel strongly about keeping the streamlined process in place as much as possible. While this doesn’t affect Personal Branding Sessions, Family, Baby, and Headshot images will still be reviewed right after we finish photographing. The review process will be slightly different in that we will be sitting 6 feet apart from each other and I will be wearing a mask. I do ask that you also wear a mask during this time. Otherwise, we will still look at images on the big screen and I will still help walk you through the decision-making process to make everything as easy and simple as possible. You are also welcome to use contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, otherwise please rest assured that the credit card reader has been wiped down for you to prevent any contamination.

IF YOU’RE FEELING SICK…

Please cancel/reschedule your portrait session if for any reason you don’t feel well or think you or someone in your family might be sick. There has never been a penalty for rescheduling and there certainly won’t be during this time. The same goes for if I’m feeling sick - I will let you know ASAP and we will reschedule.

SPECIFIC SESSION CHANGES

PERSONAL BRANDING SESSIONS

Sessions can be booked NOW and can take place outdoors or in your home allowing for 6-foot distance and following all safety procedures. I will always be wearing a mask while working with you in person. The Styling and Concept meeting before the session will be done over Facetime or Zoom and files will be delivered within 1 week digitally as usual. The only other change is that payment for the session will not be split into two 50% payments, but will be accepted on the day of the photoshoot (either check or credit card, or Apple Pay) to simplify and streamline the process.

FAMILY/BABY SESSIONS

Family and baby/newborn portrait sessions can take place in the Studio after June 20th (or whenever the government says it’s OK) and will be booked on the weekends only. They will also be limited to 1 session per day and will not include makeup as an option. Hair styling will still be arranged and provided as usual - you can also request to have it done in your home before the session instead of at the Studio. I will always be wearing a mask while working with you in person and a 6-foot distance will be maintained in the Studio as much as possible. Please note that with little children, that distance might be hard to enforce and I recommend that kids between the ages of 1 and 5 might not be the best fit for a Studio session at this time. I am happy to recommend another family photographer who can do an outdoor photo session for you instead. Because of the difficulty and requirements for these sessions there will be a minimum purchase requirement of the smallest Collection and I will always make sure we’re on the same page before moving forward during our consultation call.

HEADSHOTS

Studio headshots will be limited to a specific day per month, with at least 45-60 minutes between clients to clean and disinfect all surfaces. I will always be wearing a mask while working with you in person and a 6-foot distance will be maintained in the Studio as much as possible. Otherwise, the process stays fairly similar, keeping in mind the reduced availability.

COMMERCIAL WORK

Anything that doesn’t require in-person interaction will be considered on a case by case basis, so please feel free to reach out if you need product photography, editorial, or marketing images. Hand-offs of objects can be arranged and all final images will be delivered digitally as usual.

If you’ve been in my Studio before, you know how bright and sunny the space is. My hope is that all that sunlight and good energy keeps everyone in great spirits and health. The sun certainly helps kill off any germs that might linger on surfaces! If possible, I will also keep the windows open to allow us to enjoy fresh air and improve circulation.

And if you’d prefer to wait until fall, I urge you to reach out and book your session during the summer as I’m sure every photographer will be overloaded with family portrait requests this holiday season.

As always, please let me know what you think, if you have any suggestions, or ask a question in the comments box below!