As we figure out how to live in life in the time of Covid19, I’ve started thinking about reopening my business and what that might look like. My plan is to reopen my photography business and resume taking clients on the day phase one begins in Calgary, Alberta. In order to safely reopen, I will be following public health restrictions put in place by the Alberta Government. Following these guidelines is crucial in keeping us all safe and helping slow the spread of Covid19. Below you will find the guidelines I will be putting in place in my photography business to keep you and your family safe while we work together.
Guideline #1: All Sessions Will Take Place Outside and Close to Your home.
This one kills me but it is completely necessary! All sessions will take place outdoors either around your home or at a location that we both agree on. This will ensure we can practice physical distancing and stay safe throughout the session. I’m so excited for the day I get to photograph families in their homes again. But until then, I am happy to meet you on your front porch, in your neighbourhood or at a local park. Right now, weeknight sunset session are my preference. Avoiding crowded parks on the weekend is something I would like to contuse for the time being.
Guideline #2: Sessions are for immediate family members only and must be less than 10 people
For the time being, it’s important to keep sessions as small as possible. To mitigate the risks associated with Covid19, I am limiting my sessions to ten people or less. All the people being photographed must be immediate family and live in the same household. So save your extended family sessions for the future when we can all hug and be close again.
Guideline #3: I will Wear a Mask
During our session, I will wear a non-surgical mask. If this is something your kids are not used to seeing, you may want to give them a heads up before the session so I don’t freak them out. Wearing a mask in public places helps limit the risk of spread of Covid19 to others. Obviously you are being photographed, and will not be asked to wear a mask.
Guideline #4: maintaining physical distancing
During our time together, we will maintain a 2 meter distance at all times. It may take a little getting used to, but all my posing prompts will be verbal. I will also send out some posing inspiration for you to visually see before our session together. During our session, I will not touch you or any of your family members. It’s going to be tough for me because I’m a hugger!
Guideline #5: Pre-Session Screening
24 hours before our session, I will check-in to do a pre-session screening. This can be done via email or over the phone. We will run through a list of questions. If anyone is sick with cold-like symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath, we will reschedule for a later date. The pre-session screening will also include questions related to your travel history and history of exposure to others with possible Covid- 19 symptoms. Cancellation due to illness will not result in any sort of cancellation fee. I want us all to be safe int here strange times. Please note that I will also cancel a session if I am experiencing any of these symptoms.
I’m so excited to Catch Up and Get Things Going Again!
I can’t wait to work with you and your family again soon! As soon as Calgary has a reopening date, I will be releasing a few mini sessions dates (that follow all the new rules listed above) to celebrate. Get in touch if you want additional details!
Thanks so much for bearing with me as we all navigate this strange new world. I’ve missed my clients so much and I am beyond excited to start working again. Photographing families really does feed my soul. I just want to finish off by saying that I’m normally a touchy person and this is going to kill me! If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe when we are working together, just say so! I’m not shy and I want to make sure you are feeling comfortable 100% of the time.
Sources (this is the librarian in me):
Government of Alberta. “ Guidance for Reopening.” Alberta Biz Connect, May 11 2020 https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx
Government of Alberta. “Covid-19 Information Workplace Guidance for Business Owners”, May 3 2020 https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-workplace-guidance-for-business-owners.pdf
Government of Alberta. “Guidance on Outdoor Activities”, May 2020 https://www.alberta.ca/guidance-on-outdoor-activities.aspx#toc-2
Professional Photographers of Canada “Photography: Returning to Work during COVID-19 Guidelines from the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC)” May 7 2020 https://www.ppoc.ca/documents/COVID_19/COVID-19_Returning_to_work_05_07_20.pdf