COVID-19 Coronavirus and My Plan for Your Safety | St. Louis Documentary Photographer
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Remember that line from Timon in the Lion King II? It might seem juvenile in times like these to be quoting a children's movie, yet here I am. My point is, things are tough, but we can get through the tough times together. What am I doing in regards to safety for my clients in regards to Covid-19? I am taking precautions and have them listed below.
I have been sitting back rather quietly taking in all of the information about Coronavirus. At first, I, like many, assumed it would blow over. I naively chalked it up as something that would likely not hit the United States or even my local community. Clearly I was wrong. In the past week, the articles started to flood in, the Facebook posts became more ominous, and everywhere I turned became another source of information or misinformation about the virus. It has started to feel heavy on my heart and as I look at my family each night, I am thankful for our current health and we continue to take caution as the days go on. In one of my birth photography groups, this is a HOT topic. As birth photographers, a lot of our work is done in hospitals and birth centers. Around the country, some have severely limited visitors for birthing people which greatly limits our abilities to attend births.
I felt quite refreshed when someone linked to a blog post by photographer, Katy Weaver, out of Portland, Oregon . She did a stellar job informing her clients of how, as a photographer, she's handling this situation. I was so inspired that I wanted to write my own blog about this to tweak it for my own business, but all in all, I give her major credit for this idea. I love when people come together as a community, can think clearly, and share their ideas for the greater good. So, from one Katie to another Katy, thank you. And if you have time in these next few weeks to be perusing the internets for something other than news about the virus, visit Katy's IG over at @KatyWeaverPhotography or her Facebook page. She has some delectable photography out there for you to see! Go give her a shout out for being so amazing!
Now, on to my list of what I'm doing for my clients, for sessions, and in general moving forward to the foreseeable future.
Absolute #1: Hand washing. And more hand washing. Yes, hand washing is *always* important and dealing with babies, birth, and newborns, I am always diligent about it.
#2 Exercising caution. If you are feeling apprehensive about going through with your scheduled session, we can reschedule for a later date.
#3 Distancing myself. Depending on the type of session, I can usually keep a safe distance from my clients if needed. If you're concerned about closeness during a session, I'll keep my distance, avoid touching you or your family, and shoot with a lens that allows for quality photos from farther away. Instead of hugs or handshakes, we can opt for a wave and hello and we'll get down to business to reduce the time it takes to document your story and your memories.
#4 Redirecting payment towards a different session or product. Have a birth planned and nervous I won't be let in by your hospital, birth center, or provider? We can transfer your payment to another session if you no longer wish to have me in attendance at your birth. If you have a regular session planned and want to reschedule that, we can do that too. If you have a session planned but would rather just put that money towards buying prints from a previous session, we can also do that instead.
#5 Heeding the advice of the CDC and the WHO. I will be closely monitoring and following recommendations put forth by these health organizations. My priority is client safety, health, and well being. Until directed otherwise, all scheduled sessions will continue as usual and new sessions can be booked.
#6 Choosing locations. I am still offering client sessions especially in outdoor spaces as well as in your homes. In home sessions are some of my favorites because your own environment is where your whole family tends to be more comfortable and natural. I love shooting these sessions regularly, so this is something I'm well versed in with lighting, how to get the best angles, and how to set these sessions up for success! These can be anything I normally photograph from maternity, birth prep, early labor, newborn, day in the life documentary, birthday, milestone, breastfeeding, and beyond.
#7 Booking wisely. If you are wanting to book for something like a Fresh 48 or birth, we can still do that. If you've chosen a home birth, this is still an accessible situation. At this current juncture, we are still being allowed in St. Louis hospitals to photograph births and Fresh 48 sessions. Of course, I always encourage clients to keep an open line of communication with their providers. This is a time where it is extremely important to continue doing so. Should the hospital or birth center's policies change, I have always and will continue to offer Fresh 48/newborn documentary sessions in client's homes which provides the approach of me documenting your new life with your baby and doesn't require me to physically handle you, your baby, or your family. This can also be a great reason to do a pre-birth session, baby prepping/nesting, or maternity in-home session. Alternatives to birth photography would be laboring at home as long as possible and then a session at home in the fresh, raw, postpartum time frame. Bringing home a baby is a very exciting time for new families and would be an amazing piece to have captured as it is often a piece missing from the big story of baby being born.
#8 Self care. I'll be taking precautions to keep myself and my family safe and healthy and I ask the same of my clients. If at any point, my family or I am sick, I will be upfront and honest about this and we can reschedule. If you or anyone in your family is sick, we can reschedule.
#9 Open to suggestions. If you have suggestions you'd like to give me regarding how I can further help you or the community, how I can be of assistance, or how I can continue to show up for you, I'm all ears.
#10 Staying positive. I'll continue with my regularly scheduled program on my social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and the blog)
I value you, your families, and your well being. Having physical memories to touch, see, and hold and documenting your families are literally my life's passion. Let's work together to remain safe and healthy and we will be able to cherish your story for generations to come.
Hakuna Matata, friends and clients! ♥