Staying Safe and Healthy – what I’m doing to keep you safe during your photo session.
The health and well being of my clients has always been my top priority.
As the cases of Covid-19 began to rise in the UK, I researched extensively and, even before the official Government advice for non essential contact to cease, I made the difficult decision to close the studio and postpone all bookings.
I’ve continued to keep a close eye on global advice, with a view to being fully prepared for reopening in a safe and responsible way. I understand that for some time we will all be quite naturally wary, and I want my photography clients to be assured that I take every measure possible to not only adhere to guidelines but surpass them.
My studio hygiene practices are already top notch, with my background as a nursery nurse I’m fully versed on correct sanitisation procedures and follow these routinely. For newborn photography sessions everything that comes into contact with baby is sanitised between sessions to reduce any opportunity for infection passing between babies.
Whilst the studio remains closed for the moment, I have been scrutinising my hygiene practices, ensuring my knowledge is up to date and making the necessary amendments to ensure that when I do reopen everything is in place to ensure my clients have a safe and enjoyable photography experience.
As always please do not attend the studio if any of you are unwell. It is always preferable to reschedule to a day when everyone is fit and healthy. Likewise if I am unwell or if any of my family are displaying symptoms of Covid-19 I will contact you to reschedule your session.
So what’s going to be different?
With the exception of “hands on” newborn photography sessions, all sessions will be carried out with social distancing in mind…and where appropriate an outdoor session will be preferable.
For all studio sessions I have outlined current procedures below:
The Studio.
What I am doing.
All studio surfaces are thoroughly sanitised between sessions with space in between sessions to ensure the studio is fully aired. In the case of newborn sessions there will be a minimum of 24 hours between sessions.
For the time being, only pre packaged refreshments will be available, therefore there will be no tea, coffee etc.
What I ask you to do.
Please only bring items into the studio that are necessary for your session.
You are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks, please take any rubbish home with you. I have rubbish bags available in the studio for your use.
Your Session.
What I am doing.
I will change into fresh clothes when I arrive at the studio for your session, my hair will be tied back.
What I ask you to do.
Only family members who are being photographed will be permitted in the studio. For sibling photographs I ask that someone is available to take them home immediately following the family and sibling photos.
Please leave anything not needed for your session in your car.
Coats and shoes are to be removed and left in the studio entrance.
Hand Hygiene.
What I am doing.
I already wash my hands thoroughly before and after sessions and use hand sanitiser throughout.
What I ask you to do.
There will be additional hand sanitiser at the entrance to the studio and clients will be asked to sanitise their hands before entering.
Props & clothing.
What I am doing.
As is already the case, everything that comes into contact with baby will be washed.
In addition to this any item which is soiled during the session will be double bagged to contain any possible infection.
What I ask you to do.
Please ensure that any personal items you bring along to use as props are cleaned beforehand and brought in a separate bag.
Additional Measures.
What I am doing.
I have a supply of cloth masks and gloves for my own personal use, a fresh mask and a fresh pair of gloves will be worn when I am in close proximity to you or you child/baby (e.g. hands on posed newborn sessions) and these will be sanitised appropriately after ever session. Whenever I will be handling baby and therefore in close proximity I want to ensure that I am utilising the most appropriate masks; I have chosen to use cloth rather than paper disposable masks based upon evidence based research into the effectiveness of various materials for filtering virus particles.
What I ask you to do.
I have a supply of disposable masks and gloves available for your use in the studio should you wish to do so.
It’s important to me that you feel safe and reassured throughout your photography experience with Life in Focus Portraits. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please do get in touch.
