In this troubled time with the Coronavirus circling the globe, everyone’s mind is naturally turning to keeping safe.
Today’s blog is all about the safety procedures in place at the studio designed to keep everyone healthy and safe every day, not just during a pandemic. I will briefly cover what’s happening in the studio during the coronavirus pandemic, as its first and foremost in people’s mind at the moment, before discussing the standard studio safeguards in place every day of the year.
Coronavirus precautions
The photo studio has been closed since the 15th March 2020 following the announcement from the French government to close all non-essential businesses until further notice. While I’ve had some very disappointed clients, including a couple who had their wedding portrait session postponed indefinitely on the 15th March, it’s important to realise the seriousness of the situation, to respect the social distancing in place to limit the spread of the virus and to keep people safe.
While I continue to work (from home), I’m focusing my attention on replying to your messages, working on my blog and website and doing all those jobs I never have time to do. I am not taking photographing clients or meeting with them face to face – it’s just not possible at the moment so please don’t ask!
Hopefully this pandemic will pass soon and we’ll be able to pick up where we left off but until then, please please please listen to the experts (not Sue on Facebook), respect the social distancing and other precautions and stay safe!
Standard studio safeguards
One of my main priorities is to create a safe, healthy environment for myself and my clients – expectant mothers, newborn babies, young children, families and grandparents – everyone basically.
The studio is cleaned on a regular basis.
Client meetings and portrait sessions are by appointment only. This enables me to prepare the accessories and gowns for each client and gives me time to clean them before they are used by a subsequent client. Client appointments do not overlap, ensuring there is time to clean the studio between appointments if needed and also to minimise contact with others.
I am up to date on the recommended vaccinations, including whooping cough and annual flu shot.
Any studio jewellery used during a session is disinfected after use.
All studio gowns worn are cleaned after use.
I use predominantly paper backgrounds and if they become soiled (accidents can happen especially when dealing with naked babies), the affected length of paper is removed and disposed of.
I also reduce the presence of trip hazards by strategically placing my studio lighting equipment out of the way wherever possible.
Sick child (or parent) rescheduling policy
If you’re unwell, you won’t feel up to participating in a portrait session but you also risk spreading the illness to others. This is why, if you or a member of your family are sick, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment (at no additional cost). I understand that illnesses can happen at the last minute and I will do my best to find another time slot for you to come when you’re all feeling better.
Sick photographer
In the event that I am unwell, I will communicate with you as to if it is safe for the shoot to go ahead. If it is something mild, such as a common cold, and I do not need to have direct contact with the clients, the shoot may go ahead however I leave the choice up to the client.
In the case of a newborn portrait session, I will almost always recommend rescheduling the session as newborns are very delicate with an immature immune system and we shouldn’t take any unnecessary risks with babies (or other vulnerable people).
Newborn Safety
All of the above safety guidelines also apply to newborn sessions but there are also some things I do which are specific to newborn sessions.
Hand sanitizer is used all year round (pandemic or not) to keep your baby safe.
I take great care to ensure your baby is comfortable
- The studio is heated to a toasty 26 degrees to ensure they do not get cold.
- When posing I make sure their limbs and especially their little fingers, toes and other bits, are well positioned (not squished).
- When wrapped, I ensure that they are snug but not too tight.
Only safe poses are used when positioning your baby. If your baby doesn’t like a position he is placed in, we transition him into another (not all babies like being put in all positions – no matter how safe the position is).
Your baby is never left alone – there is always someone there with him just in case he startles.
All newborn wraps, cloths and outfits used are cleaned with baby laundry detergent. Flokati (fluffy) base layers, delicate bonnets and other delicate props are carefully hand washed after each session
Next blog article
I hope you have a clearer understanding of the safety precautions applied to the studio. My next blog which will feature an adorable baby and her wonderful family who came in to the studio (before the coronavirus pandemic) for her newborn portrait session so come back in a couple of weeks to check it out.
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