Coronavirus update: Actions I'm taking to keep clients and myself safe
Hello there,
As the coronavirus is heavily impacting our local communities, I wanted to personally reach out to you and address the situation since the uncertainty can be unsettling.
First and foremost, my heart truly goes out to all of my clients. I recognize that many of my family portrait clients are having to make a huge shift in their everyday schedules through late April as of now, while a lot of my small business/entrepreneur peers I work with are feeling the domino effect of the virus with business being slower or non-existent compared to the norm.
After watching the press conference with the latest announcement from Governor, Jay Inslee this morning, Mar 16
I’ve decided that between now and the end of March, I’m going to do my part to help protect the community by practicing social distancing as much as I can.
This means I will be rescheduling my portrait and brand shoots that involve other multiple people being present. I will still be working on photography projects that include food & product photography from the comfort of my home studio and new to my portfolio of services, I’ll be working on real estate photography, as these gigs involve little to no other people besides myself to complete them.
Please be assured that I am closely monitoring the situation, following the guidance of the CDC, and practicing the below protocols so that when I do get back to holding shoots that involve others I have your health and safety front of mind ;
I’m making sure to work from home when I’m not shooting. I usually hit up coffee shops a couple of days a week to get some work done, but during this time I am doing my best to stay away from crowds to stay healthy.
I am making sure to thoroughly wash my hands before and after every single shoot. I am washing my hands when I leave the house for any shoot, hand sanitizing in the car when I arrive, hand sanitizing when I leave, and then wash my hands when I return home. While I don’t advise doing an in-home shoot, for the time being, there are instances such as newborn shoots that may need to be shot in the comfort of my client’s home. In those cases, I am making sure to wash my hands as soon as I arrive and frequently use hand sanitizer during the shoot.
I’m making a conscious effort to not touch my subjects during my shoots. I’m doing my best to keep my distance between my clients and my camera and working hard at using verbal guide my clients, instead of using my hands/touch. And upon greeting all clients I’m am bumping elbows instead of hugging or shaking hands to be extra safe right now - which is so hard since I’m a hugger.
I am sanitizing/washing my camera, camera equipment, phone, computer, and props such as blankets after every use with anti-bacterial products and cleaners. I’m even going as far as wiping down areas I constantly touch in my car, including the steering wheel and door handles.
I am checking in with my scheduled clients 24-hours before our shoot to confirm that they or anyone in their home doesn’t have a fever or respiratory illness and allowing them to reschedule if there are any signs of illness or concern. There is absolutely no reason to expose anyone to any kind of illness at this time. Even if it isn’t actually coronavirus, I want to help ensure we prevent bogging down doctors’ offices and emergency rooms so that those that truly need urgent care can get the attention they need.
I’ve also decided to waive deposits, change fees, and cancellations for upcoming shoots booked before/on March 16, 2020, through April 30, 2020.
Much like some of the major airline carriers, I’m implementing a Peace of Mind policy so that you can take comfort in knowing that any photo session that is currently on my books or will be booked between now through April 30th, 2020 can easily be canceled without a fee. I am also waiving the standard non-refundable deposit that I usually collect at the time of booking for now. This date range may be extended depending on the situation with the virus in the coming weeks. Any shifts in the dates will be communicated.
I am remaining optimistic about the future and hope you feel that way too. After much debate the past few weeks, I have decided to still host Spring Mini Session shoots but will be hosting them in the month of April and May, instead of later this month. Please keep a lookout for Spring Mini session sign-ups to land in your inbox via a separate email this week once I have finalized all the details.
I hope the combination of my seasonal mini session package and my Peace of Mind policy will help ease the minds of those who still would like or need photos during our beautiful spring season in the PNW but are concerned their plans may change. Plus, I would really love to see my awesome clients and embrace our beautiful spring season together if we can.
Lastly, Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that he will be signing an emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down bars and restaurants and even further limit the size of gatherings to no more than 50 people during the coronavirus. Restaurants will be allowed to have take-out and delivery services, but no in-person dining. The ban applies to restaurants, bars, dance halls, clubs, theaters, health, and fitness clubs, beauty salons, barbershops, nail salons, and other similar indoor social or recreational venues must cease operations until March 31 for now.
I understand that the world feels a bit scary right now, but I ask you to please keep me and my fellow small business owners in your thoughts and support the US economy by continuing to support your favorite small businesses as they could really use your love right now.
One way you can help support your local businesses affected by this ban is to consider purchasing gift cards from them. A gift card purchase, even a small one, will help out a local small business more than you think during this hard time. Plus, it’s a win-win for you! Not only will you feel good helping out a business that could likely use the support right now, but you’ll get to look forward to visiting them in the near future once this situation tappers off.
BIG thanks to all of the amazing people that are helping to support me during this crazy time. It’s been quite the whirlwind adjusting my schedule and business plans daily for the past few weeks. -My optimism would probably have been out the door if it wasn’t for you reminding me that this is all temporary.
I hope you all stay safe and healthy! With much love and gratitude,
-Missy