It has been 6 long weeks since I last picked up my camera for client photos. On March 28, I had just a few Easter mini sessions (most people cancled due to the virus, which I completely understood). After the last session that day, I closed up my studio for what I knew would be a long while - though I hoped in a month I'd be able to open. Now here we are 6 weeks later and there's truly no end in sight. Yes, I know North Carolina's stay at home order will start being eased on May 8 (just 2 days away!), but really not much will change for a while. Also, with more and more businesses opening and people getting out more, its a possibility that virus cases will start picking up again and we will end up right back where we started.
Words can't describe how much I miss working! When I first started hearing about the coronavirus, I knew eventually photographers would have to stop working; photography is not essential, even though it feels like it to us! Can you imagine if there were no photographers to capture beautiful images of your babies and children? Cell phones have come a long way for photos, but nothing beats the images a professional who's had years of training and practice can get! This is my passion, and it hurts when I can't work - both emotionally and financially. When I think about all the newborns that have been born in the past 6 weeks that I haven't been able to get in the studio....it hurts my heart. I just want all my clients to know how much I miss them all, and I hope no one has thought I've been over here taking a vacation! Trust me, I'd much rather be working and overwhelmed with how much editing I have left to do...lol.
That being said, I plan to start offering outdoor sessions on May 16. Social distancing practices are relatively easy to maintain outside. We will have to limit sessions to 10 or fewer people for a while, but that's not an issue unless you had planned on an extended family session. I have a list of every client that missed a session during the past 6 weeks, and today I will start contacting them (in order) to offer an outdoor session.
As for indoor sessions, I just don't know when that will happen. In my tiny studio, it is impossible to maintain a 6 foot distance away from clients. Also, as many of you know, the closer you get to a baby or young child, the more likely you are to get a smile! My other concern is masks should be worn during indoor sessions. I can't imagine getting little children to smile when I'm wearing a mask! Although maybe children are used to seeing masks by now? I'd love to hear other parents' thoughts on that!
Right now, my thinking is that once hair salons are allowed to open, I will start offering a limited number of indoor sessions, but only if outdoor is not an option. I think newborn sessions will be a bit easier to manage, since I can easily wear gloves and a mask. I don't want to schedule any indoor sessions just yet though; I don't want to get anyone's hopes up and then have to reschedule yet again. So for now, we will hold off on studio sessions and just pray that soon we can get back in there! (Ya'll should know that this is also killing me. Remember how long I dreamed of having a studio?! Its so sad having one and not being able to use it.)
I have always asked clients not to come for sessions if they or their children are sick, or if they've been around someone who is sick, but please forgive me if I ask you multiple times before your session now! Of course, if I feel sick or my children or husband are, I will let you know and will reschedule your session, as always. I want to be as safe as possible and be a responsible citizen during this time so hopefully we can all stay healthy!
I look forward to seeing all "my" babies again very soon!