OUTDOORS PHOTOSHOOTS - KEEPING SAFE AND HEALTHY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

For those of you who have had sessions with me before, you will know that I put your and your children’s health and safety first - I never advocate risky shots and am always thinking about the safety aspects of our sessions together.

This mindset of course continues during the current Coronavirus outbreak, and in fact, if you’ve been following me, you’ll know that I implemented a number of additional measures quite some weeks before the UK lockdown was announced.

I’ve been closely following gov.uk announcements and guidelines as well as researching guidance from WHO and recommendations from the photography associations in the UK and even abroad in order to put in place revised photoshoot policies for the safe re-starting of photoshoots outdoors (and in my studio).

So what will be different now?

Outdoors and studio shoots will take place with some additional precautions and measures in place to help maintain social distancing. Read on for more info about outdoors sessions. Click here for info on how studio sessions and appointments will work.

Gallery viewing, design and ordering appointments are still held in my studio around 2 weeks after your shoot, socially distanced and with a screen between us where possible, and with masks on.

Please note that the rule of 6 applies to photoshoots and subsequent viewing, design and ordering appointments. For when Newham is classified as Tier 1, this means up to 6 people can attend their studio viewing (whether in one household or bubble or not). For when Newham is classified as Tier 2, only up to 6 people from one household or bubble can attend their viewing. The Tier 1 / Tier 2 guidance applies to outdoors photoshoots too, depending on location. As I am providing a service I am excluded from the group of 6 and can be the 7th person in attendance.

Finally, please note that as part of the NHS Test and Trace programme, I am legally obliged to hold you contact details for 21 days after our last in person appointment, and to supply these to NHS Test and Trace if asked to do so.

For all outdoors sessions there will be the following new procedures in place:

1. Please stay vigilant. If you are showing Coronavirus symptoms (inc a temperature of 37.8 deg C or above), or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home. This is critical to staying safe and protecting the NHS. You can now reschedule your session once without any additional fees, up until 7am on the morning of your session date. (See contract for details). (Similarly, if I am ill or there is inclement weather your session will the rescheduled to a mutually convenient date).

2. Outdoor photography will be offered in quieter areas of Victoria Park, E9 and some limited new locations around East London, chosen for their ease of travel (walking or driving predominantly), ease of parking (contactless / app based payment), and of course, beauty.

3. Meeting points may be at quieter spots to minimise contact with other members of the public.

4. Please only bring those to the shoot who will be in the photographs. Minimise group sizes and always keep group sizes within government guidelines and the current rule of 6.

5. Meet and greet will happen, but socially distanced.

6. Long lenses will be used, which do not require me to be close to you when photographing.

7. I will use hand gestures from afar, to pose you, rather than touching anyone. This will be explained when we meet.

8. Please bring hand sanitiser with you, plus plasters for any unfortunate accidents or scrapes. (This is preferable to me handing you any of these from my supplies, in order to minimise contact between us).

9. Avoid bringing anything non-essential with you, so you have less to carry, and there is less risk of contamination either en route or whilst on the shoot. In particular avoid things like bubbles and balls which can attract other children or dogs.

10. Ensure that the children are well fed, well rested and not thirsty when you arrive. Avoid the need to feed children during the session to minimise risk of oral transmission. We can plan your session time accordingly to avoid meal (and nap) times.

11. Only I will handle the few toys I use, for capturing young child(ren)’s attention. If you also have a squeaky toy or similar to capture your child(ren)’s attention, I will ask you to stand behind me, at the appropriate social distance, to use this, rather than using it myself.

12. As per government guidelines, it is not mandatory to wear face masks outdoors, but you may bring your own to wear between photos if you wish to. I will not be wearing a mask as we will be socially distanced, and in the open air already. This will mean I look less intimidating to children, and that you will be able to hear my instructions more clearly, as I shall be quite far from you for most of the session.

13. Separate guidance will be provided for your gallery viewing, and ordering appointment.

It is really important to me, that you, any nearby members of the public, and I, feel reassured and safe during our session that none of us, nor the NHS are being put at risk by what we are doing. If you have any concerns about the procedures or would like to suggest any new ones, please do get in touch with me. You can find further details and recommendations from the government (which everything here is compliant with) on staying safe outdoors, here.

I look forward to seeing you all again soon for your post-lockdown family photos. Ping me a text or email to find out more and book your session.

Sara x