I am taking the following precautions as a family photographer in order to safely take family photos in the time of a pandemic.
I am basing my information and practices on the CDC guidelines for prevention of sickness from the Coronavirus.
First, and most important, please stay home if you are sick! If you have been near or in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness, then I ask that you inform me so that we will reschedule our photo session together. I am happy to find a new date for our session after the recommended amount of time for you to have quarantined and no longer are a risk. And, of course, I would do the same if I or any of my immediate family tested positive or had symptoms.
The best ways to prevent infection and lower risk are social distancing, wearing a mask, and being outdoors. Social distancing, now more accurately referred to as physical distancing, means to maintain at least 6 feet from people that are outside of your household.
Given these guidelines, what can you expect from me as your family photographer during an outdoor family photo session?
When I arrive for a session, I greet you outside and even though I would love to shake your hand or give you a hug, I will keep at least 6ft away. I do not have my mask on when I first arrive to say hello and introduce myself, this is so that the kids can see my face. I want your child(ren) to be able to see my smile and feel comfortable. Then, I tell them that I will be wearing a mask while I take photos during our session. I would also encourage you to inform your child(ren) of this in preparation for the session. Wearing masks is becoming more normalized, but I do think it helps kids comfort level if they know what to expect.
Once we begin our photo session, I will put on my mask. As an additional precaution, I have travel-sized hand sanitizer on me to use if needed. However, I make it a point to not touch anyone or any of your belongings. Previously, I would be hands-on with the families in positioning, fixing hair, plopping a child on your lap, giving high fives and fist bumps—but now you can rely on my verbal cues and encouragements throughout the session instead!
I do take steps in toward my clients for a close up every once in awhile and then back up. If this is something you would like to avoid, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I want to be sensitive to people’s varying comfort levels. Your safety is top priority in this time of COVID.
Family Photo sessions can still be fun, create amazing moments of connection, and produce timeless memories while maintaining the recommended physical distance. For example, the photos below were taken with a 50mm lens and I was able to maintain at least 6 feet of distance this entire session.
What about your newborn photo sessions?
Traditionally, my lifestyle newborn sessions are indoors in your own home. However, during this time I am offering the option of having your newborn session outdoors. This can be in your own front or backyard, or other outdoor location of your choosing. We will find some shade, throw a quilt or blanket on the ground and get some beautiful newborn photos!
Those who have a newborn session are also given the option to do a combination of indoor/outdoor if the session is held at your home. This way we limit our time indoors together by doing the majority of your session outside and then some inside such as getting a couple photos in the baby’s nursery. I am happy to discuss this with you individually and make a plan that best meets your family’s needs and comfort level.
Ways that I am personally taking precautions to lower the risk of spreading Coronavirus in my everyday life:
We wear masks! I bought mine from a local, mom-owned small business called Southern Charm Textile here in Atlanta, Ga. You can visit her website for other cute, handmade items or buy masks on her Etsy shop.
My family is doing curbside pick up or delivery of groceries and other goods. If my husband or I has to enter a store for some reason, we are wearing masks, wiping down any cart, maintaining at least 6ft from other people, and hand sanitizing after leaving store.
We have been able to avoid taking our children out in public so far to reduce exposure. Any outing we have done has been outdoors with social distance maintained.
We have exclusively gotten takeout from restaurants and do not plan on entering or eating at any restaurant establishment during the pandemic.
We are not sending our kids to any daycares, schools, camps or other outside learning opportunities. For the school year, we are creating a small pod for learning/socialization and will remain strict in those contacts.
If I do any socializing with friends then it is outdoors and at least 6 ft apart.
Please feel free to ask me any further questions you have via email at hello@monconpix.com. Transparency and openness are very important to me. I want to hear any input or other specific concerns that you may have.
Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur and the Atlanta metro area.
