Newborn Sessions and the COVID-19, Coronavirus Outbreak
UPDATE: We are currently scheduling studio sessions for dates after May 1, 2020. Should stay-at-home orders be extended, we will revisit and reschedule any babies on the books/1
Hello there! I just wanted to drop a few quick notes about getting those time-sensitive newborn sessions in while dealing with all the Coronavirus closings and social distancing that's happening....
Such a sweet baby:)
If you haven't scheduled a session yet, reach out to the photographer you want to hire and inquire whether they are even taking appointments and what their precautions have been recently. I had already planned on taking time off for Spring Break, so only have a few appointments on the books over the next few weeks.
This is the advantage to dealing with a low-volume, boutique studio. We aren't open to groups or street traffic, only take a maximum of 10-12 clients a month anyway, sessions are generally scheduled with days in between them, and everything is getting disinfected after every client (which is always done, but now paying a little more attention to things like doorknobs, etc.)
Ask your photographer if they have traveled, been exposed or showing any symptoms. I am keeping my family home right now to lessen the risk of exposure to anyone in my home, because I know some people can carry and not show any symptoms. No professional would be concerned if you ask them these things.
Any true professional newborn photographer would also immediately postpone any sessions if they end up with any type of cold or flu symptoms or learn they've been exposed. As long as my clients understand we are two adults agreeing to disclose any of these things, I feel like my space is pretty safe right now (unless we learn differently over the next few weeks about how it's spread or that this population is affected severely).
If you're uncomfortable leaving home at all, inquire about in-home sessions or mini-sessions. I offer these but haven't had any requests for them yet...Lifestyle sessions that take place in the home also don't require as much contact between photographer and baby.
Wear gloves and a mask when you do have your session (take off only for your photos), and the photographer should be doing the same.
Any medical questions at all should be directed to your doctor. If your baby was premature, in the NICU or had any type of health concern at birth or mom had any complications, they are likely more at risk of having more severe symptoms from COVID-19!
Lastly, remember you can always delay your session until things settle down out there and you're more comfortable about it - it's up to you as the parent to determine what you're comfortable with and what you're not. You may not have the brand-new squishy baby you wanted in the photographs, but they'll still be little and perfect models for photos you'll fall in love with anyway!
Wishing you health, happiness and love,
Jamie