Is is safe to consider family photography right now?


I am very cautious about Covid-19, and concerned about the rising cases in Snohomish County. And I think that yes, there is a way to have safe photography sessions even right now in the times of Covid-19.


Why?


Because I don't work in a studio. You are not coming into a space that has had multiple other people in it. Most family sessions occur outdoors. Right now I am limiting family sessions to immediate family who live together in the same household. This is for safety and to reduce the possibility of exposure. Your family will get close close close during a family session with me, and for that reason it is limited to folks who already share living space. I am also limiting sessions to one family per day.


What else do I do to be safe?


I wear a mask the whole time. Does this add a bit of a communication challenge, especially for younger children? Sure, it definitely does. It's forcing me out of my quieter comfort zone and into finding a louder voice so you can hear me through the mask!


I am using a lens with a focal length long enough to allow me to stay distanced from your family. Normally I would be more hands on with posing, but for now I will direct you from a distance. It might take a little longer to adjust to just right because I am guiding you from a distance, so your session may last a little longer overall. I promise it's worth it.


Masks can be fun! And what a memory.


I won't ask your family to wear masks while you're being photographed. But if you want to get crazy for a few and bring out your masks, it's sure to be a memory down the road. Plus there are some really stylish and fun masks out there, so you could have a great time styling that part of your session. Matching, silly, sweet, or make a statement. Masks are part of life now, so why not embrace it and have some fun?


If you invite me into your home for a newborn or family session, I will sanitize my hands before I even get out of my car. Then wash them once I am inside. I will wear a mask for every second that I am in your home, and may wear disposable gloves as well. In-home sessions are quite limited right now, so if this is something you're interested in, let's talk.


What if we may have been exposed?


Always, safety first. We all want to do our part to stop the spread of Covid-19 in Snohomish County. I offer easy rescheduling of full sessions if you or anyone you have been in contact with is ill or has been exposed. I am doing all I can to avoid exposure myself, but of course will reschedule with you if someone in my household has been exposed or becomes ill too. The health and safety of our families is the number one priority, always.


I really do believe we can do this safely. If that changes, we will reschedule your session for another time. These are days worth documenting. Let's document it in a safe way, taking seriously all the public health guidelines to do our part to help Snohomish County get healthy.