COVID-19 Safety Policies and Procedures
I am taking the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously and want to share the safety policies and practices I am implementing to protect my clients and myself.
I am currently not booking any on-location sessions that will take place while my county in the Bay Area remains under shelter-in-place order. As a non-essential worker, it is important to me that I follow this mandate. Sessions for future dates can be booked now and will be scheduled when shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted, when photographers have a clear OK to photograph, and when both my clients and I feel we can have a comfortable and safe meeting.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19 is limiting face-to-face contact with others, known as social distancing. Although knowledge about the virus and how it spreads are evolving, based on the information we have now, these measures will help curb its spread. Compliance with this policy is essential because current consensus on the virus suggests, among other things, that:
• COVID-19 is highly contagious.
• COVID-19 spreads mostly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet, or two arms' lengths) for a prolonged time period (between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the distance).
• The virus generally spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose get in the air and land in the mouths or noses of nearby people.
• A person who has the virus may not have any symptoms but may still spread COVID-19.
• A person can get COVID-19 by touching another person, such as with a handshake, or by touching another surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
• The virus can live on surfaces for up to several days, depending on the surface and other conditions.
For these reasons, I will practice the following safety precautions:
Six-Foot Distance - I will only use a long lens to remain well beyond six feet distance from you and your loved ones.
Face Mask - I will wear a face mask for the duration of the photo session.
No Extended Families or Groups - I will only photograph members of your household together (or individuals for brand sessions).
Illness - On the morning of the session, I will ask clients to verify that no family members are sick and that no one has a fever. If any members in either of our families are sick prior to or day of the session, especially with fever or cough, the photo session will be automatically rescheduled.
Outdoor Sessions - I will photograph on location in outdoor settings only that are not congested. If we arrive at a location and it is too crowded, we will relocate immediately.
No Physical Contact - I am a hugger and this one is going to pain me the most; but, unfortunately, there will be no physical contact with me, including handshakes and hugs, as well as my making any adjustments to clothing, flyaway hairs, etc. I will guide you with those adjustments from a safe distance.
Product Delivery - I will have your photo order of albums and prints delivered directly to your home from the professional labs I work with to avoid contact.
As the issues around this pandemic continue to evolve, I will remain informed, will adhere to new guidelines as they emerge, and will update this post to reflect any changes.
Please, everyone, stay safe and well!
xo,
Lori
(posted May 15,2020)