Studio is Open | New Guidelines | COVID-19

Covid-19 shut us down briefly but my studio is open and in full service! We fall into Phase 2 of Nashville’s plan and as of now it looks like we will be in this phase indefinitely.  I know that Covid-19 has impacted a lot of small businesses and I’m really grateful that mine has been minimally impacted. And I’m beyond grateful for the continued support from my clients and community. We have quietly been working in the studio since June 1st, and I thought I should update you on the new guidelines while we try to get back to normalcy whatever that looks like and whenever that will be. Here’s what you need to know. 

CLEANING BEFORE AND AFTER CLIENTS

We have always cleaned before and after clients. We will continue that practice with an additional attention to sanitizing high touch surfaces such as door knobs and light switches as well as the stools, boxes and tables used in posing. My hair and makeup artist has always used disposable mascara wands, cleaned and sanitized her brushes, tools, and the makeup table. We will and have continued that process with even more care and attention. Sessions will be limited to allocate cleaning between client sessions. The number of clients in the studio at one time will also be limited. The safety of my clients has always been a top priority, and I will continue to do everything in my power to guarantee a clean and safe environment for everyone who works with me in my Studio.

MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING

We understand it is not possible for clients to wear protective face coverings while being photographed or getting makeup done. We do ask that you wear a mask in the building. My studio is located in Marathon Village and we require all clients and guests to wear a mask in the main/ shared areas of the building. I will be wearing a mask the entire time during our session. We will also be maintaining the 6-foot distance as much as possible. I do ask that clients wear a mask during hair styling, if that is part of your session experience.

PRE-SHOOT STYLING AND CONSULTATIONS

When clients book a session with me, we always do a pre-shoot consultation to go over the shoot, process, products and expectations. We also do a pre-shoot wardrobe consultation to help you pick the best wardrobe for your shoot so that you come in prepared and as stress-free as possible. Pre-covid, these were done in person. All styling and consultation appointments (until further notice) will be done digitally over Facetime or Zoom to ensure everyone’s safety. While this certainly won’t be the same experience as meeting face to face, it will still achieve the same result of us preparing you for your session. It is still a very valuable and important part of the process and deserves the time to get things right. It also helps with the nerves and stress that come with getting your picture taken. 

POSING

As always, you will be gently guided through a variety of poses to get the best angles and capture beautiful portraits. This will all be done safely at 6 feet apart. I use the “mirror me” method so I show you and you follow me. It’s easily done from a distance and will achieve the same gorgeous results.

ORDERING

The ordering session is typically done in-person two weeks after your shoot. We have two options here and it is completely up to the client and your comfort level. We can do the ordering session in person with masks on and social distancing or we can do the session over Zoom. It is entirely up to you.

IF YOU’RE FEELING SICK

Please cancel/reschedule your portrait session if for any reason you don’t feel well, have a fever or think you or someone in your family might be sick. There will not be a penalty for rescheduling. The same goes for me, if I’m feeling sick - I will let you know ASAP and we will reschedule.

SPECIFIC SESSION CHANGES & UPDATES

PERSONAL BRANDING

These sessions can be booked now and I have already been shooting these sessions for clients. They are taking place in my studio which allows for 6-foot distance and following all safety procedures. I will always be wearing a mask while working with you in person. The Wardrobe Styling and Concept meetings will take place before the session and will be done over Facetime or Zoom. Professional hair and makeup is up to the client. Your viewing session will take place within 2 weeks of your session and will be done over Zoom or FaceTime. 

CONTEMPORARY GLAMOUR PORTRAITS AND BOUDOIR

These sessions can also be booked now. Give yourself a break and do something fun! Have something to look forward to and get pampered! We deserve it. I feel like celebrating the life we have and our femininity is as important now more than ever. These sessions  take place in my studio which allows for social distancing. Again, I will always be wearing a mask while working with you in person. The Wardrobe Styling and Concept meetings will take place over FaceTime or Zoom. Professional hair and makeup will be provided unless you feel strongly about not having your hair or makeup done.  Your viewing session will take place within 2 weeks of your session and will be done either in-person or over Zoom. I’m leaving this up the comfort level of my clients. 

MOTHER/ DAUGHTER OR FAMILY

Similar to what has already been stated, these sessions can be booked now, they happen in the studio and everything prior to the session is done in a virtual meeting. Hair and makeup is also provided unless the client feels strongly otherwise. There is a limit to the number of people that will be allowed in the studio at one time. Families larger than 5 will not be allowed in the studio but can arrange a session outside. The viewing session will take place in the studio with mask and social distancing unless a virtual meeting is preferred. The viewing session typically takes place two weeks after your shoot.

COMMERCIAL AND ADVERTISING

I am currently taking commercial and advertising shoots with small crews, wearing masks and social distancing during the shoot. We will always maintain 6 feet away as much as possible and will be shooting 6 feet from the subject. I love collaborating and making the brand’s vision come to life through photography. We just do it now safely in masks and social distancing. 

HEADSHOTS

Due to high volume and the number of people it would require to photograph in one setting these are provided on a limited basis and only on one day a week with ample time (45-60 minutes) to clean and sanitize between clients. I am not offering companies on-location staff headshot days at this time. You must come to the studio and there must be enough time allocated between people to clean and sanitize. I will stay 6 feet away and be wearing a mask. These slots are very limited at this time. I do have strategic partners that I can refer if this does not work for your needs. 

THE GOOD VIBES STUDIO

If you have ever been in my Studio, you know how bright, comfortable and homey the space feels. We have good vibes here! My hope is that all that good energy and light keeps everyone in great spirits, feeling safe and healthy. 

And if you’d prefer to wait until fall, I urge you to reach out and book your session during the summer as I’m sure every photographer will be overloaded with family portrait requests this holiday season granted there are not huge spikes again. I’m always watching the numbers and making decisions appropriately.  

Please stay safe and healthy! 

And as always, please let me know what you think, if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions in the comments box below!

Here’s a Helpful Link for COVID-19 in Nashville: Nashville Reopening and Safety Guidelines