December 2021 Update: I have been triple vaccinated and carry out regular lateral flow tests to keep clients safe.
I’ve missed meeting new clients and catching up with return clients so much over the past few lockdowns! I’m so happy to be back behind the camera, while doing everything I can to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
Please read all the details below, including understanding the risks involved and your responsibility to declare any Covid-19 symptoms presented by you or anyone else in your household in the days leading up to our session.
Covid-secure Photography Sessions
I have signed up to the Master Photographers Association Covid-19 Protocol (full details here) and I’m making the following adjustments to ensure the safety and wellbeing of my clients.
- wearing a face covering throughout your shoot;
- ensuring at least 24 hours between maternity, newborn and family sessions and at least two hours between headshot sessions;
- deep-cleaning hard surfaces and props in the studio between sessions using diluted bleach;
- washing cottons and linens at 60 degrees celsius after use;
- ‘quarantining’ delicate fabrics and props for at least 72 hours before using them again;
- providing disposable gloves, masks and hand sanitiser with 60% alcohol for client use;
- asking clients to confirm they are symptom-free, to remove their shoes on arrival and to sanitise their hands before entering the studio.
Additional COVID-secure adjustments to my normal processes
Returning clients will notice a few changes to my normal process, including:
- We’ll sign and exchange contracts online once you book your photoshoot, instead of at the start of your session.
- Please bring your own refreshments. I won’t be serving hot drinks and cookies until it’s safe to do so (I know, I know; we will all miss the cookies!).
- Normally I warmly welcome friends, aunts, uncles, parents and grandparents to join in on your shoot or simply spectate. Sadly, for the moment, all shoots are restricted to immediate family only (those living in the same household).
- You’ll see your finished images and place your order via an online gallery (instead of an in-person reveal).
Your responsibilities
If you have booked a shoot with me and are experiencing any of the known symptoms of Covid-19, or if you have been in contact with anyone who has recently experienced symptoms, or if you or any member of your household has been asked to self-isolate, then please inform me immediately so we can rearrange your shoot.
An informed risk
Despite taking the above steps to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, carrying out any activity in the UK currently carries a degree of risk of infection. Continuing with your booking and attending your photography session constitutes an acceptance of this risk. Please consider any health conditions of yourself or those you live with before making an informed decision about whether you are happy to accept this risk.
Got a question? Ready to book?
Thanks for your interest, and please do get in contact if you have any questions about COVID-secure photoshoots or if you would like to find out more about getting booked in!
Sarah Plater LMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She is the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).
