The State of Ohio is gradually opening up over the next several weeks, with a few exceptions. Included in this opening are photographers. There are a couple of interpretations as to exactly when photographers can start doing paid shoots again. I am in the camp of May 12th being the first day we can get back to work.
With that said, I am treating May as a soft opening to allow a little more time to see how this gradual opening goes. What does that mean? That means if you contact me for a photo shoot, I will get you on the schedule in May - but I am not going to be pushing hard to get photo shoots during the month of May. Additionally, I am only doing outdoor photo shoots in the month of May.
As we head into this new normal, I wanted to go over just a few of the adjustments Jeffrey Tadlock Photography will be making as we move forward. Some from the business practice side and some from how I will satisfy the State of Ohio guidelines for re-opening and guidance from the Professional Photographers of America guidelines.
COVID-19 Adjustments
Ultimately, my primary concern is my client’s safety and my safety as we move forward. While I do believe many photography sessions can take place in a safe manner - it takes both of us - me, the photographer and you, the client to have safe sessions.
Outdoor Sessions Only
I will only be booking outdoor sessions through the month of May and likely into June. Outdoor sessions allow an easier time to be socially distanced. These outdoor sessions can be in and around Grove City or Columbus, but must be outdoors.
Props
I will not be providing any props for a session. You are welcome to bring your own props to be used by you and your family.
Social Distancing
The vast majority of photography I do does not require me to be closer than 6’ to my client. However, all sessions will need to be socially distanced (at least 6’).
The biggest impact I can foresee is that I typically like to show client’s the image on the back of the camera at certain times during a session. This unfortunately requires me being closer than 6’. So I won’t be able to practice this until current events change.
Face Coverings
I will wear a face mask during our entire session. While being photographed, the clients do not need to wear face masks.
Scheduling Sessions
All sessions must be scheduled online - either via email, Facebook Messenger, or text or over the phone.
In addition - I will be waiving all cancellation fees related to needing to change a date or time or cancel. In these times of uncertainty I don’t want people to stress about needing to reschedule or to hesitate to reschedule if they don’t feel well or have been exposed to someone that doesn’t feel well.
Feeling Sick
If you feel sick or have been exposed to someone that has been sick, please reschedule your session. Here are some questions to ask yourself before a session:
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How are you feeling?
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Any subject or family member with a fever exceeding 100.4 degrees should be rescheduled
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Have you had a cough or flu-like or COVID symptoms in the past 14 days?
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Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the last 14 days?
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Are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined?
I will be applying the same list of questions to myself prior to our session as well. Should I find myself exposed to someone that is sick, I will contact you via phone or email to reschedule our session.
Products
Digital images will be delivered via an online photo gallery. Any print product purchases will be delivered by mail or porch drop-off/pickup depending on preference.
Payments
Payments will only be accepted online. An online invoice can be sent to you for payment.
Wrap-up
Whew! That’s a long list of things. Really, a lot of those are best practice already - with or without COVID-19.
The key takeaways? If you feel sick or have been exposed to someone that has been sick, please reschedule your session - there will be no penalty for doing so. Likewise, if I am sick or am aware of having been exposed to someone that is sick - I will reach out to you to reschedule our session as well.
Do you have questions? Send me an email or Facebook message and let's chat! These are new times and a new normal - we’ll work together to figure out what’s best!