The world definitely feels a little bit different these days. We have been at home for at least a month or more. We are all helping homeschool our children as they are distance learning. When we do go out of the house to get groceries or necessities we are wearing masks to protect ourselves from an invisible threat. It has been a wild ride so far but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Businesses are starting to reopen slowly and here in Washington our Governor has laid out a plan to get us back to our normal lives.

Washington is starting to reopen. How does that effect my photo session?

Governor Inslee created a plan that has 4 phases. Right now we are in phase 1 and each phase will last at minimum 3 weeks. Assuming that we are on track with 3 weeks between phases that means that Phase 2 will start right at the end of May/Beginning of June. As of May 15th, Phase 2 is now officially when Photography Services can resume! I was beyond happy for that annoucement!

How I plan to keep you safe during a photo session with me.

There are very strict guide lines that have been put together by the governor in order to reopen. Here are some of the ways that I plan to keep myself and your family safe.

1. Sanitizing all my equipment before and after each photo session

2. Washing my hands or using hand sanitizer before and after each session

3. Wearing a mask, gloves and not touching my face during photo sessions

4. No physical contact with anyone, only verbal queues for parents and/or kids (including newborn posing) I will coach you into poses and how to position your newborn

5. Only your immediate family members residing in your household are to attend a photo session, that means no extended family sessions at this time

6. I ask that families bring their own personal blankets for seated poses on the ground

7. I will keep as much distance as possible during the photo session

8. If anyone in your household is sick or not feeling well the photo session will need to be rescheduled and if I am not feeling well I will let you know and we will reschedule as well

A little more in depth on my plan

Before I greet you for an outdoor session I will have used hand sanitizer and sanitized my equipment before hand. We will greet each other without handshake or hugs. My style of shooting lends it self well to social distancing during outdoor sessions. I have a 24-70mm zoom lens that I like to use mainly and a 70-300mm zoom. That allows me to stand far enough back to not have to get too close. I will be using more verbal cues to help pose and guide you through your session. In situations were we will be sitting on the ground I will instruct you to bring your own quilt or blanket from home.

For in home sessions I will wash my hands as soon as I arrive. All of my equipment will have been sanitized before entrance. I will have no handling of your newborn or children. When needed I will instruct you on how to position your baby for a photo. I like to keep newborns in the arms of their parents as much as possible so there are only a few images that I will take of your baby alone. Due to the nature of a home the space is more limited and I will do my best to not get too close and will adjust my angles.

Some of this may feel really impersonal and strange but it is how things will have to be for a time. I promise that we will still have lots of fun though.

FAQ’s about reopening and photo sessions

Are there any locations off limits?

As of right now state parks are open for day use, should the public be able to follow the social distancing rules. Some parks also have limited parking. I am adjusting my time slots to hopefully align with lower park use times so that parking is available for the session. I will work with each family individually to help decide where the best location for the session will be. All my outdoor locations are open and have more than enough space for social distancing.

Will my gallery look different because of the new restrictions?

The short answer is No. You will still get a robust gallery of images with lots of love and connection. I never usually get super close in your face during a session anyways so nothing will be different.

I can not wait to get back to photographing your families again! This down time has been so hard and I can’t wait to meet some of you or see you again!

So glad you are here and see you soon! XOXO Brooke!

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