So it's finally nearly here! I have been waiting patiently for this:
The studio's reopening date is officially next Tuesday (13th April).
...and honestly, I couldn't be happier at the thought of getting back into the studio and documenting amazing memories for all of the lovely families who are booked in. I'm not gonna lie, the studio diary looks absolutely maaanic at the minute - but I wouldn't have it any other way!
During the national lockdowns, I have been using the time wisely; attending online workshops, seminars, and tutorials to really hone my craft and expand my photography skills, clearing out the studio (and then buying loads more props and furniture to fill it back up again 🤦🏼♀️), focusing on my marketing and social media strategies to make sure all of my lovely clients can see me properly online, and looking at what I currently offer and seeing if I can do better.
But I think this last lockdown has been a bit of a weird one for a lot of us.
Lockdown 1.0 was in the summer so it was lovely and warm, and there was a general feeling of "we're all in this together", we had Captain Sir Tom Moore walking, clapping for the NHS, lots & lots of banana bread-making.
Lockdown 2.0 was a bit of a shock but we didn't really mind as it was only for a month so the end was always in sight. Maybe even a bit of a break before Christmas.
Lockdown 3.0, however... I think we can all agree, it had a bit of a different vibe. The weather was colder and darker, people were sick of making TikToks, by now a lot of us had known someone become seriously ill or worse - either from Covid or something else, and everyone was kind of done with staying in. Some people still hadn't seen their families for a long time, some lockdown babies hadn't met older relatives, some people had been out of work for the best part of a year, and some even had to shut the doors on their businesses forever.
I have personally always been very careful throughout the whole thing (mainly due to fear), my hands have never been so dry from overuse of hand sanitiser, and I now even have a "favourite" out of all of my rewashable masks!
I stayed in and didn't even visit my family (aside from the odd, well-enunciated convo through the window). If I had to go to a supermarket, I was obsessed with having a 2-metre distance.
And yet somehow I managed to contract the dreaded C-19. This unfortunately led to complications and a hospital visit to discover Covid had also caused blood clots on my lungs and a bout of pneumonia. Me, an otherwise healthy 27-year-old, who liked to go for several runs a week and ate all of her fruit and veg! Unfortunately, I am still feeling the affects on my lungs six months later, as I still struggle to breathe first thing in the morning and doing anything more than a brisk walk usually wears me out.
So if you see me giving only 10% in the gym - mind ya business! 😂
I want to take this chance to reaffirm the importance of the safety measures I have in place in my studio and how I will continue to implement them when I can reopen for the safety of your family and mine.
Things studio visitors can do to help:
If you, or anyone you've been in contact with, has had any of the Covid-19 symptoms in the week leading up to your session, please let me know immediately as we can rearrange your session without a problem. Babies can be photographed at any age - it is never worth putting others at risk for the sake of those "younger newborn" shots. I know very well how to work with slightly older newborns so you don't need to worry!
Please wear a mask at all times in the studio, unless it's your turn to be photographed or you are medically exempt.
Please help yourself to as much hand sanitiser as you like all throughout the session - don't worry I'll never run out! 🙈
Please scan the studio's QR code at the door with your NHS Covid-19 app to check-in.
Ensure that yourself and any older children you might be bringing into the studio try to keep a distance from me when I am photographing (unless you and/or your children are being photographed at the time).
Things I will be doing to help:
I will be taking one session a day (unless otherwise informed) to allow plenty of time for a deep clean in the studio and proper sanitation of all props, backdrops, outfits, surfaces, and soft furnishings.
I will be utilising the two extractor fans in the studio to allow for clean air to be filtered throughout the duration of your session.
I will be taking your temperature at the door, and I ask that if the reading is significantly higher than it should be, to rearrange your session immediately.
I will inform you if I, or anyone I've been in contact with, has had any of the Covid-19 symptoms in the week leading up to your session ahead of time in order for us to safely reschedule for a later date.
I will be wearing a disposable mask throughout the entirety of our session together, and will be sanitising my hands more than usual at regular intervals, and before and after touching a prop or surface.
I will keep as much of a distance as I can when photographing you and/or your children, unless I need to specifically move you into position.
That's it, folks! If you have any queries or concerns at all regarding your session and anything I have mentioned (or may have missed out) in this post - feel free to get in touch at any time. I can't wait to see you all back in my wonderful studio again - I'm more than ready to capture those beautiful moments for you and your family!
Paige x
Paige Edge Photography