The phrase "proper safety protocols" always make me think of those videos filmed in the 80's explaining proper handling of bio hazards, removing gloves, handling patients, etc... But that's actually because for the first 4 years of living here in Charleston I actually worked for a Physical Therapy office at a retirement home and I dealt with patients and standard DHEC safety protocols for everything. Never thought that would apply in life as we know it now, but what does that mean?
1. Sanitizing all camera equipment and camera bag before and after each session. I don't plan to put anything down during my session, not even my bag, but in the case of an emergency and I need to literally drop what I'm holding to assist in the safety of a client or infant, I know my gear is already clean.
2. Showering right before and after my sessions. Sounds silly, but that seems to be the habit we've all adapted these days. And actually, it's always been my normal protocol for newborn sessions. Studies have shown that things can live on your clothes and other places for hours at a time. So by showering directly before, wearing clean clothes, and heading straight over, with no pit stops, that's about as clean as it gets. Unless you prefer to hose me down before coming in, that's fine too.
3. Wearing a mask. This one has become pretty obvious, this is the world we live in. My mask is worn at all times from when I leave my car to approach your home until I get back in it.
4. Removing shoes before entering the home. This is as important as the above. Your shoes can carry loads of bacteria from all over the place so it's important NOT to wear those into your home. I'll also be bringing a clean pair of socks to wear while in your home, almost like medical booties. They are worn inside and washed once I leave.
5. Hand washing. It's important for everyone to wash their hands or sanitize before we begin working. This has always been normal protocol but I think it's important to point that out again.
6. No touching, keep our distance. This is really the hardest one. Obviously, newborn sessions have always been a hands on experience for me as a photographer. I am trained in safe handling and posing of infants and I'm also a hand-shaker and hugger. Newborn sessions are also all about the intimacy of the family and the little details, so this has been the hardest one to adapt to. I will do my best to instruct all families in proper posing based on the available light and expressions, while keeping the most distance I can while inside your home. I will instruct you on things that need to be moved out of the frame, moving your hair that has fallen in the wrong way, adjusting clothing, etc. These are all things I love to help my clients with, but now I'm going to have to ask you to help me.