Scheduling your Charlottesville Family Session & COVID-19 Questions

Oh how our world has changed, and oh how our inboxes have been slammed full of responses to the current pandemic. Though the last thing I want to do is to add to all the noise, I wanted to address what sessions will look like for the near future, as my clients’ safety and comfort is always a top priority. Family & Newborn sessions should be a time of joy and a time of being present, so in that note, I’ve been preparing on how I can continue offering that space of joy & celebration given our new way of living.

As of the first week of June, I’ll officially be scheduling sessions again and I’m SO looking forward to seeing you! Below are a few notes to address my first steps, but please know I’m always seeking to stay up-to-date on current precautions! You’re also always welcome to email me with any questions!

Will sessions be outdoors?
Until further notice, all newly booked family sessions will be held outdoors in the fresh air to minimize contact. I will be shooting outdoor sessions with a safe 6′ distance in mind! Sessions will take place within 2 hours of sunrise or sunset, so we can get that beautifully golden light! Please feel free to contact me for recommendations for outdoor areas for your session, and we can always still shoot around your home! Hello, Summer!

What about Newborn Sessions?
Indoor exceptions can be made for newborn sessions. I simply ask that you & your family must be home for 14 days before we schedule your session in interest of safety for everyone involved. I will no longer bring swaddles for the time being, and I’ll verbally direct you instead of personally moving you or your newborn. I will wash my hands promptly upon arrival (which I always have loved to do!) and will continue to do so if/when needed during the session!

What safety precautions are you taking?
I will wash my hands thoroughly before each session and bring hand sanitizer with me as well to use throughout the session as needed. I will also wear a mask until restrictions are lifted. I will also properly clean my equipment after each session as an extra precaution.

In the spirit of social distancing, I will avoid any personal contact with my clients during the session in favor of verbal direction. This includes, hand-shaking, hugging with children & parents, moving/touching hair or clothes, etc. Though it will be a learning curve for us all, I will try my best to direct you from a safe distance! (And boy will I miss greeting you with a hug and playing with your kiddos!!)

What is your sick policy?
In light of the current pandemic, I ask for 100% honesty & transparency. I will be offering that same honesty and respect with you! With that in mind, there will be a strict no-sick policy. Clients are required to disclose and reschedule the session if any member of their immediate family is sick or shown any symptoms such as fever, in the last two weeks. Checking your temperature before you leave home is also encouraged as an extra layer of protection and courtesy.

This also includes honesty about exposure to anyone with COVID-19. If you & your family have traveled or had a hospital visit/stay as well, I simply ask that the session be scheduled for two weeks after those events due to heightened possible exposure.

With that, please don’t worry about having to reschedule – I will take care of you! Please contact me asap and we will reschedule your session without a fee. All session fees will be nonrefundable but they will be transferrable to protect your family and mine.

Will you be offering “Porch-traits” or front porch sessions?
I have not been offering these up until now for safety reasons, but I’ve been using front porches as a fun part of sessions for a while now!! But, I have a fun little announcement coming next week… Want to be the first to know? You can sign up here!

What about other portrait sessions?
All of these same things apply to other sessions (headshots, engagement sessions), but if you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

I am SO excited to see you all again and start documenting this season you’re in! If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Warmly,
Amy

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Amy Nicole Photography has been documenting stories of life and love for over 10 years. Amy is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer based in Charlottesville, VA. She strives to create timeless, genuine and effortless photos for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.

I’d love to create photographs for your family that feel genuinely you. 

You can learn more or contact me here!