Getting the studio ready after the COVID-19 shutdown
After ten weeks - TEN WEEKS! - of being closed for the Coronavirus Shutdown, I am now able to open for business again.
Now, before you start to worry, take a moment to think about what it is that I do - I photograph people BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. And mostly one at a time. So it’s a good bet that I shouldn’t expect a line out my door. Literally speaking, that is. Metaphorically - YES! I’d LOVE a line out my door! Bring on the masses of people who want new photos, please.
As I was about to say, for you, I want to be totally sure I’m opening up safely and that you are as comfortable with the process as you’ve ever been.
To get there, Monday, I spent a majority of my day at the studio cleaning. I cleaned the floors, I wiped down every surface, every chair, every prop. I wiped down tables and door handles and windows. I wiped down my equipment. I cleaned the bathroom.
It’s so clean in there, you could eat off the floor. I mean, I wouldn’t, but you could. (First, sign this waver…)
Next, I invited over my friend Jennifer Rundell, owner of Rundell Re-Design. As with most businesses, she has had to make a bit of a sharp turn to innovate. Jennifer is now consulting businesses who are prepping to safely re-open.
We walked through the studio and did some “social distancing”. This is a sample of how Jennifer works with her clients - and it’s also a demonstration of what we did to make my studio client-ready.
Follow along as we take a socially safe spin around the studio… with Jennifer’s awesome GIANT RULER. That, my friends, is 6 feet.
Welcome to the studio! We can talk 6’ apart. (Yes, those are my shoes. Apparently I am a 5 year old.)
Upon arrival to the studio, you will be given your very own mini bottle of Stories Framed Photography hand sanitizer! Imagine that, I’m showering you with gifts the minute you walk in!
These chairs by the front door were too close! We spaced them out just enough and now we can sit and chat 6’ apart.
This is what it would look like to talk to Jennifer, blue chair to blue chair.
Next on the tour, we stopped at the wooden conference table near the entrance. We found there are several ways we can sit, safely spaced.
NOT SIX FEET. Sitting directly across from one another is not even five feet apart, FYI.
Sitting at the table on a diagonal should be comfortably distant.
Sitting on the far ends of the table is plenty far. We can act like king and queen of the studio!
Moving along on our tour, back in the living room, we spaced out another set of chairs.
Jennifer hard at work. She kept giggling about taking pictures of a photography studio.
Not only could two people TECHNICALLY sit on this couch and still be six feet apart, we also cleared the couch of all the pillows and blankets. Less is more right now, isn’t that right?
In the bathroom, I have some nice, terrycloth hand towels. I promise they were washed constantly. But now, for your safety and cleanliness, I’ve put the towels away and set out a roll of paper towels. Not very cute, but they get the job done.
The final stop on the tour is by far the most important - it’s where all the magic happens!
A few things may change when it comes to sessions. I’ve ALWAYS asked before fixing hair, a collar or a wrinkle. I would never put my hands out toward anyone without asking. However, now, with your safety in mind, I will resort to requesting that you fix it for yourself.
When I’m photographing kids and seniors, I normally let the parents sit back and relax. I even recommend bringing a book! However, at this time, I need to ask that you help me - just a little - by removing a smudge, pushing hair out of your child’s face or adjusting a strap. I appreciate your support, really, I do.
As far as “six feet apart”, I can easily photograph my clients from a distance. Six feet, when you’re talking photography, is really not that much space. I brought my wooden friend Sherman over to demonstrate. To be safe (because you never know about that Sherman, lol!) I stood well past the 6’ mark.
He’s always asking me if this is his good side.
Are you ready for your closeup? I am glad to say I can now (safely!) book your portrait sessions and headshot sessions. Click below to learn more and schedule your appointment.
