You can see my home studio and hear me talking about a lot of my safety measures here
In my previous career, I managed large scale outdoor events for over 15 years and was constantly managing risks and I believe this helps me be a better and safer newborn photographer today. It’s important to highlight that Coronavirus is one of many risks I manage as a newborn photographer, my risk assessment has lots of risks that have been identified, but what is important is what we can do to minimise them, and after we have put measures in place to do this, how high is the risk.
Before you looking at ways to manage any risk, it’s important to understand what the risk is and how it can impact the activity you are undertaking. We all know that there is a lot of information, lots of it unclear, conflicting or changing that relates to Coronavirus. This means I have had to really think about what information is important to me and my clients and ensure I am using credible news sources to monitor the situation.
What we do know is that Coronavirus is a low risk to under 9’s, which means during a newborn session it is the adults who are the most risk to each other. Having said that, your newborn is still vulnerable and it’s crucial safety measures are taken to protect them from germs and viruses, including Coronavirus.
Each day I check the BBC website and look at the 7 boroughs that surround my studio https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51768274. I keep a spreadsheet of the daily confirmed cases so I can see the complete picture not just since the start of the pandemic, but day by day, and I’m able to compare this to previous weeks or months. Recently it was revealed the data that was being published didn’t include “community” cases, which means anyone who tested positive outside of a hospital, this was very frustrating to here, however I am relieved this has now been rectified and the numbers are correct. According to data, there needs to be closer monitor and concern when the local cases are over 45 per 100k of the population. In Tower Hamlets in the last week (4-12 July) there were 10 per 100k population, if this number starts going over 45 then I will be raising with future bookings that there could be a local lockdown and we might need to delay the session.
Precautions I have introduced during my sessions include:
Parents must postpone the session for any of the following reason:
– You have displayed any of the Coronavirus symptoms (new persistent cough, high temperature, loss of taste and smell, aches, tight chest) in the past 7 days
– You believe you have come into contact with anyone who has then become symptomatic within 14 days of the session
– Adults attending session to take their temperature in the morning of the session and postpone if either has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher
The following regulations will need be adhered to during your session:
– Only 2 adults to attend session
– Car seats, shoes, prams and coats to be left at the door of the studio
– When entering the studio adults will wash their hands and sanitise often
– Adults to wear a face covering at all times apart from during photos
– Adults to stay 2 meters away from the photographer during the session, with the exceptions of passing the baby and taking photos.
– If you become symptomatic, or become aware of being in contact with anyone who has become symptomatic within 7 days of the session you must notify Elizabeth May Photography to they can suspend sessions until it is safe.
Elizabeth May Photography will be taking the following precautions:
– All hard surfaces in the studio will be cleaned with cleaner containing bleach before and after session
– All soft furnishings will be covered with fabric coverings that will be washed before and after each session
– All fabrics used with the baby will be washed before and after every session
– Any props or fabrics that can’t be washed will be sanitised and rotated so that they are safe to use, this may mean your colour preferences are not available, however EM Photography will endeavour to minimise this impact
– The photographer will wear a mask for the session, wash hands and sanitise before and during the session
– If the photographer has come into contact with anyone who is symptomatic, or starts to display symptoms then you will be notified and your session will be postponed.
Once all of the above are implemented, the risk to everyone in the session is minimal.
Please do let me know if you have any questions.
