I’d like to welcome back all my existing clients and say hello to anyone who hasn’t worked with me before.
Like many people I haven’t been open for work for many months now but have finally got everything in place so I can welcome clients back into my studio in a COVID safe and compliant manner
I have taken the necessary steps as directed by both my Photographic governing body and also the UK government to ensure we can again enjoy our shoots in a comfortable and safe environment
Below I have laid out what steps I have taken to ensure a safe re-opening, I also detail what will be expected of my clients to ensure we are all following the new rules and protocols
Please take time to read the information below and if you have any questions then feel free to contact me so I can address any issues or concerns
1. Studio cleaning policy
Before and after every studio session the studio is deep cleaned by using appropriate disinfectant and/or steam cleaned.
All surfaces that could be touched and all props used are sanitised.
All blankets and outfits used are washed between portrait sessions.
The studio will be aired thoroughly to minimise any droplets in the air and ventilated during the session
2. Time between sessions
At least 24 hours will be left between sessions to enable a deep clean of all surfaces and accessories to take place and to ensure there is no contact between customers arriving and leaving the premises.
Each session will be kept as short as possible, minimising contact between client and photographer as much as possible. However, his will not impact the quality or quantity of images produced
3. Sick policy
Clients will be required to disclose if anyone coming to the session has had a fever or any other symptoms such as coughs, sickness or vomiting or has been in contact with anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms, suspected of having Covid-19 or has had a Covid-19 positive test result at least 24 hours before their session. In these instances the appointments will be re-arranged, at no cost.
If for any reason you feel uncomfortable about going ahead with the session you may delay your booking for any other age-appropriate session (in the case of a planned maternity or newborn shoot) you choose at any time over the next 12 months.
4. Self monitoring
Any persons to be involved in the shoot will be required to monitor their temperatures and health before coming into the studio. Disposable gloves and masks will be available in the studio and these should be used as deemed necessary and appropriate.
5. Hand washing
As the photographer I am required to thoroughly wash my hands for a minimum of 20 seconds before all sessions. In addition appropriate sanitising hand gels will be made available and customers are requested to use these upon arrival at the studio.
6. Social distancing
During the session every effort will be made to keep the 2m social distancing advice at all times, both in the studio and on location. This includes shaking hands and moving / adjusting hair or clothes. Parents may be asked to help move their children and babies as requested by the photographer. During the portrait session instructions to the clients will be given from the distance stipulated by and in accordance with the social distancing rules.
Due to the restrictions imposed by social distancing, it may not be appropriate/possible to offer usual studio sessions and poses, particularly with regard to newborn and maternity sessions. To carry out these types of sessions where social distancing may not be possible due to safety, a bespoke policy can be put in place between parties (see point 7).
All sessions will operate on an appointment only booking system to ensure no contact between customers and minimise risk to photographers.
7. COVID-19 Customer Safety & Welfare Policy
Every studio will be able to, upon request, put in place a bespoke Health & Safety plan to meet the specific requirements of a portrait session / customer (reference to point 6)
8. Continuing updates
As an Industry member I am committed to checking for continuing safety updates and make adjustments in accordance with any new regulations.
9. COVID-19 Secure in 2020
All studios will be required to sign and display the completed “Covid-19 Secure in 2020” notice
*This has been done and the sign is displayed inside my studio
10. Risk Assessment
All studios are required to establish a written Covid-19 Risk Assessment with regard to distancing and reasonable measures guidance
*This has been done for my business and is available on request
11. Reasonable Measures
All studios are to advise customers of the reasonable measures which are to be taken if their risk assessment has identified that the 2m distance is not feasible and cannot be maintained during their time at the Studio. These measures should include, but are not limited to, gloves and masks to be worn by staff and customers.
12. Working Safely During Coronavirus Guidance
All studios acknowledge the Government’s “Working safely during coronavirus Guidance” statement relating to shops and or similar environments issued on 25th May 2020 which states that Photography Studios can be open from the 15th June 2020.
13. Covid -19 Tracing
England – Test & Trace
The Studio should be participating in the relevant Covid 19 tracing system. The Studio will;
(a) ask at least one member of every party of customers or visitors (up to 6 people) to provide their name and contact details,
(b) keep these records of customers, visitors and staff for a minimum of 21 days and provide data to NHS Test and Trace if requested, in accordance with their privacy policy
OR
(c) display an official NHS QR code poster so that customers and visitors can ‘check in’ using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details
*the QR code poster is present in the studio should clients choose this option
14. Local Lockdowns
The Studio will adhere to instructions given by HM Government, the devolved Parliaments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Local Authority appertaining to your business in regard to any local lockdown regulations issued and these local lockdown regulations will supersede previous Covid-19 Regulations where applicable. The Photographer commits to checking for continuing updates and making adjustments in relation to local lockdown regulations.
15. Rule of 6
The Studio will adhere to instructions given by HM Government, the devolved Parliaments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Local Authority appertaining to your business in regard to any local lockdown regulations issued and these local lockdown regulations will supersede previous Covid-19 Regulations where applicable. The Photographer commits to checking for continuing updates and making adjustments in relation to local lockdown regulations.
Only parents will be allowed into the studio during the session. If clients wish to include siblings, this can be timed for either the beginning or the end of the session and they will attend for the shortest possible time. This will ensure adherence to the ‘Rule of 6’ as well as enabling compliance with social distancing requirements
17. Face Coverings
I will be wearing a surgical mask for all sessions.
Customers (over the age of 11) attending the Studio will also be required to wear face coverings (unless exempt on medical grounds).
However, to facilitate the taking of photographs, customers will be able to remove their face coverings temporarily, only at my direction and provided the 2m social distancing is in place
The face covering should be replaced immediately after the photograph has been taken.
I will provide masks (if you would like to use them) and as previously mentioned, hand washing facilities and alcohol gel will be available