Please click here to take the BC Covid Self Check online before you come to the studio.

Since reopening my studio in June I have implemented some new safety measures to help protect my clients and my family from illness.

My photography studio is in my home so it has always been a high priority minimize the chance of germs being brought into my home as well as to minimize the chance that our family’s germs will be passed on to clients. On top of that, my primary photography focus is on tiny babies who are vulnerable to illness and who need extra precautions to stay safe. There are many things I already did with each session and a few new measures I have put in place to add layers of protection. Here are the ways I am working to keep my studio environment as safe as possible.

Up to date Vaccinations

One thing I do to keep myself healthy and protect my clients is to keep up to date with my vaccinations. I am fully vaccinated with three doses of Phizer. I have my seasonal flu shot, pertussis vaccine and all other recommended vaccines.

Healthy space

The first way I keep my studio safe is by ensuring I never work when I have any illness. I also check in with clients to ensure they are healthy and able to come into the studio environment. If you have any signs of illness in your family, no matter how minor, I ask that you cancel or reschedule your session. Before your session you will sign a contract that explains the symptoms of Covid 19 and requires you to declare you understand the symptoms and are symptom free. Before your session please take a moment to visit the BC COVID-19 Self-Check and answer these questions with your whole household in mind. Also please note that although schools and daycares have removed the runny nose from their list of symptoms, work safe BC recommends that you do not enter a business with a runny nose. This means that even if your child has been attending school or daycare with a cold they are not permitted to come into the studio. Consider the newborns who come and remember that even a minor cold can be a severe illness to a premature baby just released from the NICU.

List of symptoms from the CDC and Worksafe BC.

Disinfecting Surfaces

I have always been a stickler for keeping hard surfaces disinfected and always clean before each session. The common surfaces that I clean are: counters, table tops, door knobs, light switches, props, camera equipment, bathrooms and floors. After disinfecting I use Microban surface cleaner which provides 24 hour protection. After each session I clean all the surfaces again. For soft surfaces that can not go through the washer I use disinfecting spray after each session and remove them from circulation for a minimum of one week. Canada.ca has more information on how to clean and disinfect.

Air Circulation

I will be using a Honeywell HPA160C True HEPA Air Purifier that helps to filter out allergens, dust and up to 99% of viruses, bacteria and spores. During portrait sessions I keep windows open and a fan blowing to maximize air circulation in the room (except for newborn sessions which need to be warm for baby.) After each session I open all the studio windows and blast the fans on full to clean and refresh the air in between clients.

Hand Cleanliness

Immediately before each session I put on fresh clothes and thoroughly clean my hands. I also have disposable gowns available to use during your session if you wish. Before I start the session I always use hand sanitizer and continue to use sanitizer through my session to maintain cleanliness. I have hand sanitizer at the front door, and in the studio. I ask all clients to use hand sanitizer before they enter the house and throughout their session. It’s also a great idea to sanitize your hands again when you leave.

Mask Use

It is no longer mandatory to wear a mask and client mask use is optional. Even though mask use is not mandatory I will continue to wear one and will require my assistant and makeup artist to wear one as well. For current scientific information about masks visit the Canada.ca site. For how to wear a mask visit Worksafe BC. In addition to the face masks I have face shields that I can use during part of your session.

Mini Sessions

During mini sessions sufficient time is given for me to clean all the surfaces between bookings. Clients are asked to wait in their car for their scheduled time slot and text me when they arrive. This way only one family is in the studio at a time. Mini sessions are limited to immediate family members only, this reduces the number of people in the room. For more information on how to prepare your children for a mini session please visit this post.

If you have any questions please contact me at lang_elizabeth@hotmail.com