Ok people this is crazy. We are experiencing something we have never experienced before!! During this stressful time for you (and your clients…and every other small business owner and person). I wanted to dedicate this week’s tip to how to make the most of the quarantine.

First and foremost, we want to keep ourselves and our clients safe while being responsible neighbors and helping stem the spread of this thing! (You know how everyone scrambled for TP and now no one can get what they need? That’s pretty much what we are aiming to prevent happening to our medical facilities by social distancing. We will all likely be exposed to it, we just don’t want everyone to get sick at the same time and overwhelm our resources).

SO.

SCHEDULING:

• I recommend clearing your schedule for the next 14 days and asking your clients to do the same. If you quarantine for the incubation period, and so do they, and you both make it the full amount of time without any symptoms, you are likely safe to socialize with each other since you likely are both un-infected and will be at less of a risk of spreading it to each other.

Make sure you are explicitly clear with your clients that if they have any symptoms at all, or have been socializing with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19, that they will need to reschedule.

When you do choose to shoot, make sure you practice allll the good healthy habits you are hopefully already employing. (i.e. start your day with some vitamin C, Drink water, get sleep; WASH. YOUR. HANDS. after you touch ANYTHING!! Your doorknobs, your camera, your steering wheel, etc.).

Avoid touching as much as possible. I know we love our clients, and we want to hug them but lets just smile and wave boys, smile and wave….

This may make posing a bit more difficult as well, I’m definitely a hair fixer, arm mover, hands on photographer—So I will be trying me best to speak directions and let them fix each others hair, clothes, etc.

**Obviously for Wedding Days, this will have to be a personal choice for you and your clients. Many brides are tragically canceling their weddings. It’s between you and your Clients to asses how to handle those situations, though I would put a plug in to be extra accommodating if possible with cancelation fees and policies.

While shooting weddings, try to keep your distance, wash your hands every 30-60 minutes, don’t let anyone touch your equipment or hug you, and try not to touch your face!

QUARANTINE TO-DO LIST:

While you are at home doing your part to stay in and slow the spread, there is a lot you can do to still be productive and grow your business!

• Get Caught Up on Editing

  • This is pure gold, aren’t we all somehow struggling constantly to stay on top of our editing? Here is your chance to take a two week shooting break, and do all. the. editing.

• Update Your Website/Blog

  • Websites often get neglected by small business owners (and they really shouldn’t— this is essentially your store front, this is what customers are seeing and assessing you from)! It takes so much time, I know. So here you have it, the gift of time!!

  • I bet you have a bunch of sessions in your archives you’ve meant to blog but never did, you’re home all day with wifi, get those photos uploaded!

• Keep in touch with your clients

  • Your clients need your support, and communication now more than ever! Help them navigate this added stress while they are trying to plan their wedding!

  • Get ahead of the curve by trying to anticipate what issues will come up with scheduling, canceling, etc. and communicate how you would like to proced with your clients—or at least figure out how you would like to handle things so you are prepared when the emails and phone calls come in.

• Educate yourself

  • Watch youtube videos, read blogs, buy courses, do skype/face-time mentor sessions, take this time to improve yourself and your business!

• Take Some Self Portraits

  • Find some good light in your house and get creative with yourself (or anyone else stuck inside with you)

• Make a Marketing Plan

  • Plan out your posts on insta

  • Organize your social media

  • get pinning on pinterest

  • Plan giveaways or other promotions

• Support other Small Businesses

  • If you have to go out, pick up food from a small business doing no contact orders, leave a good tip for your door dasher, order some easter surprises or birthday gifts online, buy a giftcard to somewhere you know you’ll use or could gift to someone. Book some studio time for self portraits, or to be used at a later date— above all, be kind and thoughtful and know that a lot of small business are truly struggling at this time, I know several industry people who don’t know how they’re going to cover their expenses with so many people canceling their bookings and no new bookings coming in!! Keep your germs to yourself but try to be generous and thoughtful, and patient, and understanding as we all get through this together!

AL IN ALL WE ARE GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS BUT WE HAVE TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS AND GOOD COLLEAGUES!