COVID & PORTRAIT SESSIONS
Sessions are 100% still happening and we are so excited to see our couple and families! At this time, for the safety of our clients, myself and the team will continue to host portrait sessions outdoors. As long as the planned locations do not have public mask requirements, sessions may take place. If a location mandates a public mask requirement, I will kindly ask you to select a 2nd location of choice so we can keep our scheduled date and time.
Availability: Session availability may be limited, please enquire as early as possible to secure a date on our calendar.
Locations: For now, sessions continue to take place outdoors only. Outdoor locations will be limited to places that are open and where we can adequately distance from each other as needed as well as from the general public. So if you’re thinking a downtown sessions, let plan for early morning or maybe opt for something a little more remote. I understand that everyone’s comfort levels are different – If you have any concerns that you want to bring to my attention please do so prior to your session.
Social Distancing: Please let me know your comfort levels ahead of time. Generally speaking I am secluded from the public on a day to day basis. However, my shooting style is a bit more intimate so please let me know if you prefer to remain cautions and I will make sure to keep a minimum of 6′ (ideally more!) distance during sessions.
Health Checks: Please be courteous of everyone’s health. If anyone in your household is feeling sick or has a fever 14 days prior to your session, we will need to reschedule. Reschedule fees will be waived. Before you leave home, be sure to check temperatures of everyone coming to your session—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution. Likewise, if I become sick or exposed to Covid-19, I will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule.
COVID & WEDDINGS
Will you still photograph our wedding?
If your wedding is legally allowed to take place, yes I will be there!
Photography Impacts: I will need to follow any state and local guidance as well as venue policy. If I am mandated to maintain a distance from guests during certain parts of the event it could impact how/where I am able to photograph. Something to consider, an extra wide aisle, extra space between dinner tables, a larger more open dance floor (maybe even move dancing outside under a tent or an open sky with twinkle lights) etc. If you have any questions let’s discuss your ceremony and reception plans.
Face Masks: If mandated by the state and venue, I will wear a mask during weddings as will my team. Currently in Maryland, this is a requirement for all indoor events and outdoors when social distancing is not possible. If portraits are happening outdoors, I will likely remove my mask while maintaining distance to ensure everyone can hear and read lips as needed for a smoother time in front of the camera.
Hire a Planner: I HIGHLY recommend hiring a wedding planner/coordinator if you haven’t already. They can help you plan a legal and safe event and take a lot of the logistics and stress off your plate. They also have creative ideas for weddings during this weird time. Please reach out directly for a list of planner we love working with!
Waiver: Most clients will receive an addendum to their contract with a Covid-19 Liability Waiver. This protects both of us from liability if we have unknowingly contracted COVID.
Staying Healthy: If I were to start exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 or have to self-quarantine and your event is within 14 days I will have an associate photographer work at your event in my place. All other post wedding communication and work will still be competed by me.
Turnaround Times: 2021 wedding turnaround times should remain the same. However, there is a chance there may be slightly delayed due to the higher volume of wedding in a consolidated timeframe. If at any time it appears a delay may occur, I will inform all client as soon as possible before your contracted deadlines.
RESCHEDULES OR CANCELLATIONS
Please know that we are working with all of our couples who opt to reschedule their wedding date. This is a very personal choice and we know it’s a difficult one to make. Please refer to your contract for more detailed information regarding reschedules and cancellations. Below is a brief outline for easy review.
Reschedules: At this time, wedding are legally allowed to take place in the DMV area. If you are not legally allowed by state of federal government to have a wedding, rescheduling fees will be waived. Your retainer will be applied to your new wedding date. If you choose to reschedule because of personal preference (guest count, mask mandate, etc) a $1,000 rescheduling fee will be applied to your contract. Rescheduling fees will be waived for events rescheduled with in the same calendar year or if you choose to reschedule to a weekday (Monday-Thursday), Sunday (non holiday weekend) or a non-peak month (Dec, Jan, Feb, or Mar).
Cancelations: If you choose to cancel your wedding instead of rescheduling, your non-refundable retainer and the cost of any services already rendered i.e. engagement session, non refundable travel fees etc. are non refundable as outline in your contract. Clients may opt for the remaining balance to be used as a credit for services for up to 24 months from the date of cancelation.
Associate Photographer: If you need to postpone your wedding because of Covid-19 to a new wedding date that I am not available for, one of my amazing team members will be able to photograph your wedding day. If this happens, I would continue to handle all pre and post wedding correspondence, and I will also handle the editing and image/album delivery. We will continue to work together as normal.
