We’ve now experienced almost a full year of what has become the new normal. I’d say at this point we need to tweak, amend and reset our reality to adjust to the times. Making 2021 the year of possibility, abundance and success is a choice, and I believe that the only way to do that is to continue putting one foot in front of the other and allow your business to adapt to the world around you.
As a lifestyle photographer I often find myself in the homes of my clients. I fade into the background like a fly on the wall, doing my best to capture their everyday poignant moments. It goes without saying that this becomes a bit more challenging, confusing and downright unappealing when the fear of COVID is ever present.
However, making your clients comfortable and keeping your business afloat is a job only you can do. And let’s face it, never has it been so important to capture everyday beauty in the very place that has become our everything — our homes. Here are some tips on how to continue to succeed with in-home newborn sessions during COVID.
How this family prepared for their newborn photo session during COVID.
The photos here were taken for two dads who couldn’t have been more excited for the arrival of their baby girl. Being first-time parents, they wanted nothing more than for their families to meet their precious newborn. And, of course, they wanted beautiful images to capture the moment. But as with many people navigating the pandemic, they struggled with the decision to have their family (and me) in their home with a newborn.
After much consideration and some very strict guidelines, they decided to move forward with the photo session, and it was worth every second of cautious planning.
To be safe, the loving extended family flew in from California and quarantined for 10 full days prior to the shoot. They got tested for COVID before getting on the plane and then again once they arrived. I also got COVID tested and then quarantined until the photo session.
Upon arrival at the clients’ home, we all sanitized, used booties for our shoes, and carefully masked up.
I was able to capture every delicious moment of the family entering and seeing the baby for the first time. They cooed and smiled (or more like smized) at the baby from a safe distance.
Not allowing your mother or sister to hold your child the firs time they meet is strange, but everyone was proud and thrilled just to be there and to witness this new family unit. The moment was joyous, overwhelming and monumental — definitely worth capturing in photos.
1. Communicating with your client is key.
Much like a virtual session, safe indoor photo sessions during COVID require you to be dependent on your client’s ability to listen and execute your vision. Before the photo session, discuss with the parents how normally you would swaddle, move, hold, position and calm the baby, but how in this environment they will need to be in the driver’s seat.
This being said, you will need to be the one directing the session, even though you may not be touching the baby. Make sure to speak up and ask the parents to move the baby slightly to the left if the light is better, or to change the way the swaddle is positioned if it looks weird. It is easy to get passive in this situation when you are trying to please everyone, but trust me, when they see the images they aren’t going to think about what a pain in the neck perfectionist you were in the moment. They’ll be swooning over their gorgeous photos!
2. Have your client’s provide their own props.
Gone are the days where a photographer could walk in with a bag of blankets, pillows, heating pads and other items for in-home newborn sessions. During a pandemic, it’s safer to have your client’s provide their own props and swaddles. Prior to your session, discuss the items you’ll need for the session and ask the client to get them, wash them and be responsible for them.
I always suggest white sheets on the bed, an assortment of swaddle blankets (I recommend Aden and Anais), and any blankets or gifts from family members that they might like to have photographed with the baby.
Swaddle lessons.
Newborn photographers are swaddle experts. But many new parents have no clue how to swaddle well. Offer some links to YouTube tutorials on how to swaddle using different materials. Here is a great example from the Little Dreamer Studio.
3. Consider a new point of view.
Instead of viewing physical distancing as a limitation, use it as an opportunity to try out a new perspective. Renting lenses has never been easier, and this is a great way to try out a new point of view. A zoom lens allows for you to get close without getting physically close. Or, you could take the “fly on the wall” concept to a new level by shooting from afar with a wide angle lens. I recommend testing the lenses at home and taking some test shots prior to the shoot.
It is so much fun to try a new perspective, and who knows you may stumble upon an entire new method for yourself.
3. Get a COVID test.
It is easier than ever to get COVID-19 tests. Most cities have facilities offering drive through testing, 24-hour testing and many other cost-effective and quick solutions. A negative result will offer reassurance to both you and your clients.
4. Wear a mask.
Making everyone comfortable is a must. And, although it is challenging to command the stage with only your eyes and a muffled voice, it is possible, so just do it.
KN95 masks are far easier to find these days, and they offer just enough distance from your mouth to allow you to speak more easily than a cotton facial covering, which tends to lay flat on your mouth.
5. Wash your hands.
This is a pretty obvious one! I tell my kids to sing Happy Birthday twice while scrubbing to get the job done. This works for adults too. Don’t cut corners here.
Pocket hand sanitizers another great tool; I even found this one that looks like a pen and hangs on my belt buckle.
6. Wear booties.
If you are shooting indoors, use booties over your shoes so that you aren’t adding additional germs to the client’s home. If nothing else, wearing those silly things will most definitely make kids laugh and allow for you to do your best impression of an alien from outer space or a blue-shoed monster!
7. Don’t forget to smile.
Most importantly, just have fun with it. We are all learning to smile with our eyes and our voices now that our faces are covered. As sad as this new reality may seem at times, you are celebrating a special moment in your client’s family history and making history yourself by being a part of these unprecedented times. If things don’t go exactly as planned, just roll with it. Stay relaxed and in the moment so your newborn sessions are a joyous and fun experience, even during a pandemic!
I recall so clearly the disappointment and alarm at the onset of pandemic when all of the weddings and events I was scheduled to shoot were suddenly canceled. But today, I am grateful for the ways that my business has evolved during these trying times and complied with best practices recommendations for safe newborn sessions during COVID. I will continue with my thriving business here in South Florida, using a COVID-safe plan that allows me to work with families both indoors and out.
Photos by Audrey Blake
Read Audrey’s article on virtual session in the Winter 2021 issue of Click Magazine and find out how she does COVID-safe photo sessions over FaceTime. Yep! And, it’s not what you think. You gotta see the photos to believe how well this actually works!
Great tips, thank you. I just ordered the hand sanitizer pens! 🙂
Gorgeous photos! And that dog! Great tips, too, thanks.