Weddings, Photoshoots and the Coronavirus - My Action Plan
UPDATED JAN 10, 2022
2022 is shaping up to be a weird year so far. My inbox is constantly pinging with COVID-19 updates, and it’s enough to make any sane person feel nervous.
As a small business owner and wedding photographer, a big part of me is constantly terrified about the coronavirus and its global impact. But I will always choose compassion over fear. Preparation over worry. Will my business suffer because of the virus? Probably. Will I still be okay? Yes, I will. And I want you to be okay too.
So, I’ve created a coronavirus action plan. And thrown in some tips and advice as well.
My goal is to be understanding, easy-to-work-with, and flexible during all this COVID-19 chaos. I operate my photography business with core values of honesty, transparency, and respect. Your health and wellbeing are my absolute TOP priority. I want to help ease your minds going forward, so you have one less thing to worry about at this time.
I am keeping up to date with all WHOand CDC recommendations and their travel advisories. I am also receiving local updates daily from The Oregonianto be aware of how the virus is impacting Portland and the greater Pacific Northwest. I am also keeping a close eye on my own health to make sure I don’t contract the virus or spread it.
Coronavirus FAQ for wedding clients
Postponing your wedding due to Coronavirus
Because we are 2 years into the pandemic and COVID-19 is something we are well aware of while planning, I have adjusted some of my policies as of 2022.
If you decide to postpone your wedding to a new date, your deposit will transfer over, as long as I’m not already booked on the new date. I will also charge you a small $250 rescheduling fee to cover my loss of income on that original date. Please reach out to me if you need to change dates so that I can accommodate you! I’m here to help.
If you move your wedding to a date I am not available, there are two options. You can cancel and lose your deposit, or I can have an associate photographer photograph the wedding in my place.
Here is what the exact clause in my contract states:
“If the Client reschedules their wedding to another date the Photographer has available, the Client shall incur a $250 rescheduling fee, and the retainer shall transfer to the new date. The Client must notify the Photographer in writing and sign a date-change addendum. Any rescheduling is strictly subject to the Photographer’s availability. If the Client reschedules their wedding to a date that the Photographer and their associates are not available, they forfeit their non-refundable retainer and shall sign a cancellation agreement.”
Canceling your wedding due to Coronavirus
Don’t want to postpone your wedding and need to flat-out cancel due to the virus? Here are two options:
-If you flat-out cancel it, your deposit is nonrefundable. -You can opt to downsize your collection or move the date! You can even elope! You can have an intimate elopement somewhere in nature, away from the virus and others. You can invite a smaller number of guests (or none!). I’ve photographed many elopements over the years, and I’m happy to help make suggestions, come up with locations, and guide you through creating a day that is still incredibly special.
What happens if I get sick before your wedding
If I feel sick (cough, fever, body aches) before your wedding, I will inform you as soon as possible, get tested, and ask how you would like to proceed. I vow to be honest with you about my own health so that you can make an educated decision about your event. Here are three options:
-If I test negative and you still want me to document the event, I will wash my hands frequently, wear a mask, use hand sanitizer hourly, and avoid physical contact with guests. We can discuss exactly what would make you feel the most comfortable. -If you want me to stay home, I will secure a talented associate replacement photographer to photograph the event in my place. I will still edit all your photos myself in my editing style. I will also give you a 10% discount off your total package to compensate for having a different photographer on the day of. -If you want to find another photographer by yourself, I will refund you in full, minus any engagement sessions or work already rendered. I can also help you find a replacement photographer if you need one.
What happens if I get quarantined before your wedding and cannot photograph it
If, for some reason I am quarantined (in the US or abroad), and unable to photograph your wedding, I will contact you immediately. I will give you two options: -I can secure an associate replacement photographer to photograph the event in my place. I will still edit all your photos myself in my editing style. I will also give you a 10% discount off your total package to compensate for having a different photographer on the day of. -OR, If you just want to work with another photographer, I will refund you in full, minus any engagement sessions or work already rendered. I can also help you find a replacement photographer if you need one.
What if I have traveled recently before your wedding?
I will be open and honest with you about my travel itinerary. If you are uncomfortable with my recent travel, let’s chat and work something out! Here are three options: -If you still want me to document the event, I will get tested, wash my hands frequently, wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, and avoid physical contact with guests. We can discuss exactly what would make you feel the most comfortable. -If you want me to stay home, I will secure a talented associate replacement photographer to photograph the event in my place. I will still edit all your photos myself in my editing style. I will also give you a 10% discount off your total package to compensate for having a different photographer on the day of. -If you want to find another photographer by yourself, I will refund you in full, minus any engagement sessions or work already rendered. I can also help you find a replacement photographer if you need one.
Coronavirus FAQ for portrait clients
Postponing your photoshoot due to Coronavirus
If you feel sick, get exposed to Covid, or test positive, please reach out and we can reschedule your photoshoot at no extra cost.
Canceling a photoshoot due to Coronavirus
If you want to flat-out cancel a photoshoot, your deposit is non-refundable.
What happens if YOU get sick before our photoshoot
If you are feeling unwell (cough, fever, body aches) before a photoshoot, please email me, and we can postpone it until you are healthier! Seriously, it’s not a problem at all. Even if you test negative for COVID, it’s still not worth the risk!
What happens if I get sick before our photoshoot
If I feel sick (cough, fever, body aches) before your photoshoot, I will get tested and inform you as soon as possible and ask how you would like to proceed. I vow to be honest with you about my own health so that you can make an educated decision. Here are two options: -If you’d like, we can postpone the photoshoot by several weeks. The deposit will transfer to the new date. -If you cannot postpone, we can cancel the photoshoot, and I will return the deposit in full.
What if I have traveled recently before your photoshoot?
I will be open and honest with you about my travel itinerary. If you are uncomfortable with my recent travel, let’s chat and work something out! Here are two options: -We can postpone our session by at least two weeks -If we cannot postpone, we can cancel the session, and I’ll refund you in full.
Resources
World Health Organization CDC Live Global Coronavirus News Updates - The Guardian Coronavirus Updates in Oregon - The Oregonian Coronavirus in Oregon - OHSU
Contact me
If you have any other questions, please reach out and ask! I am here to help.