2021 COVID-19 Update for Sarah Borchgrevink Photography’s Houston Newborn Portrait Studio
UPDATE: As of April 19th, 2021, we are vaccinated against the COVID-19 Virus.
We are keeping our studio and office workplace safe.
Today's blog post is about tips and tricks for creating a safe, healthy, and responsible work environment when photographing young infants, expecting mothers, and grandparents. At Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, we're a husband and wife team! Together, we work cohesively to create a luxury experience for Houston area parents. Part of the experience is ensuring safety at all times. It is best to act with caution, perceive risks, and maintain a scheduled set of habits, resulting in a safe workplace for all visitors. We are committed to work arrangements and schedules designed to protect everyone.
As we pass the first anniversary for social distancing, quarantine, and all the terms such as "CDC Guidelines," we are very grateful for the parents who entrust us to document milestones in your life.
The following are standards and expectations we uphold throughout the year, no matter the season. We share these to create transparency, though also educating our clients on the lengths we go to exceed safety and sanitary expectations.
Please note, as of March 2020, masks and gloves are required for all photoshoots. Moreover, on March 10th, 2021, our Governor (Greg Abbott) removes the mandatory mask. However, our studio requires macts. We will not be removing our masks or gloves. We plan to be vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to us, based on our age and health status.
Sarah Borchgrevink Photography COVID-19 Update
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE BUILDING
The Building bars from entry any individual with COVID-19 symptoms or who has been exposed to someone with the virus.
Individuals are required to practice social distancing wherever feasible. This includes the building lobby, elevators, corridors, deli, and restrooms.
Face masks are required when entering the building and in all common areas (building lobby, elevators, corridors, deli, and restrooms). Face masks are not a substitute for proper social distancing.
Daily Commercial Grade Cleaning Service
Our studio and office are located within a commercial office space at 4550 Post Oak Place Drive. Part of our lease includes a regular commercial-grade cleaning service that visits each evening. We also have a service visit between sessions such as cake smashes, family photoshoots, and newborn appointments. Our daily cleaning service includes vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, emptying trash, wiping all surfaces, dusting, and cleaning our doorknobs, handles, changing tables, and even the furniture. The professional cleaning service will even visit between our sessions if requested.
With COVID-19, however, the cleaning crew is implementing CDC guidelines.
Razor Antimicrobial Cleaning | CDC GUIDELINES 2020
The building includes RAZOR Micro-Biostatic Surface Protection in all areas such as doors, handles, elevators, restrooms, common areas, light switches, keyboards, desks, changing tables, and more. The RAZOR chemical adheres to the surface and provides a protective shield against germs. The RAZOR technology is a fog-applied antimicrobial coating for porous and non-porous surfaces.
RAZORTM IS A PATENTED, EPA REGISTERED, INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCT. • THE RAZORTM TECHNOLOGY IS A FOG-APPLIED ANTIMICROBIAL COATING FOR POROUS AND NON- POROUS SURFACES. • RAZORTM ANTIMICROBIAL COATING GIVES SUBSTRATES AN ADDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION AGAINST DAMAGING MICROBES SUCH AS BACTERIA, MOLD, AND MILDEW.
Separate Newborn Photoshoot Room
Our studio is 1,300 square feet. Part of a spacious studio keeps our newborn clients separate from the other parts of our studio, such as the lifestyle maternity, family, or baby milestone rooms. Our newborn room is for new arrivals only and is only used for brand new babies.
Sanitizing Props and Wardrobe
Every single prop is sanitized between use. This means that any item that is touched or worn during a photoshoot is cleaned appropriately. Our motherhood gowns, for example, visit the dry cleaners after each use. Our newborn wraps, backdrops, and other textiles are washed in Dreft between sessions, too. We never use the same prop two times in one day. All buckets, bowls, baskets, and other floor props are wiped down between soap and water. Our more delicate pieces, such as bonnets, are hand-washed along with flokati rugs.
Photoshoots are by Appointment Only
To protect our clients and keep traffic to a minimum, we photograph sessions by appointment only. This safeguard allows us to have fewer visitors and ensures that each prop has time to be cleaned before use. We set up a day in advance; after the session, the accessories are immediately prepared for cleaning. Appointment only is a great way to reduce germs by not accepting too many people at one time. This also allows our cleaning service to be used as needed without any surprises.
Fully Vaccinated and Insured
Aside from being the mommy to four young children, I have taken multiple newborn safety workshops in addition to professional mentoring. These courses train photographers on how to safely and beautifully pose precious babies. Workshop topics also cover editing, lighting, soothing, flow, strategies, and creative methods to provide breathtaking setups and styling. A reputable baby photographer has invested thousands of hours into honing their craft. Moreover, to provide a further network of newborn safety, the studio is fully vaccinated and runs an entirely legal, tax-paying insured business.
Breaks Between Appointments
Our online scheduling calendar is set where a break is scheduled between sessions to reduce traffic in the studio. A break allows Kevin and me to tidy up and sanitize anything needed. The cleaning service also visits during this time, too.
Ask to see sample products for professional prints and heirloom pieces.
As of 2020, all of our heirloom albums, prints, and other professional product samples are kept on a separate shelf and are wiped down between use. While you’re always welcome to browse the beautiful options available for purchase, the heirloom and archival products are stored on a shelf to prevent the spreading of germs.
No Shoes or Strollers in the Shooting Rooms
Studio policy states that shoes and strollers are allowed in the lobby only and not in the areas in which young infants are photographed. We ask you; please remove your shoes upon arriving. Feel free to wear a comfy pair of socks. Strollers are left in the mothers’ room or our studio playroom and lobby.
Handwashing and Disinfectant
Studio policy requests parents to wash their hands upon arriving. Kevin and I do so, too. We also have hand sanitizer in each room of our studio and welcome you to use it as much as you would like.
Masks and gloves are now required as of May 2020.
Sick Child Rescheduling Policy
Studio policy states we reschedule your session, without penalty, to another available date if you or a member of your family is ill. We are very flexible and understand illnesses happen last minute. We appreciate your time, though we also respect your well-being and look forward to seeing you on a day when everyone feels their best. It's best that little ones who feel unwell stay home. We can always add your session to a later date, and it's best to act with caution and perceive risk than risk the health of other infants, parents, or loved ones.
As always, we welcome any questions or concerns! We hope to see you soon and have a wonderful session!
Warmly,
Sarah and Kevin
