Coronavirus has changed the way we think about most things in life—the way we greet each other, the way we conduct business, and even the way we think about hygiene standards. As a result, not to mention the fact that we are dealing with pregnant mums-to-be and newborns, we’ve had to rethink the way we operate our Gold Coast photography studio.
It’s incredibly special to be able to witness the love and connection of those first few weeks when the baby arrives. To see new mums and dads filled with pride and the awe of older siblings as they interact with their new brother or sister is such an honor. However, with the pandemic spikes, we were forced to adapt to a new way of life and find a way to capture that closeness while still having to socially distance ourselves.
Coronavirus has changed newborn photography. Gold Coast mums and their new bubs are the most important things, but photographers are creative people by nature, so we’ll always find a way to make a photo shoot work, in spite of a persistent virus. However, I work a little differently. If you ever experienced a photography shoot with me before coronavirus, you’ll notice a few things have changed.
- The location: Before COVID-19, I would often get invited into the homes of my clients to photograph their newborns, where they feel comfortable and most at home. As a result of the virus, I also need to think of the safety of myself and my family, so I set up a beautiful at-home studio located in Coomera, on the Gold Coast. It’s got lots of natural light and it is warm and inviting. I only allow one newborn photography session a day. After each session, my studio is cleaned and sanitised including any props that are used. Plenty of hand sanitiser is also available. Alternatively, we can organise an outdoor location (weather dependent). There are lots of picturesque photography locations on the Northern Gold Coast, capturing the first walk in a park rugged up in the cutest winter outfits.
- Vaccinations: Who would have ever dreamed that your vaccination status would be important? Rest assured, I am completely up to date with my vaccines, including whooping cough.
- Social distancing: As much as we’d love to hold and snuggle your beautiful baby when restrictions are in place we will be adhering to social distancing recommendations. This means no hugs, sorry. However, we can elbow pumps, foot tap, and bum bump! As parents, you will be asked to hold the baby, particularly if we are using props. Thanks to the wonderful world of editing software, we will use our creative tools to edit out stray arms, legs, and heads. You won’t even be able to tell the distance.
- Leave your entourage at home: Unfortunately, as much as we’d love to invite aunts, uncles, in-laws and next-door neighbors to experience the joy of watching newborn photography, Gold Coast is experiencing a coronavirus wave. This means please only bring those who will be part of the photoshoot.
- Cancellation of appointments: If you or one of your family members has symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, please let me know as soon as possible, so we can reschedule. As I can only accommodate a certain number of clients each month, cancellations impact my small photography business. I try my best to accommodate schedule changes, as I understand something life happens.
- Ordering prints: This is the fun part where you get to see your newborn photography session. A post-studio session where you pick out your prints can be organised if you would prefer. However, you can do this virtually and take your time to look through the photos.
If coronavirus was the reason you missed out on newborn photography, Gold Coast parents should be aware that each development stage comes with its own memories. You might not get the milk-drunk smiles and the newborn chubbiness, but you’ll be able to document the older months, where cheeky smiles come from recognition, and tummy time still makes for adorable photoshoots. For further questions about your Gold Coast photography session, please visit our FAQ page on our website.