Is it just me, or has life been a little unpredictable?

Hello, fellow Humans! Obviously, we are in unprecedented times. A lot has changed, rapidly. I had to put a pause on business as usual in 2020 and look at ways to help my clients, while protecting myself and our most vulnerable. I am still a believer in science and social distancing, and will, no matter what, follow the CDC and state guidelines. That being said, we have learned how to operate within these guidelines! We can still have photoshoots celebrating life’s precious moments, some aspects of our time together will just look different. So here is my updated plan as of now (August 28, 2021):

I will be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 24 hours of your photoshoot if you want your photos without masks. Delta is not backing down and is causing breakthrough infections. Because I see so many kids, who are not eligible for vaccinations yet, I feel this is the best way to keep us all safe.
I am taking limited bookings and keeping several days in between sessions in case of an exposure. If I have an exposure, I will be rescheduling your session. Even though I am vaccinated and wearing masks at shoots. Please be flexible as we navigate scheduling.
If you or any member of your family is sick, please call me to reschedule! There are no reschedule fees right now, and your retainer will simply move to your new date. For me, and for you, this is a two-way street! If I have a family member, or myself displaying any symptoms I will contact you for a reschedule. Again, we are going to have to be flexible. If you show up to a session displaying any symptoms (Fever/Cough) you will forfeit your session time and fees paid. And I will not reschedule you. This may sound harsh, but I am taking a firm stand now to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. I also have allergies and understand the allergy cough. Trust me, the two are very different!
Final Payments will be due 24 hours prior to your session time and date, as opposed to a week. I am only accepting online payments at this time through the trusted processing vendor Stripe.
Unfortunately, hugs are still out. I am a person who likes to hug her clients, so this is tough. But it is for all of our safety. So, a wave, air hug or bow will be the new cool greeting! I will be shooting with my longer-range lens, so we can maintain distances well over 6 feet. Which really takes us to one of the last major points…
I am only booking outdoor sessions in order to maintain the required distance, and our locations are a bit more limited, based on openings. However, I have found some gems, and my old favorite locations are still open. So don’t worry, we have options!
It wouldn’t be a California summer anymore without some smoked out days. It is unfortunate, but true. Because our air quality can get bad fast, I have started an AQI rule; Once we hit an AQI of 150, we will reschedule. I know, I have a lot of reschedule contingencies. I promise it is to protect all of our health, while allowing for beautiful photoshoots in this wild world we call home!

All of these new policies might change, based on any new information and/or guidelines put forward by the CDC, the state of California, or state/local health officials. I will make sure to keep you posted! And, despite the new policies, I am confident we will have fun, capture beautiful photos and stay safe, thank you for always supporting me and my crazy photography endeavor. I love you all!

Moe