An Open Letter To MY Clients | CoronaVirus

Hello friends!
In the past 24 hours especially,
I have had a few clients reach out with questions about
canceling and/or postponing their photography plans with me.
So I  wanted to take some time and address some common questions and concerns.
To let you all know what my plan of action is for 2020.

First off, COVID-19 was not in my plans for this new year
and I'm sure it wasn't in yours either.
Yet, here we are.
We are all being inundated with emails and breaking news.
Fear and panic are affecting so many of us.
In the midst of this chaos, I'm truly hoping to be a source of calm for you.
I want to allay some of your concerns
and to answer as many questions as you have for me.
I will endeavor to be understanding and accommodating at this time
as we all try to navigate these unknown waters together.

I am doing my best to stay alert to all updates and recommendations
both locally and on the national level.
And I am taking all the precautions I can, to personally remain healthy
so I can avoid catching or spreading this virus to others.

---

STEPS I AM TAKING FOR PHOTO SESSIONS & WEDDINGS

1) I am going to work with you on rescheduling or postponements.
I realize that there is a lot that is out of your control and mine at the moment.
Don't worry! We will figure things out together.

2) I will thoroughly wash my hands before every wedding/photo session.
I will avoid touching my face and carry hand sanitizer with me.
Let me know if you need a squirt!

3) I won't shake your hand or hug you, which is hard for us Italians!
But, I feel like I have seen enough episodes of The Office
to have mastered the Jim and Pam "air high five" from across the room by now.

4) I have lenses that allow me to keep a distance from you
and still capture intimate moments.
The current recommendations is a minimum of 3 feet.
I am perfectly comfortable with that.

5) If you would feel more at ease, I can totally rock a face mask
while photographing your wedding/session.

6) I am happy to offer FaceTime meetings to interested couples
in lieu of in-person meet and greets.

7) I will always be completely transparent with you about my own health
and where and when I plan on traveling.

8) Lucky for you, when I'm not working I'm a virtual recluse.
I rarely mix in public, let alone large crowds.
​This is not likely to change.

---

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

1) Don't panic! Remember, we're all in this together.

2) Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds.
Do not touch your face.

3) If you're feeling sick, stay home. Don't expose others.
No appointment or plans are worth the risk right now.

4) If you are getting married and have event insurance,
understand that Coronavirus may not fall under your coverage.
Be proactive and find out what is and is not included ahead of time.

5) If you are getting married, clearly communicate with your guests
as to what precautions you are taking at your wedding to protect them
and what you would like in return from them.
(Is hand sanitizer considered a tacky wedding favor? LOL
​Not right now, it's not.)
Please inform those who are sick or exhibiting symptoms to kindly stay home.

6) Consider live streaming your nuptials for those who are most at risk.
So that they can still be a part of your special day,
even if they can't personally attend.
Or hire a videographer to share the day with them at a later time.

7) If you are thinking of postponing or rescheduling,
let all your wedding vendors know now.
2020 is already looking like a financially difficult year
for many of us in the service industry.
This is our livelihood, this is how we feed our families
and how we would buy TP, if the stores had any.
We want to work with you, but we need communication in order to help.
Don't wait and cancel at the last moment.

8) Be flexible with your wedding plans.
Some of my favorite events are smaller, more intimate affairs.
You can still have a stunning and memorable day
with just a few special people by your side.

9) Be respectful and kind.
It's normal to be scared.
To worry about health, the economy, the future.
Remember, we're more alike than we are different.
Let's try to be considerate and neighborly.

---

WEDDING CLIENTS | WHAT THIS MEANS

I want you to know that I get it and I am here for you.
If you want to postpone your wedding because you or your loved ones are sick,
your venue and/or the government has restricted you,
or you're just plain scared,
rest assured that your paid retainer will 100% transfer to a new date.
Let me know as soon as possible, so I can mark the date.

If I am already booked on the new date that you choose,
I will return 50% of your non-refundable retainer
​and assist you in finding a new photographer
with a similar style to myself.
If I can re-book your original date, I will return the only half of your retainer.

If you feel that you need to cancel your wedding entirely,
please know that I feel for you.
I know it cannot be an easy decision and I want to give you options.

I can either give you 50% of your non-refundable retainer back, 
with the rest refunded if I am able to re-book your original date.
Or, I can offer you an elopement package.
Just the two of you and myself, or a very limited guest list.
I have shot so many elopements and small weddings in the past decade
and I can attest to the fact that they are some of the most
beautiful and intimate affairs.
I'm here to work with you,
so just let me know if you need help with anything!

If I become sick before your wedding,
or feel any symptoms whatsoever,
understand that I will be completely upfront with you.
I will notify you immediately and help to find you a replacement photographer.
We can chat more about options,
should this situation arise.
Communication is key right now.

---

PORTRAIT CLIENTS | WHAT THIS MEANS

I have already canceled my spring mini sessions
and will be contacting the families who already signed up and paid for a session,
if I have not already done so.

Photo sessions are much easier to postpone and/or cancel
than a wedding or large event would be.
Please let me know if you aren't comfortable keeping your session date
and we will work something out.

If you are feeling sick or exhibiting any symptoms,
let's just delay friends.
It's better to be safe than sorry!
My business is taking a huge hit right now,
but I care about all of you.
I want to keep both yours and my own family safe and healthy.

If anyone has any other questions,
please feel free to reach out to me.
You can use the contact page HERE
or email me directly at Paige@PaigeEverson.com

---

Here are some resources for the most updated information regarding Covid-19,
​both national and locally.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)

NEW YORK STATE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

ONONDAGA COUNTY NY OFFICIAL WEBSITE

---

I would also like to thank Katy Weaver
at KatyWeaver.com
for creating this template
and allowing other photographers to use it
by putting it into our own words.
Very much appreciated!