2021 COVID-19 Update: Standard Studio Safeguards and Procedures to Protect Our Petite, Precious Clients

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

Please Join Me in Obsessing Over These Adorable Recent Arrivals

Sixteen March 2020 Newborn Baby Photoshoots Who Prove the Snuggle is Real

*Immediate Baby Fever is Sure to Follow

Let’s face it: few things are as cute as a newborn baby: their chubby cheeks, sleepy grins, tiny hands, and button noses. Moreover, a new addition represents so much more than adorable baby giggles. Hopes, dreams, and all the things you could want for your bundle of joy are preserved through a custom newborn photoshoot.

However, with COVID-19, non-essential businesses are on the back burner until we know more. We’re currently practicing social distancing and hope to be back in our studio by May 4th, 2020. Regulations could easily change, but we’re crossing our fingers that things calm down, and this can be a distant memory.

For now, check out the 16 babies who were able to visit before we closed our doors until we know more. Each baby’s photo also answers a popular question we receive.

Each Session is Custom-Designed

At our studio, husband and wife team (us!) custom-design every single session to reflect your color preferences. We also chat about nursery themes, home decor, your likes and dislikes, and then everything is provided by us.

As always, we use luxury vendors from all around the world to create stunning works of baby art you’re sure to treasure.

What is the best age for a newborn photoshoot?

All of the babies you see here visited in March when they were 14 days or less. Our favorite age is specifically 5-9 days old, as this is when babies are most sleepy, curly, mold-able, and showcase all the newness of a recent arrival. Earlier is generally best.

We promise to handle your baby with love, care, and respect.

Is Retouching Included in Pricing?

Yes! At our studio, standard retouching includes the following: skin smoothing, eye sharpening, teeth whitening, blemish removal, baby acne removal, and also skin tone adjustment. Your final selections are professionally edited and enhanced so they’re perfectly polished for printing.

How Do Parents Select Photos?

Fourteen days after your session, you view all of the images from the comfort of your home. Through touch screen technology, you pick the photos included in your package. There are no time-limits on selections, and galleries are left open as long as needed. There are no in-person sales, viewing appointments, or minimum print orders to receive your digital gallery.

Are the props provided?

Yes! Our studio is fully stocked with absolutely breathtaking textiles, floor props, headbands, caps, and more! All items are sanitized between use. We take great pride in offering a beautiful experience. As parents to four young children, we like to make things as easy as possible. Simply bring your diaper bag with you to the session, and we’ll provide the rest.

What if my baby does not sleep?

No worries! We’re well-versed on newborn, infant, and baby soothing techniques. Plenty of time is set aside for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing our most petite, precious clients. We have lots of tricks up our sleeves to keep Baby content, comfortable, and cozy.

What if my Baby is Jaundice?

Many parents worry about things such as skin tones when visiting for their little one’s first professional photo shoot. Have no fear. Part of the full-service luxury experience at our Houston Newborn & Family Portrait Studio is adjusting skin tones as needed. Remember, we clean up things that aren’t permanent while maintain a natural look to match our dreamy, timeless, and vintage-inspired branding.

Can we request a certain pose?

Absolutely! We urge parents to share any relevant details such as poses they like, or dislike, you’ve seen in our portfolio. We pride ourselves on offering much variety, so your final gallery will make your heart burst. We love wrapped, unwrapped, macro photography, and also parent, sibling, and family setups, too.

We can’t wait to meet you!

What are the studio business hours?

Our studio business hours are available 7 days per week. We are a full-time business (LLC with S-Corp filing) and enjoy seeing clients daily. We are available for sessions Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are also here on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Finally, our weekend availability includes Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Are you up to date on your immunizations?

Yes! We stay up to date on all mainstream vaccinations in order to provide a safe, secure, and healthy work environment for your little one. Vaccinations include the seasonal flu shot, MMR, and Tdap. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Where do newborn photos take place?

All newborn sessions take place in our commercial office space located in Uptown. The address is 4550 Post Oak Place Drive. Our studio has everything you need for amazing newborn photos from parent wardrobe, playroom, lobby, snacks, mothers room for nursing and pumping, multiple shooting rooms, natural light, studio lighting, and more! We are available by appointment only.

How do we book our newborn session?

Our studio offers flexible and user-friendly online booking. The online booking page is where parents select their package, date, time, and also sign their contract and pay their deposit to secure the appointment. Helpful questionnaires are here, too, so you can tell us more about your baby and family.

Using online booking tools are a modern way to make the process easier for you. Instead of e-mailing us back and forth, all of the availability is shown to you at all times.

You have the freedom to pick a time that works for your family.

Please let us know if we may assist.

Can we bring props from home?

While our studio does provide everything for your session, if there is a particular sentimental item you’re welcome to bring a few small things. We request zero glass, however. Please bring things such as blankets or a knitted hat. It’s important to be safe and never put Baby in a position or prop that does not meet our expert level of care.

Can grandparents participate?

Yes! Grandparent photos are available as an add-on to all portraiture packages. The add-on includes an additional 30 minutes of time and talent + 3 more digital files of your choice.

To add grandparents to your package, the booking software has the option to add this when scheduling. We generally cover Grandma with Baby, Grandpa with Baby, Grandparents together with Baby.

The family, sibling, or grandparent portion of your newborn session always takes place in the beginning.

Grandparents are welcome to studio wardrobe, too.

What size images do we receive?

Our studio sells full-resolution, professionally edited and enhanced JPEG files. You are welcome to purchase the RAW (.cr2) files for an additional fee. The final copies you receive are given via a private, password-protected digital gallery. You immediately may download the zipdrive and save the photos onto your computer, all from the comfort of your home. We also have our software set to where you may automatically import your images into the cloud. We recommend Amazon Photos, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Do you offer maternity or infant portraits?

Yes! In addition to posed newborn photography sessions, we joyfully offer packages showcasing family, baby milestones, or pregnancy for expecting couples and mothers to be. While our focus and specialty is posed newborn photography within a studio setting, we recognize many of our newborn clients develop a great relationship with us and like to continue their milestones in our studio. We welcome you!

And there you have it! 16 adorable newborn babies as well as a frequently asked question. We hope to see you soon and look forward to the rest of 2020!

Warmly,

Sarah & Kevin