Covid Chicks - Seattle Newborn Photographer
Seattle Newborn Photographer photographs her 1 day old baby chicks during the Covid-19 Quarantine
Ahhhhh Spring . . . Usually the time of year my photography season is ramping up to full speed and I’m out frolicking through gorgeous lush meadows, or dancing, camera in-hand, under cherry blossoms with some of my favorite Seattle families. This Spring though, has been anything but that. Still on full lock down and Seattle’s as quiet as a ghost town (as seen in my last blog post). Kids are STILL home, my camera’s are getting dusty, and my newborn studio is practically going back to nature :(. We are about to begin month number THREE of the great quarantine of 2020 and I’m running out of things to do!
My website has been updated, the yard and garden has never looked better, we’ve cleaned out all of our junk drawers and closets, and I’ve baked 1,000,000 kinds of Sourdough Bread (if you want to know how click on that link, best recipes EVER) . . . My point is, I’m bored to tears, I miss people and I MISS MY JOB!!!!!
So what is an unemployed Newborn and Family Photographer who lives on a farm supposed to do!?
Well . . . here’s one day in the life . . .
Introducing our very first home grown 1-day-old Chicks.
21 days ago we began incubating some of our eggs. We ended up with an accidental rooster last year so we thought what the heck, let’s see if he works. ha ha Turns out, he does!
P.S. Video footage of their newborn photo shoot coming soon . . .
The Streets of Seattle during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Global Pandemic.
Words we’ve only read about and watched Hollywood productions of, not something we ever imagined we'd experience in our lifetime! Like most of you, I'm not sure it's fully registered yet. I'm still numb and going through all the stages of grief, and as a person who usually laughs things off when I'm uncomfortable, this... THIS is different. There are mornings that feel almost normal, and then there are the moments where the weight of it all just comes crashing down. Day after day, I watch the news with a lump in my throat. Yesterday I felt almost relieved watching Hoda Kotbe break down right along with us. And then there’s a hopeful part of me when I'm reminded to Look for the Helpers by the late Mr. Rogers and am overwhelmed with love and gratitude for those who are literally sacrificing EVERYTHING to win this invisible war. The nurses and doctors, grocery store clerks and bus drivers, Amazon workers and flight attendants… you are all our unsung heroes!
I know you're accustomed to seeing images of precious newborns, breathtaking locations, and joyful families. . . these images are a far cry from all of that. But my photography has always been about telling the truth and capturing images that are 100% authentic. I wanted to share a visual diary with you… I've been taking my camera with me when running "essential" errands (which, by the way, are VERY limited these days), and have been capturing images from the car. We are living in unprecedented times and I don't want to forget what our beloved Seattle (or our entire world) went through in the Spring/Summer of 2020…
Just remember that until we can safely emerge from our homes and finally embrace one another, I'll be right here in the trenches with you! I see all you moms out there trying to do what our INCREDIBLE teachers have always done and have never gotten sufficient credit for doing. I see all you parents being strong for your children when sometimes you just want to sit in the corner and feel the heaviness of it all. I see all you hairstylists cringe when I pick up the scissors and cut my family’s hair. And I see so much hope that when this is all over we'll stand taller and stronger as families, as a nation and a global community.
Love to you all; stay home, stay healthy!
Keeping you safe during your Outdoor Family Sessions amidst COVID-19
For those who have an Outdoor Family Session coming up in April and beyond….
As we all know this pandemic has invaded just about every aspect of our lives! It’s happened with lightening speed and has been difficult digesting all of the changes thrown at us at once. Currently, I am confident that my Outdoor Sunset Sessions will be unaffected by the recent, measures taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. In fact, being outdoors with my family is one way we are planing to cope! Below are some guidelines I will be following to ensure all of us are doing our best at keeping one another healthy during your family sessions.
Most importantly: Reschedule if you are sick
I am 100% ok with rescheduling your sessions!!! In fact, I only schedule two sessions a week to accommodate for weather or illness already… because let’s be honest, kids always get sick! So I’ve already got you covered! The most responsible thing we can all do is follow the CDC’s Prevention advice and stay home and away from others if we are showing any symptoms. So PLEASE contact me ASAP if you need to reschedule your session.
Limited Contact During your Session
If you have had a session with me before you will know that I am usually very hands on and am known to most kids as “auntie Brigette”. As much as I will want to scoop your little ones up and run around with them, I will follow the advice at hand and maintain a safe distance from you and your family members. Not to worry, I can still give plenty of direction and conduct entertaining puppet shows for your toddlers from 6 feet away. I am certain we can make this work, just as we are having to adapt to so many other things during this unprecedented time.
Connecting with Nature is Therapeutic
One of my favorite aspects of being a Family Photographer is the ability to work in the great outdoors and be surrounded by Mother Nature! My sessions have been described as “Playdates” that I just happen to take my camera to. I think now more than ever it’s going to be necessary, and even therapeutic, to get outside! Luckily most of my favorite locations are quiet and secluded, perfect for social distancing and having time to just relax and play with your family.
Normalizing things for you family
During emergencies like this, it’s even more important to preserve some of the normal aspects of life like family dinners around the table, outdoor playtime, and yes even having a photo-shoot! Giving your family an hour or two of FUN during a stressful time is the least I can do. My hope is to give you a little joy while looking through your session’s images during a time when we could all use a little more :) So, in conclusion, I look forward to seeing all of my families that have already booked sessions this year, and will take every precaution needed. If you have ANY questions I’m here!
The Corona Virus outbreak and how we’re keeping you safe during your sessions...
It’s hard to go an hour these days without thinking, hearing or talking about the Corona Virus (COVID-19), especially since most of you reading this, myself included, live and work in the epicenter of the nation’s battle with this novel virus. I take the responsibility of working with your precious newborn babies very seriously, and wanted to address what we are doing to keep you safe while you are visiting our Farm House Studio.
Studio Sanitation
Rest assured, the studio has always been kept spic and span to keep our tiniest of clients healthy, but now more than ever these steps are vitally important to assure you a safe environment. Every blanket and wrap that is used is washed thoroughly after each and every session. In addition I am taking the extra measures of using bleach water to wipe down every hard surface, door knob and floors between sessions.
My Personal Prevention as your Photographer
Because there is no vaccine yet available to prevent COVID-19, I’m following the CDC’s prevention guidelines , and staying up-to-date on all the new details.
Practicing Social Distancing and avoiding group interactions.
Avoiding contact with people who are sick.
Avoiding touching my eyes, nose, and mouth.
Rescheduling sessions when I, or my family members, are sick.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using bleach.
Washing my hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
PLUS using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
During your Session
When you arrive at the studio I’ll ask that you all remove shoes and wash your hands thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds. I’ll also have hand sanitizer readily available for you and your children to use. I’m also restricting sessions to only immediate family members at this time.
Although I typically provide hearty snacks for my newborn sessions, that amenity will be temporarily suspended to protect your health. Please be prepared with your own snacks and drinks during your session.
Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy
I’m asking ALL of my families to notify me ASAP if you, or a family member, is exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. Since COVID-19 can sometimes mimic a simple cold in mild cases. There is much to learn about this novel virus and I’d much rather be overly cautious than risk anyone’s health.
In the event that I, or any of my family members, are exhibiting symptoms, I will absolutely notify you immediately and either reschedule or refer you to another trusted and professional photographer.
Thank you for your vigilance!
5 Tips on What To Wear to your Portrait Session
5 Tips on What to Wear to your Family Portrait Session
One of the most common questions I get from the families I photograph is, “what should I wear?” I most definitely want my families to be themselves and wear something that makes them feel confident and comfortable, but the truth of the matter is, what you wear can make or break your session. Luckily, I’ve got you! All of my Penguin Pictures families have the luxury of using my amazing online styling tool, Style and Select. When you book a session you immediately receive my access code and will be able to shop for proven pieces that coordinate and photograph beautifully… and best of all, right from home!
BUT… even without this service there are some important things you can do when putting together your session’s wardrobe…
1. Pick a color pallet that works with your location
Pay close attention to the colors that your surroundings will be, as well as the season you have chosen (locations can change drastically depending on the time of year). Think of your location as your wardrobe’s color pallet. I typically suggest picking at least two colors, and sometimes a 3rd pop of color, that are complimentary to the area you choose. For example, the family pictured below knocked it out of the park with shades of blues and tans that were found naturally at their Seattle area Pacific Northwest beach location.
2. Choose clothing with movement
Nothing adds more interest to an image better than movement! Try to imagine the photo below if this beautiful mom was wearing tight fitted, neutral colored pencil skirt. Your clothing can absolutely help tell your story! This wardrobe helps portray how fun and in love this couple is!
3. Mix Textures and Patterns
Gone are the days of wearing matching white shirts with jeans. Mixing it up will add interest and dimension to your look making your image fun!
4. Accessorize
Add a hat, some suspenders, a scarf, jewelry … again it will add interest and polish your look.
5. Don’t forget about the shoes!
One of the MOST important details that is often overlooked!!! The right shoes will pull together the entire outfit, so don’t forget about the shoes.
