Belinda Coles Photography and Covid 19

As we all know New Zealand is currently facing an unprecedented time due to Covid 19.  As recommended by the NZ Government, Belinda Coles Photography has taken on guidelines to ensure the safety of both clients and my own family while we navigate our way through this pandemic.

As of Level 2, I have now reopened my business for all sessions, although the way they are being run is slightly different.

For ALL sessions

• Clients will be sent to this website to read and understand my policy and planning around Covid 19. This will be available on site at my studio, online through my website and will be sent to the MBIE or any other government body who wishes to view it to ensure I am running my business in line with recommendations.
• Clients will be requested to fill out contact tracing forms before our session commences.  This will be in an online format, stored by Belinda Coles Photography using Cloud Software, and made available to the Ministry of Health if requested for at least two months after the commencement of Level 2 (11:59pm August 31st, 2020).
  
• A Covid QR Tracer Code is also displayed at my studio both in the doorway area and within my studio space as well.  While I can't enforce you to use this app I do highly encourage you to do so.
  
• For all studio sessions, clients will be required to either wash their hands in my bathroom or use Sanitiser, BEFORE entering the studio space.  Sanitiser will be made available at all times throughout the session.
• After every session within my studio, I will be performing a deep clean with special attention to high touch surfaces such as door handles, doors, floors, furniture and bathroom.
• All props and backdrops will be washed between sessions using Dettol Hygiene Rinse alongside my regular washing detergent.
• Unfortunately toys for older siblings will not be available for children to play with during my sessions until we have reached Level 1.
• Between every session my camera gear will be wiped down using antibacterial wipes.

Studio Sessions

Newborns

• For all newborn sessions, while I work one on one with your baby I'm unable to maintain a 1 metre distance.  I do have masks available for use, and will ask your preference  as to whether you would like me to use one on the day.​
• Before the session my hands will be washed thoroughly, and during the session I will use sanitiser regularly.  I do have gloves available however after seeking professional opinion on gloves I have been advised clean and sanitised hands are just as good.  If you as a client would prefer me to wear gloves please let me know and I will do so.
• For newborn sessions please ensure the only people within the studio are immediate family.  
• Once sibling photos have been done I do request siblings leave the studio purely to reduce the risk of touching objects (we all know how kids like to touch everything ha!).
• During Level 2, props from your home will need to be approved before coming into my studio.

Sitter/Milestone Sessions

• Sitter sessions I will wear a mask upon request only.  The reason for this is I will be able to maintain a 1 metre distance from your child, and to get the best out of them they need to be able to see my face.
• Additionally sitter sessions are much shorter in duration making contact time far less.  

Outdoor Sessions

• Outdoor sessions will continue as normal.  No PPE gear is required, although sanitiser will be made available (I do get your kids to give me high fives etc).
• I will have a COVID QR Code available as it has been recommended we still use our business app when working on location with clients.