With the COVID-19 outbreak taking a toll on everyone’s daily lives, we wanted to share a bit about what we are doing to handle COVID-19.

First, we wanted to make it very clear that everything we are doing is to protect our clients and be there for them as best we can. We have proactively e-mailed all of our 2020 wedding clients to address COVID-19 and what it means for upcoming weddings. We are planning to;

1. Be flexible with our rescheduling policies
   We’re going to do everything we can to work with our clients to find available dates that will work for both of us. We generally require advanced notice and a rescheduling fee, but we’re waiving all our fees to help our clients through this time. Just please consider postponing your session, don’t cancel.
   #PostponeDontCancel
   
2. Utilize our community
   We have a great network of photographers from all over who can help us capture the weddings and sessions we have planned. We are fully prepared to utilize our community and support each other during this time.
   
3. Support our couples & clients
   This is not easy on anyone. We’re here for all our clients and are prepared to talk you through your options.
   
4. Continue open communication
   This is key! We’re here answering e-mails, text messages, DMs, phone calls – we want to be here for you guys, so please talk to us. But also remember working hours; if you text us after 5pm we’ll get back to you the following business day. Thanks for understanding!
   
5. Stay on plan until we’re told otherwise
   Unless mandates require us to change plans or you choose to postpone your session, we’re full speed ahead. We are going to be as flexible as we can, we just ask you communicate with us and keep us in the loop!

We’re asking all of our clients; wedding clients or regular sessions to please reschedule, don’t cancel.

Cancellations are so detrimental to our business and livelihood that we just cannot handle such a huge influx of cancellations at this time. We are more than willing to be flexible on payment due dates. But we’d also ask that you be mindful of the fact that while we know this is impacting your finances, payment delays will also affect us. We rely on that expected income to pay our bills. The few clients we have had to reschedule with so far have been so gracious and understanding, and we cannot even express our gratitude. We hope that we don’t have to do this much more, but are prepared to do whatever it takes to make this whole situation easier for everyone.

For sessions we are able to move forward with, here’s what we’re doing to protect ourselves and our clients. As any governmental regulations are put into place, we will abide by those standards and will not go against emergency regulations.

1. No pre-session hugs, just awkward waves from at least 6 feet away
   We love hugs, but right now, we’ll settle for awkward waves or maybe an elbow bump. We want everyone to feel comfortable and we don’t want to put anyone else at risk.
   
   
2. Keeping our equipment clean
   We’ve got antibacterial wipes to keep our gear wiped down and clean. We use it a lot and touch our cameras with our hands and on our face when we look through the viewfinder. We’re planning to keep all our gear as clean as we can.
   
   
3. Using hand sanitizer
   Thankfully your girl bought a huge thing of sanitizer from Costco probably last year sometime to refill my small bottle I keep in my car, so I’m all good on that front. I’ll keep my small bottle in my fanny pack and a bigger bottle in my car in case I need it or anyone in your fam needs some.
   
   
4. Maintaining our distance
   By using different lenses, we can still capture beautiful photos! I am also loving utilizing my 85mm lens because it gives us this beautiful look.
   
   
   
   I currently use the Canon 85mm 1.4L with Image Stabilization, however I started with just the 85mm f/1.8 which you can pick up brand new for usually under $400! Click HERE to check it out.
   
5. No Touching
   If we have to adjust your hair because it’s windy or fix your clothing, we’ll instead keep our distance and ask you or a member of your group to assist you.
   
   
6. Rescheduling if we were to become ill
   If for any reason any member of our team becomes ill, we’ll notify you immediately. Fortunately, we have a strong network and community of amazing photographers who could potentially step in for us in the event we’re not able to be there. Or we can always reschedule your session for a later date.

COVID-19 is affecting everyone in one way or another;

We want to be as flexible as we can. The situation surrounding the virus is fluid, changing hourly, if not daily. We understand that, and plan to do whatever we can to support our clients through this so that MHP can make it through this time stronger than ever before.

Cheers friends, and thank you for reading. Stay well!

Megan & The MHP Team!

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