Vancouver Boudoir Studio COVID 19 UPDATE

Hello Lovelies!

What a crazy few months hey! There has been so many big feelings related to Covid 19, and as a small business owner who works with people it has been a very sad and confusing time. I decided to close shop on March 14, until I felt it was safe to proceed, and with the recent BC restart plan recommendations I have decided I will start taking boudoir photoshoots in my boudoir studio as of June 1st.

There is SO MUCH to consider when deciding to get back to work and I wanted to learn as much as I could on how I can provide my clients with the confidence that I am taking this all seriously. Part of that process was taking the Beauty Safe Level 1: General Trade Practices. This is meant for spa’s and salons but as there is nothing related to having a home studio I decided to do with this training as my services are pretty spa like: you come, you relax, you get pampered and often (not always!) you get pretty close to naked! See, spa like right! This training and exam was put on by the Beauty Council of Western Canada and was suggested to me by my amazing Hair & Makeup Artist Jenny V who also took the training and is Beauty Safe certified as well. We are proud of taking this extra measure in making sure we are well prepared for what we need to consider to prepare the studio for each client experience.

COVID Liability Release

I have also prepared a Covid 19 Liability Release, which will be sent to all clients to sign off on prior to a session with me, and will be for all of my photography services (Boudoir Photoshoots, Personal Branding Photoshoots, Weddings, and all other services)

In my Covid 19 Liability Release I have outlined measures I am taking to do my absolute best to keep providing you with top quality service while we all move through this pandemic. I know this is an extra level of paperwork to do (thankfully all digital!) but please know I put this together for all of us.

Here are some of the key things covered in my release which outlines my commitment to you:

• Prepayment for services available if clients prefer contactless checkout
• Additional time included between appointments to prevent client contact with each other
• All surfaces will be wiped thoroughly with disinfectant before and after each client according to the manufacturer’s directions
• When posing you I will offer verbal direction only and provide examples with “no touch” posing 
• Hand sanitizer will be made available for all clients when they enter the premises
• All fabrics used will be washed immediately after each session
• Increased sanitation procedures will be done between clients
• Each client required to wash hands upon arrival and before leaving
• Reveal and ordering appointment  will be placed in person in the studio or via Zoom appointment
• Your Hair and Makeup Artist will thoroughly clean hands and take safety precautions 
• Should anyone on our team feel ill we will reschedule your appointment 

POP the Champagne, I am now accepting Boudoir Photoshoots from June 1st, 2020!

I will be limiting my shoots to one per week, so if you are keen to book in for yours make sure to get in touch as space will be limited.

I believe so deeply in the power of expressing oneself through the art of photography, and after being at home for the last almost three months I have a feeling amazing things are going to happen here in my humble studio and I can’t wait! To prepare for you I have also sold some of the studio furniture I had here and replaced it with furniture that is easier to clean, and had added a few throws for the couch I have as that would be hard to let go! All this to show you I care about you, about your experience here and I am ready to welcome women back to my studio!

As for me and my family, it has been both amazing to have the time together and so difficult at the same time. A saving grace for me has bee that I am currently taking a special course for boudoir photographers on the art and science of body language. I took this to take my work to a deeper level, learning how to coach women to really tap into all kinds of emotions that we are not often invited to express. This has kept my spirits up, my focus going with self portrait projects for the class, and gave me something non-covid to think about! I have realised during all of this that at the core of my being I need to create and connect with others. I self identify as a social introvert, and I am SO READY to get social again! I look forward to seeing you here in my studio soon!

Sending you all much love, and wishing the best for your mental health as much as your overall health.

~michele xo