2024 COVID-19 Update: Standard Studio Safeguards and Procedures to Protect Our Petite, Precious Clients

As of 2024, some of the 2020 practices are followed. The studio is fully boosted and is happy to reschedule for sick kiddos. Please read below for the FAQ.

For parents visiting:

• We have a mask on or either on hand at all times

• Parents are not required to wear a mask

• Sick kiddos and individuals cannot be in the studio, though there’s a zero-fee rescheduling policy for illnesses.

• No shoes are allowed in the studio. Strollers and purses stay in the mothers’ room.

• Only individuals in the photography session can be at the studio.

• There is no overlap in clients; there’s a 60-minute break between sessions so we may clean, tidy up, and prepare for our next client.

• Limit the studio to 3 sessions a day, only if the three must happen on one specific day. It’s best to spread out appointments.

• Feel free to bring a rapid covid test should you ask us to take one before your session.

• Newborns are kept in a separate space from other session types

• Consultations are in person for booked clients only. Zoom or phone consultations are available for parents who have not yet booked, though they have many questions. This practice keeps studio traffic to a minimum.

• Only booked clients may use or try on the studio wardrobe. Our website has several photos of what to expect for wardrobe and session styling.

Daily Commercial Grade Cleaning Service

Our studio and office are in a commercial 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 furniture. The professional cleaning service will even visit between our sessions if requested.

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2021 COVID-19 Update for Sarah Borchgrevink Photography’sHouston Newborn Portrait Studio

UPDATE: As of April 19th, 2021, we are vaccinated against COVID-19.

We are keeping our studio and office workplace safe.

Today's blog post discusses 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! We work cohesively to create a luxury experience for parents in the Houston area. Part of the experience is ensuring safety at all times. It is best to act cautiously, 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 of 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.

We uphold The following standards and expectations throughout the year, no matter the season. We share these to create transparency and educate our clients on the lengths we go to exceed safety and sanitary expectations.

• Please note that as of March 2020, masks and gloves are required for all photoshoots. Moreover, on March 10th, 2021, our Governor (Greg Abbott) removed the mandatory mask. However, our studio requires masks. We will not be removing our masks or gloves. Based on our age and health status, we plan to be vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to us.

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

Scheduling Your Complimentary Studio Tour and Wardrobe Fitting with Sarah & Kevin

Let’s connect! We’d love to meet you.

As of April 2021, studio visits are available to booked clients only. A booked client means you have commissioned our services through signing your online portraiture agreement, selecting your package, and fulfilling the $100 deposit. Because of COVID-19, we can no longer have more than one client in our studio at a time. If you have any questions about the above, please send us an e-mail at sarah@sarahborchgrevinkphotography.com.

Happy Tuesday to you! This month's blog post shares details surrounding scheduling a complimentary studio tour with us, Sarah, and Kevin. Together, we're a husband and wife team located in Uptown, with seven days a week availability to meet with you. Complimentary consultations are available to booked clients only.

You see, photographing baby bumps, newborns, and growing families is an absolute joy. We love every minute of it; we both have different roles in the business. Though no matter the day, we invite you to visit for a complimentary studio tour.

During a tour, we spend 30 minutes with you. We show you the studio, always have snacks and beverages, and am happy to hear about your baby or family. We also will peruse wardrobe, professional prints, and products, particularly those included in our membership packages, and answer any concerns you may have. Commissioning a photographer can be daunting.

We understand. We have four little ones, and being parents has influenced how we interact with clients. Through complete transparency, online booking, impeccable customer service, and authentic love for our job, we create a lovely experience for you.

When do tours take place?

Studio tours take place during these hours:

• M/W/F from 9:30 am - 3:30pm

• Tue/Thursday from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

• Saturday and Sunday are 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Helpful Details:

• The studio tour and consultations are 30 minutes long. These are complimentary. A deposit or contract is not required though I urge you to be please respectful of the studio's time and not select a date/time if you're unsure you will arrive. When selecting a time, this means you have taken a slot from a potential session. Studio policy states if you fail to come for your first consult, a $50 fee will be required to book a second consult.

How to Select Your Date and Time:

We look forward seeing you soon!

-Sarah and Kevin