For all of us the last five months have been filled with unprecedented emotions and challenges and we’ve seen the world change in ways most of us couldn’t have imagined in our wildest dreams. For many, these past months have brought suffering and unimaginable loss. We are all yearning for a sense of normalcy and going back to our lives. We can discuss how we got here and whether we should be here in the first place, and I have my thoughts on that which I am happy to share in a different forum.

As much as we want to return to normalcy, business is not as usual. We have to re-evaluate, adapt, pivot, change, make the best of the situation. As an artist and small business owner, and as a human being, I experienced moments in the last few months when I was plagued by doubts about whether my work was meaningful enough in the face of so much suffering, whether it was ethical or wise to continue to do business given the health risks and whether my business could even survive this crisis.

While I am not on the front lines saving lives or in a lab researching a vaccine, I do believe that my work adds meaning to people’s lives and value to their businesses, that it provides comfort and keeps them grounded, that it provides lasting joy, possibly for generations to come. A photographer’s work may be more valuable than ever in these uncertain times.

So while it’s not business as usual, it’s business adapted to a new reality. I want you to know that I take this virus VERY seriously and I keep precautions in place when conducting sessions to keep my clients and their families, as well as myself and my family, as safe as possible. I have had a number of sessions during these past few weeks and I would be happy to provide references if you’d like to speak to some of my clients about their level of comfort during their shoots.

• I currently shoot outdoors only
• I will not shake hands, hug or otherwise touch you
• I strive for a continuous distancing of at least 6-10 feet during sessions
• I wear continuous face covering during sessions (only taking it off briefly when I am very far away from everybody for a breather or a sip of water). The same goes for my assistant (when I bring one).
• I ask that you wear face coverings when we walk between locations
• I shoot with long lenses
• I wash the blanket I use for some sessions immediately before the shoot
• I carry hand sanitizer
• I will NOT conduct sessions if I have any symptoms of illness, or a positive diagnosis

I want you to know that I COMPLETELY understand any of you who decide to forego family or senior photos this year, be it for economic reasons or health considerations. I feel you on both these fronts, I really do.

For many of you, this year may be a time when you want a session more than ever. To comfort you, to create something lasting in these uncertain times, to bear witness to the time spent with your immediate family, to commemorate an event, such as a graduation, that did not receive adequate attention, to share with family, such as a grandparent, with whom you are unable to spend time in real life.

I am open to bookings again now through the end of November. For weekend appointments it’s easiest to view (and book through) my online calendar through my website, for weekdays, or if you have any questions and would like to get in touch, simply send me a message through my contact form on the website or email to marionmeakemphotography@gmail.com.

Please stay safe and healthy everyone! We will get through this eventually.