The Latest Scoop during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Who Knew… Who knew 2020 would be like THIS?! Here is the scoop on what Sherry Dornblaser Photography (SDP) has been doing during the pandemic and what it looks like in the future for this small business…
Let me introduce myself to those who have never met me! I’m a wife, mom and a Creative! My whole life I have surrounded myself with art and making things beautiful from painting to interior design and photography. My educational background is in Business and Interior Design.
Sherry Dornblaser Photography was established in 2015 and has since blossomed into an amazing company documenting moments for families so they can cherish them forever. Less than a year ago, I was awarded “Best Photographer of 2019” in Manassas Park. I am so thankful and truly blessed. I have watched families grow over the years and sadly, have said goodbye to some as they have moved away. For those who plan on sticking around the DMV, rest assured, I’ll be here for at least the next 20 years.. That means more time for us to get to know each other!
Hello! This is me.. in the rain.
A little rain never hurt anyone! Don’t mind my hair.
Headshot photo credit: Rebecca Burt Photography
It’s not news how we are living life today. So many people’s lives and businesses have been affected. It’s truly devastating and 2020 has been yanking at my heart. We were living in the unknown, but what we have learned over the last few months has helped me go forward with taking the necessary safety precautions to ensure we are Safe.
In March, I had temporarily closed the studio with no idea when it would be safe to re-open (and still don’t know). Open air (outdoors) seemed like the safest and ideal location and still is. When it was okay to start working again after the stay home orders were lifted, I went back to work and modified my sessions - - Discontinued Fresh 48/hospital and all in-home lifestyle sessions. All sessions have been outdoors including cake smashes.
Precautions recommended by the CDC have been set in place and all of this is mentioned in my guides. Your Safety is my Top Priority:
Mask wearing for myself at all times
Social distancing at all times
Contactless
I’ve invested in UV Lighting - a lamp for large things where I can zap a whole room and a UV box for smaller props
NO sessions back to back like minis
Only one cake smash in the “open air studio” a day
So this is where SDP is headed…
Fall and Holiday season are coming up as well as colder months ahead. I’ve decided it would be best to not book anymore cake smashes. I came to the realization that I may not be doing any until 2021 Spring time now… Heartbreaking.
The upcoming Fall season has always been the busiest time of the year, usually with minis and a booked calendar. In the past I have had both studio and outdoor mini sessions available with cute setups, and even a Santa. I cannot imagine having my clients one after the other in the same spot and touching the same props even with a cleaning in between. Just thinking about that makes me cringe. BIG NO from me. Instead, I’m offering regular sessions and there will be no props and no rushing. The number of sessions will be Limited because I have a child starting school and we will be doing the virtual learning. My next update will probably be in 2021. In addition to everything, we will be moving (locally) in hopes to find more space and a larger studio. My business has taken a hit, but we must go on… and most importantly, must stay positive!
As a mama to the other mamas and parents out there, hang in there! It’s not easy, but WE WILL get through this together!