The New 'Normal'?

 Thank goodness, slowly but surely we can see light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel! As pubs (Whoop Whoop!) and gyms (not quite so exciting!) reopen, it finally feels as though we are on our way out of the madness that has been this strange and unusual time. As lockdown eases, there are still lots of precautions we have to take when in public places including wearing protective face masks, mountains of antibacterial and keeping to social distancing guidlines. So for me, I think holidays are probably out of the window until next year now unless I can squeeze in a weekend getaway in the UK in a few months time (I'm sure imagining a nice hot holiday abroad whilst shivering sat on the UK coast will have the same effect really don't you?). Joking aside we have been rather fortunate with the weather, despite this weeks downpours so fingers crossed the lockdown tan will be maintained. Anyway, enough of dreaming about holidays where was I?

During photo shoots I have been maintaining social distancing wherever possible and also been going slightly anti bac crazy both on arrival and departure from yards and locations, as well as throughout photoshoots. I will also now have a mask available for me to wear at all times during a photoshoot if I feel it necessary or if it would make my client feel more at ease. I completely understand that this is a very worrying time especially for those vulnerable to catching the virus, so still no hugs for the meantime I'm afraid as I have to protect both you, my loved ones and myself but I am super pleased that I have been able to see lots of you (All be it from a distance) so thank you for continuing to book and keep me busy this last month or so. It has been an absolute pleasure as always.

Lots of us have been effected by this virus in many different ways, from mental health to physical health. Personally I feel I have been very fortunate throughout these weird and horrible times, none of my family or friends have been effected physically by the virus nor have I had much of an effect on my business, except for the first couple of months of intense lockdown, I have been fortunate enough to be able to keep photographing all of you lovely clients whilst social distancing and for that I am so thankful as it has definitely kept me sane and motivated!

In fact for me, the lock down has been a refreshing time, allowing me to take a breather and focus on updating things such as my website, marketing and experience that I provide here at SJE Photography. I pride myself in delivering a service above and beyond what my client expects, having this time has allowed me to finalise and perfect this process too. It's has allowed me to ride Cruise far more regularly than normal and appreciate where we are lucky enough to live. I'm sure there are some of you who will relate to what I've said and I am sure there are others who have been less fortunate during these testing times and my heart truly goes out to you, if there is any way I am able to help please don't ever be afraid to ask. 

I have also been using this time during lock down to complete courses, webinars and training where possible, photography can sometimes cause anxiety for those who are self conscious (you and I both!). So last week I took it upon myself to do a mental health course via zoom. It went in to detail on how to help those who struggle with their confidence and how to build it. Although not all of us struggle, building clients confidence and making them feel comfortable is something I like to try to do and was just something I could do to make myself more equipt to help you get the best possible images from your photoshoot.

Here's to the new normal and the pubs being back open!