Hope & Help

I have to start by saying that the thing I miss most about all of this social distancing is you. I’m not lying or exaggerating. Taking pictures and making portraits is fulfilling in a way that I have taken for granted for many years.

I am going to get a bit real here, too. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I also miss taking pictures because when I don’t work, I don’t have any income. Zero, zilch, nada. This is not a side hustle or a hobby. This is a profession that I love and that I have been lucky enough to pursue in order to provide for my family. I work hard to constantly improve my skills and run my business responsibly. Quarter one is typically a lean time of year for portrait photographers anyway, but a complete shut down is something else altogether.

The last time I had a client was in early March when the concept of “social distancing” wasn’t the household phrase it is today. Within a couple of hours of the first person in Maine testing positive for COVID-19 I lost all client work scheduled in March and April… which makes perfect sense.

Sigh. But boy does it stink. I love my job. I love documenting your lives and capturing moments in time that show your family dynamics so beautifully. I am daydreaming about the time when we can be silly and carefree in front of the camera again. I am hoping the day comes sooner rather than later that struggling small businesses will prevail and I can continue to serve and celebrate you & your family.

What’s this REALLY all about, Meg?

Well, maybe you’re in a position to help a small business during this challenging time. Or maybe you aren’t but you can share with someone who might be.

Here are a few ideas for how you can support your favorite photographer (and many other small businesses):

1. Buy gift certificates for a future shoot.
You can purchase gift certificates that can be used at any time in the future.
*Option 1 – Purchase your session and pay in full, locking in your rate.
*Option 2 – Purchase a gift certificate in any amount that can be applied dollar for dollar when you book your session.

2. Buy ART Prints
We’re all spending a lot more time in our homes these days! Why not order a fine art print to beautify your home? You can visit my store and purchase a regular print or an amazing metal print. Here’s the link to current offerings. If you apply the code “WARM” you will save 20%.

3. Order Prints from your Last Session
Want to order items from your session? Just ask! I’m happy to re-open your gallery (whenever possible) without applying the reloading fee so that you can order prints or digital images. Heck, maybe we’ll even use the “WARM” code to save you 20% on these, too!

4. Book a Future Session This situation will NOT last forever. Look ahead. Book a senior session for the class of 2021 or a summer or fall family session. Give your current 2020 seniors the gift of a “friend” shoot to celebrate graduation (not NOW, but when the dust settles…) No, really. Think about that. What a fun thing to look forward to.

5. Please don’t cancel your session
At this time, I am planning to resume sessions as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are concerned about a date we have already agreed on, just reach out and we can discuss smart & safe options.

This pandemic is one for the history books. So many small businesses rely on a steady clientele to thrive and pay the bills. I’m reaching out in hope. Hope that you’ll plan on getting back to normal AND plan on getting in front of my lens soon.

Things might not look the way we expected them to, but we can still do extraordinary things.

Be well.
Be kind.
Look out for one another (you know, from 6 feet away).

With love,

Meg