Hi all!

So I used to have a blog on Blogstomp ages ago. It technically still exists but I have no clue how to log onto it! So, I am going to try the blog feature that I have with my photo hosting page. Fingers crossed this goes well since what I need to talk about is actually pretty important.

Today, Governor Pritzker has changed some of the Shelter in Place guidelines for Illinois that we have been living under for the last 6 weeks or so. The biggest change for me is that I am allowed to photograph again! Now, this news comes with a lot of rules and stipulations that I'm totally ok with, at least for now, especially since the weather is finally getting nicer.  

This is what the state of Illinois has to say:

Is photography an essential business? Photography businesses will be permitted to operate in outdoor settings only. These outdoor shoots shall not exceed the 10-person limit. Photographers must ensure that they are maintaining 6-foot social distancing with clients during the photoshoot. Photography businesses may not have indoor photo shoots during the shelter-in-place order. There is no exception for special occasions, only gatherings of 10 people or less are permitted. 

So what does this mean for Erin Reed Photography and its clients? Well, it means that legally I am allowed to photograph again! Woo Hoo!!! I can photograph anything up to groups of 10, including myself. I will need to maintain the 6 foot social distancing rule which means it would be super helpful, especially for seniors, to have someone from your household attend your photoshoot. Normally, I don't hesitate to adjust a necklace, hair, clothing, move a hand for posing, etc but I will NOT be allowed to do this so an additional person would basically be making sure you look your best. And it means you will also see me doing some serious posing to model to clients. This should be amusing. :) 

Over the course of this year, I have transferred all my paperwork to an online system and this is the only way I will be sharing contracts. Taking payment will also only be electronic via a link I can send you, venmo, zelle, etc.

Unfortunately I cannot do in studio newborn sessions. :(. I miss my newborns so much! But, we can still do outdoor, lifestyle type shots of your new baby to document this special time so please don't feel like you're excluded! WE can make it work!

The hardest part that I can foresee is locations. Currently, the counties are not allowing commercial photography at their forest preserves/parks. I'm still trying to figure out if we can head to the Illinois State Parks which, for our area, would be Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry. Other than that, we can still shoot in downtown locations such as the river walk in Dundee for a little bit more of an urban feel, any city parks, as well as private property that we have permission to use. My studio is located at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake and we are being allowed to use the outdoor areas of the mansion as it is private property (yay!) but I'm happy to shoot any secret spots you may know and have permission to use!

I know the conditions aren't ideal, but it's movement in the right direction. Hopefully we will soon be able to put this all in our rearview mirrors and continue life as "normal".

When everything does open back up, I will be so excited to share my new studio space with you all! It's amazing!

In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy, stay positive and see you soon!