Is it safe to book a photo session during COVID-19 Pandemic?

A few clients have asked me if it was possible (and safe) to book a photo session with me. It’s been over a week of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s State of Emergency and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike’s stern messaging on flattening the curve, and there is a growing responsibility to stay smart and stay safe by reducing non-essential activities and remaining home. Nonetheless, i’s been a silver lining for many of us working on a few weekend or back burner projects.

But what about executing those personal branding ideas for your new business? ! What about your new headshots for the 2020-2021 year?! What about pre-paid photo sessions?

Adapting to Japan’s State of Emergency

It has been a bit of a journey for TopTia Photography to balance the needs of our clients as well as the needs of the overall public health. We, too wish to be smart and safe during these unfamiliar times. Here is how we have adapted.

1. TopTia Photographers + assistants (or HMUA) will commute armed with face masks, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
2. The number of photo sessions per week is limited to 2 session per week.
3. Outdoor photo sessions will be suspended until Mid-May, 2020.

I hope that our clients understand the decision to limit the number of photo session and locations during this time. I’m always happy to speak one-on-one about your photographic needs. In the meantime, here are three options we can observe for a safe photo session:

At the Studio

TOPTIA Photography has two photo studio spaces. One located in Ginza and another in Musashi-Kosugi, Kawasaki (Toyoko, Meguro, Sotetsu, Yokosuka, Shonan-Shinjuku and Nambu Lines). Both studios are equipped with everything we need to capture your new headshots for the new Japanese fiscal and academic year. That is not limited to the photography equipment and gear that also includes items that will help you be safe and at ease in dealing with the COVID-19 virus.

For headshots, our sessions are limited to 60 minutes, we will still have fun! We’ll still be able to dance, laugh and talk about life as we always do and you’ll still be able to learn some fantastic techniques on how you can work the camera with confidence!

We’ll just be six feet apart!

At Your Indoor Space

If going out is not an option, I am more than happy to arrive with minimal gear in hand for our session. All I would need is just a few minutes beforehand to wash my hands and I’m ready to go! By this point, we would have already talked about where in your home space to do the photo session and we can limit access to just that one space only.

What’s great is this is your home turf so it’s easier to be yourself and enjoy our photo shoot!

Being Responsible and Waiting Out the Curve

Of course many of us are taking this State of Emergency and lockdown very seriously. Some of you I image would feel most at ease if there was absolutely zero traffic coming in or out of your home space or perhaps there are external factors that are preventing you from scheduling or going through with a photo session at this time. The option to wait or reschedule is an equally wise decision.

Do take the time to speak with us about your interest in scheduling a photo session and lets find a time to book!

Decision is Based on Being Smart and Being Safe

We’re all anxiously awaiting the end and are constantly peaking around to find a light at the end of this daunting tunnel. We’re in this tunnel for the unforeseeable future however, how good would it be to come out of this with a few good and productive wins under your belt?