The last weeks have been absolutely crazy and unprecedented. As I, and other businesses across the KC metro, gear up to get back to work we are not going back to “normal.” This virus is still viable and dangerous, and it’s our job as a part of our community to do what we can to protect ourselves and others. As someone who works in a service industry, I take always pride in how much I strive to take care of others; this is no different! I want to be there, to capture your special moments, in the safest way possible.

{Please note: everything in this post is subject to change due to any additional governmental orders that may be released}

When will Spencer Studios be available for sessions / weddings?

The current orders allow me to go back to shooting on May 10 in Johnson County, and May 16 in KCMO. I absolutely will be following these, and any other orders that may come. That being said:

• I will be only shooting outdoor sessions in May.
• I will resume studio sessions in June (subject to change, if the situation changes).
• All initial consults, planning meetings, vendor meetings, and wall art consults will be conducted virtually for the foreseeable future. As much as I’d love to give you a huge hug, these meetings don’t have to happen in person, and staying virtual keeps us all safe.
• All of my current May & June weddings have postponed. If you are one of my clients: if you are considering postponing and we haven’t spoken yet, please reach out to me immediately!
• If you are not a current client but are getting married and need a photographer I will be taking these on a case by case basis! (More info below on that!)

What is the plan? How will Spencer Studios insure the safety of clients / vendor parters / etc?

Our world is going to look a little different for a little while, and that includes your session / wedding with me. I am putting new guidelines in place to ensure the safety of everyone I interact with, including myself and my family.

• Equipment Cleaning: I plan to diligently clean the external casings of all equipment used during each session / wedding before the next session / wedding will take place. I will be even more careful of where I set things down, and who handles my equipment.
• Masks: I plan to wear a mask any time during a session / wedding day where I am unable to maintain social distancing (for example, in vehicles, while getting ready, etc). At this time I do not plan to wear a mask during outdoor sessions / weddings, however if you prefer that I do wear a mask please let me know and I am happy to accommodate!
• Sickness: If you are feeling even the slightest bit ill, please let me know you need to reschedule your session (and trust that I will do the same). If you have come in close contact with someone who is positive or presumptive positive for Covid-19, we will need to reschedule your session out at least 14 days (the CDC’s self quarantine guideline).
• Rescheduling: All rescheduling fees for portrait sessions are waved (I talk more specifically about weddings below). Any deposits / retainers will be kept, but timelines on when they need to be applied to sessions have been extended.
• Additional Communication: There are a lot of moments in which people need to be close together for traditional wedding portraits. I will have additional information and communication with all clients regarding this and how to observe social distancing prior to their session and wedding.

What happens if I need to postpone my wedding?

First off, please talk to me the second you are even considering postponing. I want more than anything to be a part of your wedding day and I can’t if I’m already booked or otherwise unavailable. Please check with me so we can make a plan together!

Secondly, I’m sorry. This is such a difficult time for everyone but I absolutely cannot imagine how hard it must be to make that decision. That super sucks, and I’m here for you in whatever way I can be.

As a wedding vendor who can only take one wedding a day, that means there are a limited amount of days in a year I can shoot. Because so many weddings are being postponed, this means it’s possible for vendors with this similar situation could loose out of a year’s worth of income as we fill next year with this year’s weddings. Saturdays in May-October are considered prime dates (meaning they are the most popular, and most likely to be booked). Through careful consideration, and working alongside my peer photographers, I will be implementing the following:

• Weddings that are postponed to any date in 2020 or any non-prime date in 2021 can do so with no charge.
• Weddings that are postponed to a prime date in 2021 (All Saturdays May-October) will require a $500 rescheduling fee.
• Weddings that are postponed to a date I am unavailable will not owe any further invoices, and can redeem 2 portrait sessions in the next 3 years.
• Weddings that are split (for example, small ceremony now, party later) will be split based on time. Any time used for the ceremony will be taken out of the contracted time to be used later. All other elements of the package stay the same.

My significant other and I are eloping / planning a small wedding…can you accommodate us?

Abso-fricken-lutely!! Due to the current wedding landscape, I honestly believe we’ll be seeing a lot more elopements, courthouse I DOs, and small shindigs. I have created a new pricing guide that is specifically directed at these less traditional weddings. No matter what your day looks like, it’s still the day you vowed to each other, and I want to be there to capture it all. Marriage is what really matters! I thoughtfully designed collections with the needs of 2020 couples in mind!

For more information for this pricing, please contact me here!

What else do you have going on??

Honestly, I am in no way happy about the quarantine but it has given me some time to work on projects that have been on the back burner. Also, I’ve had time to rest, and enjoyed spending time with my husband. We’ve planted a garden this spring, and even had some time for a few little household projects that bring me joy. That being said, I miss my couples, my vendor friends, and shooting! I’m ready to get back to work!

T-Shirts and sweatshirts are still on sale (and will be for the foreseeable future). I received my first check from Twin Lakes Tees last week and I am absolutely astonished how many people have purchased my merch…I honestly felt tears in my eyes when I opened that envelope. I have the best clients / friends ever!!! Also, if you bought a shirt, I’d LOVE to see a photo of you in it!!!

That’s all for today, but I plan to keep this updated as this is an ever changing situation. If I didn’t answer your question, please don’t hesitate to reach out or comment below! I wish you all the best, and hope you’re staying safe and healthy!!