For the last 18 months or so, we have lived through a living nightmare of pandemic that decimated families, communities and the world.  It is called COVID-19. This virus continues to devastate the world and is teaching scientists, world leaders and the health industry many things.  For example, many world leaders are learning how important it is to get ahead of this virulent disease by putting in place mask mandates and stay-at-home requirements to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.  Scientists continue to gather data so as to make an educated projection of where and how COVID-19 may spread, and continue to infect populations around the world. 

COVID-19 continues to overwhelm economies and small business the world over. Many families that have been confined to their apartments and homes are suffering terribly from this relatively unknown pestilence. Relatives of COVID-19 hospitalized patients suffered tremendous mental and emotional stresses because their relatives were dying without them being at the bedside for those final moments. In addition, relatives were unable to bury their relatives appropriately.  

My take away from this experience, as a photographer and a father, is a greater appreciation for my family.  I have photographed and printed many images of us together.  We must enjoy family and our times together with them.  I am sure many of you missed hugging and holding loved ones.  Video-conferencing helped us get through this phase of the pandemic but nothing replaces the intimate feel of a hug, a kiss, and holding hands.  

What I did to continue to photographing those willing to be photographed and remain socially distanced was offer porch-portraits.  As a photographer in Virginia area, I offer the opportunity to photograph them on their porch.  You can avoid touching, you are in the open air, and the setting is familiar to the client.  For the brave, it worked seamlessly.  We still do our pre-consultation and reveal via video conferencing software and in person when appropriate.  This is a great time of year to get into the swing of things by offering porch-portraits to your clients.  Add them to your repertoire and offerings you may just like them. 

Remember that a picture with worth a thousand memories but a professional portrait created by Leonard Bethel Fine Art Photography is priceless.