Many weddings/events are being affected by COVID-19 (the corona virus). I’m so sorry if this includes yours.

With stricter border control, self-isolation requirements and mass-gathering restrictions it is a tricky time to navigate, especially if you planned on getting married soon. You may have had to postpone your pre-wedding events, wedding day or honeymoon. I have heard many heartbreaking stories of situations like these just in my personal circle and I know there are many more. Today, I just wanted to quickly address what photographers and the wedding industry are doing to help, whether postponing your wedding is the best idea for you and what you can do to stay positive in this crazy time.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

In general, us wedding photographers we are very connected and communicate with each other often, via Facebook groups and personal connections. I know many of us are working together to make sure your event is covered if it’s still going ahead or make every effort to accommodate your new date.

Maybe your day going to be a bit different to how you envisioned it. A registry wedding or small elopement now, and a party down the track might be the perfect solution. I’m lucky to have not had many clients affected so far, since skipping the current NZ wedding season and staying in London. But I can totally vouch for all my industry friends, we are here to help! I loved this blogpost from Together Journal, make sure to have a read.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

Every single person has been affected by COVID-19 in some way, whether it’s your health, family, work, business, day-to-day life or travel plans. On a personal note, I’ve have a few shoots cancelled and my weekend work here in London setting up sleepovers affected too. Upcoming travel plans are not looking likely. It’s been tough to reconcile this in my mind but I’m trying to stay positive and I know Europe will always be there for a holiday at a later date. Thinking realistically I still have so much to be grateful for and am in a better position than many. This doesn’t invalidate my disappointment but I’m thankful all the same. Nothing is confirmed yet, and I still have some commitments here in London so I won’t make any announcements today, but I may be on my way home to NZ sooner than planned.

BE WISE

Even if you are young, healthy and not scared of contracting the virus (like most of us will at some point), we all have a part to play in slowing the spread and protecting the vulnerable and elderly in our world. As well as reducing the overload on our healthcare services. Read about flattening the curve if you haven’t already.

Try not to live in fear. Be responsible. Don’t panic buy. If everyone just gets what they need for themselves and their family, we will all have enough. We are not going to starve or run out of loo roll forever.

STAY POSITIVE IN ISOLATION

If you find yourself under isolation, working-from-home, or practicing social distancing, try to keep yourself sane and see the positives. Let me know what your doing/reading/watching if this is you! Here are a few ideas of what you could do while under isolation…

• Work from home if possible.
• Make some new Pinterest boards.
• Books, Podcasts and TV.
• Meditate.
• Find some home exercises on YouTube.
• Get fresh air when possible.
• FaceTime your friends.
• Do a Skillshare/online course.
• Journal + write down gratitudes.
• Start a new hobby.
• Play board-games.
• Colouring-in, painting or drawing.
• Cook, bake, get creative in the kitchen.
• Practice your photography skills, even on your phone.
• Have a video call hangout in your friends group chat.
• Send someone an encouraging message, random acts of kindness can still be digital.
• Research and choose a charity to support.
• Check in on friends you haven’t talked to in while.
• Cull your wardrobe/cupboards.
• Get around to your DIY home projects.
• Spring clean your home.
• Pray.
  
  For businesses:
• Knuckle down on your branding work.
• Create some blog content.
• Serve your clients online.
• Plan for the future.
  
  

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Worry is normal, panic is not productive. Be wary of the 24 hour news cycle. Be the gatekeeper of the opinions you let in and believe. Listen to the government not just your favourite influencer. Take advice from qualified medical professionals and verified studies. Your thoughts are powerful, be aware of what you’re filling your mind with.

I have caught myself obsessively reading news articles and struggling to sleep some nights with my mind racing, it doesn’t help anything. I want to be a positive person and platform during this time. Spread encouragement not fear. Community and connection is still important, even if it’s not physical. Stay in touch online. Aren’t we lucky to have this way of communicating and keeping in each others lives?

We will get through eventually and we can still celebrate your love. Sending you all my love for now, be well and wash your hands x