Uggh! As a working photographer who loves family sessions, it's so difficult to have to say no to anything that sounds fun or interesting. When the Front Porch Sessions started popping up in Facebook and in the news, I read the posts and viewpoints of photographers who were for it, and the ones who were against it. Each side has valid points...it's great to support a local charity and provide some distraction to those who are self-isolating.

But, sadly, photography is not an essential service. We are not supposed to be out and about at this time. When asked that only one family member do the shopping once a week if needed, then how can anyone justify doing these photo sessions? 

From the Professional Photographers Of Canada website:

What does Social or Physical Distancing mean?

This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:

• avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
• avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g. older adults and those in poor health)
• keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible

For these reasons, PPOC recommends canceling or postponing all photography sessions involving people, as well as any photography assignments not in accordance with federal and provincial regulations.

Being a member in good standing with Professional Photographers of Canada, I want to do the ethical thing, so it is with regret that I won't offer something like this to my community. And, personally, I think there are much greater concerns that need to be dealt with at this time. Being a good citizen and staying home is how I can help right now. I'm sure once this is over, there will be many opportunities to help my community and I'm looking forward to that time. In the meantime, I will be working on ideas to connect to my community and help however I can, once it is safe to do so.

PPOC has a Covid-19 page full of information for its members, and anyone who works in our industry. If you think it might be helpful, here it is. 

Stay safe, everyone, and if you want to have a virtual coffee, or glass or wine, with me, I'd be thrilled to do that. 

Terrill