Last updated January 2021
From the Owner:
As we enter the final weeks of what is without a doubt been one of the most challenging and surreal years in recent history, I wanted to take this opportunity to proactively reach out to all of my clients as together we thoughtfully consider the many unknowns ahead. Like you, I remain hopeful that life in 2021 will slowly start to resemble the “normal” that we were once familiar with. I share in the disappointment and strain of postponed or cancelled events. I know that this year has been a source of real heartache and stress for many of you. This has also been a very difficult year for the small business community—particularly those of us in the events industry. More than ever, I’m grateful to have a such a wonderful community of clients who have adapted with me as we’ve faced the challenges of this season. I have also been so encouraged and inspired by the creativity so many of my clients have shown this year as they revamped their plans and reenvisioned many beautiful ways to safely celebrate their wedding days. I feel lucky to have been invited to document several of these intimate celebrations and can confirm that the significance and beauty of a marriage celebration does not hinge on guest count! It feels exciting to know and trust that weddings in some form will continue to be possible—and I remain committed to be there with my cameras to capture these memories in whatever form they take.
Best,
Mark
In anticipation of the many possible directions clients may choose to pursue for their 2021 events, I wanted to take this early opportunity to update you on MSP’s planned approach to the months ahead.
FAQ
*the information below is in direct response to the coronavirus outbreak. Changes in wedding plans not directly related to the COVID-19 outbreak will be treated on a case-by-case basis per the terms of our contract(s). The details and offerings below also hinge on cheerful and reliable communication between client and MSP.
Addressing Event Reschedules
While I remain optimistic and am anticipating events being able to move forward as planned, I’m also aware of the possibility that coronavirus may continue to affect events next year and some 2021 couples may look towards postponing their events into 2022. Unfortunately, my business does not have the capacity to sustain another season of mass postponements. In the spirit of transparency, these postponements have such a significant financial impact to my business—from both lost anticipated income in the current year and from the inability to then book new work on those dates the following year, that the financial viability of my business would simply be unsustainable into 2022 if I accommodated another season of postponements across the board. This means that in the event that COVID still persists in a way that makes it possible to host a wedding in some form (outside of a true lockdown scenario [which would categorically fall into the Force Majeure section of our contract])—my hope and expectation would be that we would work together to find a creative way to allow a version of your celebration to still happen and be photographed safely in some form, even if the original vision needs to be scaled down from a guest count perspective. If you decide that you instead want to reschedule your wedding for a date in 2022 that I have calendar availability for, this will require a rebooking fee of 50% to reflect current pricing and to account for the loss of MSP’s ability to book new work on that date. Your existing payments would also be transferred to this new date. Especially after a season of nearly all of my 2020 weddings being cancelled or postponed, I'm needing to be strict on my rescheduling policy. As a small business owner in the age of COVID-19, I am simultaneously trying to protect and evaluate the financial stability of my business in the long-term while also remaining committed to the human connection that motivates the core of what I do. Of course my hope is that COVID-19 and its effects will be significantly reduced by next summer and fall, but hopefully this context helps to explain my planned response if the issues we're facing now continue to persist.
What if we choose to change the size & scope of our wedding celebration?
2020 has certainly taught us all a lesson in adaptability. I’m happy to report that each of the intimate celebrations I’ve been a part of this past season have been incredibly special—and the photos I’ve been privileged to make for clients have been some of the most meaningful images I’ve taken in my 8 years of wedding photography. (check out this blog post to see some of them!) If you choose to transition your initial wedding plans into an elopement or significantly more intimate celebration to avoid the potential risks associated with larger crowds, we can transition your existing payments to this celebration and re-evaluate an appropriate package to suit the scope of your new plans. Please reach out to discuss the possibilities. Keep in mind that my pricing is primarily structured around the scope of photography needs rather than guest count. I am happy to discuss this as it relates to your specific event plans.
What happens if MSP becomes sick or quarantined before our wedding?
If MSP becomes sick with symptoms of COVID-19 or am quarantined and unable to photograph your wedding, MSP will contact you as early as possible to keep you appraised of the situation. MSP will make quick efforts to connect you with a substitute photographer in the event of its inability to perform (See substitute photographer clause in our contract). In the event of such a substitution, MSP will edit your photos to ensure that they are processed in a manor consistent with its brand.
What happens if we choose to reschedule our wedding for a date that MSP is not available?
In the event that you choose to reschedule your wedding to a date that Mark Spooner is not personally available to photograph, MSP will make quick efforts to connect you with a substitute photographer to function as an associate shooter for the day (See transfer of services clause in our contract). In these circumstances, Mark Spooner would then take care of editing and delivering all images to ensure that the final product is in-line with the look & feel of MSP’s brand.
What happens to our reservation fee if we choose to cancel or do not want to work with an associate photographer?
I understand that a variety of circumstances may motivate clients to cancel their wedding celebrations all together. Per the terms of our contract, the reservation fee(s) paid are non-refundable. I’m certainly sympathetic to the challenges of this situation and the many moving parts of these decisions—and would be happy to connect to talk through how we might otherwise allocate these funds towards another shoot (family photos, couples shoot, elopement or other) within calendar year 2021.
What steps is MSP taking to ensure photographers and clients are staying healthy?
Now, more than ever, we are vigilant about our hygiene—making sure to wash our hands frequently and robustly. We are also careful to limit physical contact with photography clients and other event guests. All photographers are wearing masks at all events.
Careful monitoring of the CDC and other health organization updates
Avoiding unnecessary travel and large crowds as possible
Careful monitoring of personal staff health, diet and sleep
Regular testing after and before events as possible.
MSP has developed a COVID-19 information and safety agreement that it is asking all clients to complete before their photography sessions.
Are there helpful resources we can use as we continue to evaluate options?
Confirm your cancellation or postponement policy with wedding insurance you may have purchased!
Please check out this blog post I wrote about the many advantages of hosting an intimate wedding