Hey everyone! I know things have been quiet on my end for some time. As I mentioned in an update in December, I have a lot of things happening personally this year so I am not as active with work as normal. But I am still editing proofs in between all these family events, outings & out-of-state trips. But something new has risen…
THE SUN & I ARE NOT GETTING ALONG…
Many of you who have worked with me or know me personally know I have a light “sun allergy”. But lately, it has become an increasing problem, not just the sun, but heat as well. I know it has not got extremely hot here in Oak Harbor. But when it does get warm, the little bit of heat from outside (or even driving in my car) and the heat that builds in my house is affecting me. My arms, back of neck, throat and hands are either breaking out in a rash, swelling or itching or doing all three. Because my office is upstairs, it’s warmer there making it even more difficult to sit and work. Please understand that I am doing my best to work early in the morning (when it’s cool) to get as much editing done as I can. In the evening, the room is too warm for me, I just can’t bare it.
I saw my doctor who ordered 10 different blood tests (yep, 10 tubes of blood) and referred me to a dermatologist. That dermatologist did two biopsy’s and ordered more lab tests. The results are that I have an auto-immune disease. They are not sure which (there are 3 possibilities), but they are thinking it’s Lupus (there are also 3 types of Lupus). So, I am now waiting for a rheumatologist visit where I will soon get more definitive answers.
Because of this sensitivity with the sun, I am no longer available for on-location sessions. Normally, I could wear a long sleeve shirt/sweater and I would be fine. But now it seems to not make a difference. So until this matter with my sensitivity is resolved or under control, I can only do in-studio sessions.
If you recently scheduled an on-location session with me, we can either switch to studio or I can give you a refund. Also, I am more than happy to refer you to other photographers in the area whose style & quality are similar to mine. I can also transfer your deposit to them as well if you would like.
As for session availability, I am unavailable for full sessions until after I return from an out-of-state trip in August. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Thank you for you understanding with this matter and I am so sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
CLOSING IN MARCH…
I know we are still months away, but as most of you know my schedule fills up fast. And because I specialize in pregnancy & newborn sessions, those usually get scheduled far ahead of time. So, I just want to keep you all informed that I am still planning to close in March (2015) as stated in December. We are still unsure if my husband will get orders to stay here. Everything is literally up in the air, which is kind of frustrating. But as I find out more, I will let you all know.
Please note that if we do stay, I will not be taking in any clients for a while. I am taking a break and at this time, I only plan on doing model sessions for businesses in my Portrait Coterie program.
If I change my mind, I will let you all know. But as of now, I am already looking forward to volunteering & getting more involved at my kids’ schools as well as doing some personal projects at home. So, not sure what my schedule will look like until we get there.
UNTIL THEN…
I will be opening my schedule for September in August. I have on more trip in October (out of the state again). So, I will be limited still in how many sessions I can take in so that I do not get too far behind with proofs between packing, unpacking and so on.
I will be offering School Portrait Mini Sessions (September) as well as Christmas Mini Sessions (November). Sign ups for those will start about one month before their scheduled dates. Those mini sessions take place for two days with limited time slots available for their dates. Newsletter subscribers will get the info first, so if you want to be on that list, click HERE to join.
And just in case you didn’t see these. Here are the upcoming closure dates, which are when I will be traveling out of the area and/or state. This may also cause a slight delay with proofs in these months since I will not be taking any computers with me when I am gone.
- June 21- July 5
- August 1- 15
- September 25-29
- October 13-21
- November 22- Jan 10, 2015
UPDATE (9/22/14): Doctor’s have confirmed that I do not have Lupus. But that I have a sun allergy as part of my eczema. I will have good days and bad days. As of right now, I am still not going to take any risks until I continue to get healthier (changing my diet) and can feel confident out in the sun. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers while I went through the tests.
by Renee Giugliano Photography
Jessica Danese - Hi there! Should I call now so we can schedule my son’s mini 6 month shoot? We are the contest winners 🙂 also, I ordered a couple of prints from the 3 month session, about how long does that take?