Question for those who photograph babies

[NicoleScraps]

I had two babies scheduled this week to photograph. One is about a week old, one is about a month old.
I ended up calling both of the mothers and asking if we could reschedule for next week sometime because both of my boys are sick with the flu. I feel fine. I could have left them with my husband. But I just felt that if there was a chance that I could expose those little ones to the germs in my family, that wouldn't be right....even though, like I said, I am fine and everything probably would be okay. I told both moms that I would reschedule once we were fever free for 24 hours in our home.
Now, I am going back and forth about this decision. I know on one level, the mommy level, that it was the right thing to do. But on a professional level, was it right? I mean, if I make an appointment and they pay me, should I make it happen no matter what? It was not an issue of my boys needing care from me. My husband works from home and could have stepped in. I explained this to both mothers and they both actually thanked me for doing things this way. But I still have that little bit of doubt in my head that maybe I should have went ahead with the photos to honor the original appointment time.
What do you think?

[SusanH1970]

I'd have explained the situation to the moms and let them decide. Some wouldn't want to chance it, others would be fine with you coming over as long as you felt okay (and scrubbed up to the elbows like a surgeon before handling the babies, lol).

[RLucas]

New busines name. "Typhoid Photography".
I don't shoot babies, but I feel you did the right thing.

[NicoleScraps]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I'd have explained the situation to the moms and let them decide. Some wouldn't want to chance it, others would be fine with you coming over as long as you felt okay (and scrubbed up to the elbows like a surgeon before handling the babies, lol).

That is a good suggestion. I guess in the future, I will put the ball in their court, so to speak.

Originally Posted by RLucas

New busines name. "Typhoid Photography".
I don't shoot babies, but I feel you did the right thing.

LOL @ Typhoid Photography!

[melinda.larson]

I think you did the right thing. I just had my son in September, and I personally would have really appreciated it. When we were in the hospital, they had a photographer taking pictures of the newborn babies. It was a great idea, except she was sneezing and coughing all over the place, and then attempted to handle my 12 hour old son. I'll never know if she was a good photographer or not, because I didn't let her near my son, and neither did the other mothers there.
From my standpoint as a mother, it's always better to call and ask. Whether they risk it or not, they'll appreciate your consideration. It's better than getting their babies sick and probably losing their future business.

[Jim Poor]

To quote Moose Peterson "No photograph is worth endangering the welfare of your subject."

Yes, he's a nature guy, but it applies across the board. I recently completely gutted my studio and started over because someone brought me a dog with Parvo.

[candidrachel]

You did the right thing Nicole. Its just not worth the risk and the guilt in case the little ones cought something. I would have done the same thing.

[dakwegmo]

I'd say either tell them about it and cancel, or don't tell them about and do the shoot. Don't tell them your concern then do the shoot. If their child ends up sick anytime in the two weeks after the session, the parents are going to blame you for getting their child sick. As such, they're not likely to look favorably on anything you do. Which could mean not only a loss in sales and repeat business from that client, but all the friends and family that they will tell about their experience with you. Then there's the ever-present possibility of getting sued.

On the other hand, if you don't tell them, and the baby ends up sick after the shoot, then they'll likely never associate the illness with you, but any of the myriad other places they take their baby in the world. If you're going to choose this option though, you should be extra cautious about avoiding exposing yourself and the newborn to anything your kids might have.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

To quote Moose Peterson "No photograph is worth endangering the welfare of your subject."

Yes, he's a nature guy, but it applies across the board. I recently completely gutted my studio and started over because someone brought me a dog with Parvo.

Jesus, Jim, what was that guy thinking? But you're right!

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

To quote Moose Peterson "No photograph is worth endangering the welfare of your subject."

Yes, he's a nature guy, but it applies across the board. I recently completely gutted my studio and started over because someone brought me a dog with Parvo.

Wait. Someone brought you a deathly sick dog to photograph? Parvo acts fast. Did they know when they brought it?