A North East photography studio is sharing its anniversary with babies born during the Coronavirus outbreak by offering a very special gift.
The team at Darlington-based Camera A are celebrating the firm’s 38th anniversary by offering all babies born at the town’s Memorial Hospital in May a complementary ‘new-born’ photoshoot and framed print.
Jane Quaintrell, co-owner of Camera A said: “Coronavirus has massively impacted our business, most of which comes from weddings, due to the closure of venues and postponement of the special occasions. But we also know that there are happy events happening at Darlington Memorial Hospital that we wanted to add a little cheer to during this dark time.
“The NHS teams are working under immense pressure throughout the hospital and, having had both of my children there, I know just how hard the team on the maternity ward work. This is a particularly troubling time to have a baby, with new mothers and babies forced to isolate for 12 weeks, unable to introduce their new bundle of joy to family for a significant period.”
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is an incredibly generous offer and new mums already receiving their voucher are very touched and excited at the prospect of having a professionally taken photo.
“Childbirth is still a very exciting time, despite Coronavirus, and our maternity teams are working hard supporting mums emotionally as well as clinically. Even with visitor restrictions we want to ensure they have the best possible experience during and after the birth of their baby.”
The photographers, which is still co-owned by founder, and Jane’s mum, Ann Simmons, launched the initiative by providing birthday cakes to the staff at the hospital’s labour ward and are looking forward to meeting the new arrivals at their studio.
Jane added: “Being in business for 38 years is a huge milestone that we are very proud to have achieved. We have grown to offer not only wedding and family photography, but also editorial and press shoots with a skilled team.
“While COVID-19 is leaving its mark, we want to do the same and hope that by spreading a little positivity we can brighten the first few months of these newborn’s lives and give them a positive memento to keep forever when we’re able to reopen our studio.”
For more information about Camera A, please visit www.cameraa.co.uk