Newborns...might just be the cutest
So a year ago I decided that I wanted to be a newborn photographer. I had determined that I did not want to do weddings and the younger the kids were the more fun I had with them. My coworker was pregnant with twins and asked me to take their pictures and I figured this was a great way to dip my toes into newborn photography.
Now if you know anything about me, and even if you don't I'm about to tell you, you will know that I love to research. I'm pretty sure Google is my literal best friend. I don't know what I did before Google and what I'd ever do without it. Anyways, when I was asked to take these newborn pictures I went out and did a crap ton of research. I found many ways to be a newborn photographer and everyone differed in their techniques, props, lighting, prices, etc. Taking all of this new found research and information I shot my first newborns. I used natural light and limited props and I was so happy with the pictures. Newborns were harder to work with then I thought but I was getting the hang of it.
I wanted to do more newborn pictures right away but I didn't know how to get people to pay to have their newborn pictures taken by someone with very limited experience. Several months later I was asked by a consistent client to take pictures of her foster sons, one of which was a month old only weighing 7 lbs. It was another chance to take newborn-like pictures. These were taken in the clients home, were very relaxed and lifestyle. I also liked how these turned out but wished that I had brought a few more baskets and props to create a more posed style. This was great, because I was learning what my style is with newborns. (Due to privacy purposes with foster care, I won't be posting these images. Potential clients can request to see them if needed for reference/portfolio purposes).
I still wasn't getting the response I wanted with newborns and so I have decided to take on a new approach. FREE PICTURES! There is something about that word free that makes people just want it. I haven't done this yet but I'm sure that if I were to post on Facebook that I was giving away free newborn sessions there would be people wanting to have a child just so they could get free pictures taken. That is the power the word free has on people. Anyways, I reached out to a coworker of mine who was just about to have a baby and asked if I could take free pictures. This little guy was 11 days old when I took his pictures and he refused to go to sleep. I learned how wiggly babies can be especially when they don't want to be swaddled. I also learned that I love detail shots. I have another shoot lined up in the fall and 3 more potential clients I am going to reach out to for free pictures. I'm grateful for these opportunities to increase my portfolio and give families beautiful pictures.
