Are you considering getting into newborn photography? When I began my photography journey, I always wanted to specialize in newborn, but I was intimidated. I didn't know how to wrap, I didn't know how to pose, I didn't have the props and wraps that it seemed like you needed. It seemed like a huge mountain to climb to learn this niche! And it was! I made mistakes along the way, I learned, I adjusted. So I wanted to write this blog post to help those that are like I was, wanting to try, but afraid, and unsure where to start. I hope this helps you to avoid my missteps as a new Space Coast newborn photographer, and gives you a head start on your artistic newborn photography journey.
5 Steps to Learn Newborn Photography
Take In-Person Mentoring Classes
The absolute most important aspect of newborn photography is the safety of the baby. Taking in person classes from an experienced, skilled, and training newborn photographer who can teach you all the safety must do's for a newborn session should be your first priority. I personally recommend at least one, one on one session with a mentor. Group sessions are also available and extremely valuable, but the information you can absorb in a one on one session is unmatched. You get unlimited access to the mentor's knowledge, you have the time to get all of your questions answered, and can get much more hands on time.
Learn about Lighting and Posing
Whether you choose to use studio lighting or be a natural light photographer, learning lighting and posing that is specific to newborn photography is essential. As a space coast newborn photographer, the natural light in Florida can be unpredicatable, so I chose to learn studio light. I began with a constant light - 0/5 stars do not recommend. At least not the cheap one that I got. Studio lighting can be intimidating and expensive, but there are less expensive options and if you do step 1 above, you will also learn about lighting and posing. Lighting and posing newborns is so much different than children or adults, it's an art AND a science. You'll want proper lighting, and you'll want the right posers/tools so that you can bump baby in the most flattering positions. Study images and angles from your favorite photographers
Become Familiar with Editing Tools like Lightroom, Photoshop, and AI
Once you know the style of imagery you want to be known for, it's time to start learning editing tools. When I began photographer, I picked up lightroom fairly quickly but I had no idea how to use photoshop. Taking online editing courses, watching videos on You Tube, or learning in person from mentors is so helpful in getting familiar with a complex software. Don't get frustrated, just keep trying and it will become second nature to you. Once you're established and making an income, you can also look into hiring an editor to assist with that work if it's not your favorite part of the job. I personally love the editing part and have my process down to a science.
Do Not Overbuy
It might feel like you need ALL THE THINGS, but you do not. Fight the urge to buy a million different wraps and props. You'll need something to pose on (a table is my preference, but many photographers use a posing bean bag), two underwraps (these do not have to be pretty), and 3-4 neutral/universal wraps. A cream/white, a tan, a pink, a blue, and another neutral or color you love. For prop poses, you can being with just a low bowl and a bed. I recommend you first start looking in destash groups to get the basics. Often times you'll find really great items for amazing prices. Once you are making an income, you can begin to build your prop closest. You may also want to get one or two outfits as well. You can use fabrics for the floor background under the props or get a few mini drops from places like Fancy Fabric or Intuition. So many of us get excited to start and we buy way more than our budget should allow, don't make that mistake out of the gate.
Price Yourself Appropriately
While you are building your profile, you still need to value your time and energy. You'll want to do model calls to practice, to get images for your website and social media outlets, but you also do not have to over give. You don't have to give 30 images. And do not compare and select your prices based on the local photographers in your area. Start by listing out your costs of doing business, calculating the time you spend in sessions and editing, and price yourself to at minimum make a living wage. When you run the numbers, you may find that so many photographers are making less than minimum wage and getting burnt out quickly. Explore print shops that carry products you love that you know your clients will swoon over so that you can offer these beautiful options to tell this chapter of their family's story. Test out some products, most professional labs will offer sample prices so you can try and see what you love. You can also attend photographer expos to see what your favorite items are that align with the brand you are building.
So What's Next?
These steps are meant to just give you a general roadmap to get started and give you a bit a of a headstart so that you don't have to figure it all out on your own. They just scratch the surface and there are a lot more topics in each area that can help you to grow and build. Continue learning, continue asking questions.
What would you like to hear more about, learn more about? I'd love to hear so that I can continue to share with you my biggest tips on what to do and what not to do!
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