The Baby Issue

Editor - Creative Director Anamaria Brandt Graphic Design Kelli Campbell

www.bellybabymag.com MATERNITY GOWNS AND BABY

www.bellybabywear.com FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/bellybabymag

We are so grateful to those who contributed images to this Magazine. This list is of those who contributed the Alisha Cory

Allyson Barth

Amy Jo Finley

Ana Brandt

Annmurry Photography

Andrea Trifunovic

Andria Lancaster

Anna Alesci

Anna Heenan

A.S. Photography

Benedetta Vallone

Bibi Lalbihari

Brooke Lattik Photography

Liliana Martin

Lina Lodico

Lori Lesh

LuAnn Warner-Prokos

Maureen Jeanblanc

Michelle Rose

Michelle Dominey

Michelle Howatt

Michelle Patereau

Mira Nachtigall

MJ Biasi

Patrick Boutros

Quibby-Made Photography

Brown Bunny Photography

Bryana Capen

Cathy Murai

Corie Walker

Cristina Seal

Dawn Geraghty

Denise Lewinski

Elise Northfield

Erica Cruz

Erin Young

Geniann Elliott

Heather Davis

Janelle Perez

Jennifer Gulizia

Jennifer Trego

Jessica Cook

Jessica Thomas

Joanna Law

Karimelly Photography

Karine Barbeau

Kate Rezanko-Prajs

Katie Lintern

Kelly Thompson

Kim Shimer

Knowles Photography

Kristen Barker

Kristin Hazel

Laura Rose

Racheal Trail Photography

Sara McPhetridge

Saskia Colonna

Serreh Burritt

Shannon Bailey

Shonda Feather

Sheila Buhr

Stacey Ash

Trisha Harris

Valerie Clement

Veleska Martin

Yvette Testa

Lauren Leland

Wunderkind Photography by SAF

Image shown here Ana Brandt Photography

From the editor

We are heading deep into May and yet most of the world is still trying to follow stay at home orders. I know newborn photographers everywhere are missing their newborn baby clients and everything that goes with newborn photography.

These images come from 66 Photographers over the world, and hopefully they can inspire you for when we are all able to go back to work again and enjoy our true passion.

For the love and safety of newborns everywhere around the world, we thank you for your love and dedication to the craft.

As many of you start back to work, we know that we will all be a little cleaner and safer as we venture into a new type of “normal�. Wearing masks, protecting the environment and keeping clean will be a huge priority for many.

I hope you all stay safe, but more importantly keep motivated and do not give up.

Ana Brandt

Jessica Cook

10 Tips for Soothing Babies……………………10 Newborn Mini Sessions…………………..…..…14 The Newborn Questionnaire……………..……32 Client Prep……………………………………………36 Must Haves for Newborn Photography……39 Marketing for Newborns………………………. 50 What’s in Your Cart……………………….………96 Hiring and Working with an Assistant……. 126

Stacey Ash

Trisha Harris







Shonda Feather

As a fine art Dallas newborn photographer with over 10-years of experience and mother to three children, I have soothed a lot of babies over the years. While every baby has a different personality and preferred methods that calm them, I have discovered a number of tools that are almost always universally helpful when soothing a fussy baby.

Lindsay Walden Photography www.lindsaywaldenphotography.com

1.

Warmth: During a newborn session, we want to create a womb-like

environment. The first step towards achieving this is to heat our studio and utilize a space heater during certain portions of the session. We are always careful to regulate baby’s temperature so they do not get too warm.

2.

Feeding & Diapers: These may seem like obvious things to check, but a

clean diaper and making certain baby is well fed should not be overlooked if a baby is fussy. These should be the first things that are considered.

3.

Swaddling: Continuing with the womb-like theme we often begin our

sessions by swaddling baby. Nearly every baby LOVES this. They are used to being pretty cramped in the womb and having their limbs close in tight to their bodies can be very comforting. Even the fussiest baby will usually settle and fall asleep once they are swaddled snuggly.

4.

White Noise: Babies have been listening to the constant sounds of the

womb. Complete silence and/or startling loud sounds can be disconcerting.

During newborn sessions, we always keep constant white noise running nearby at a moderate level.

5.

Rubbing Brow: When I’m posing a baby and they are not quite fully asleep I will often

rub my finger over their brow gently in a back and forth motion. If they don’t seem to like that I will gently press between their brows with my thumb. Not every baby responds to this, but a lot love it.

6.

Soother: Many babies can use a little extra help to settle. During a newborn session,

we use soothies (pacifiers or dummies) on a very limited basis, but they can definitely be helpful.

7.

Rocking: Babies are used to the gentle rocking motion of their mother’s movements

while in the womb. If we have a baby who hasn’t settled using the above attempts we will sometimes rock them gently to help them settle.

8.

Tucking Knees: When babies are gassy it often helps to tuck their little knees up

against their chest. A lot of our poses involve this position which works out well because they look adorable.

9.

Patting Back: To help alleviate gas we will often stop to pat a baby's back or bottom

usually in combination with other methods like rocking or shushing.

10.

Be patient and stay calm: This is our top tip for both newborn photographers and

new parents. If we get frustrated or anxious that can easily reflect back on your baby's mood. So stay calm, try different methods and if they do not work try something new, then come back to the methods you have tried. You'll figure it out. And most of all enjoy those baby cuddles!




Quibby-Made Photography

By Kristin Baker

Newborn mini sessions are such a hot topic in the industry right now. They’re somewhat controversial given the stigma around mini sessions. Photographers fear them, as they are often unsure of how to make them profitable, time efficient, and not give away everything but the kitchen sink. There’s a misconception that mini sessions won’t translate to larger sales. However, most clients love the idea of a smaller investment and still being able to get beautiful photos of their babies. When executed the correct way, these newborn mini sessions can be a great thing for your business. Here is a guide of how to make newborn minis worth your time and add a little happiness to your bank account as well!

First and foremost, price yourself profitably! Just because it is a mini session, does not mean you should be giving it all away! You should be pricing your sessions based upon your cost of doing business and these sessions are no exception. Take into account the amount of time you will spend interacting with a client, designing the sets, shooting, editing, and delivering the images. While you may spend the same amount of time as a regular session when interacting with the client beforehand to outline what to expect for the session and for the delivery of images and/or products; you should be spending significantly less time working with the baby and editing.

Secondly, keep it minimal! This is going to be different than a holiday mini where you spend 15-20 minutes with a client. Yes, you will spend more time, but it should not be multiple hours in a session either. What I have found works best is a 30-45 minute session including a very small amount of images. If you are giving away more than five images or spending more than an hour, it is no longer a mini and should not be priced that way! Set the precedent with your clients and let them know, these sessions are a smaller investment given the lesser amount of time that they take. Just because you are with that baby for a shorter time, does not mean you are unable to successfully capture a multitude of images for your client!

Kristin Baker

Kristin Baker

What I have found works best is a 30-45 minute session including a very small amount of images. If you are giving away more than five images or spending more than an hour, it is no longer a mini and should not be priced that way!

Time is your most valuable asset so do not spend a ton of time working on one pose that baby is fighting you on! I have found that a wrapped mini is the way to go. Clients love this because they get a large variety for a smaller investment. I love this because it takes me a few minutes to settle the baby and then I am golden! I wrap the baby in 1-2 “under wraps” to keep them cozy and settled. By doing this can be sure I have a great, round shape for my wraps and baby feels secure when being moved from prop to prop. I will have my 3-4 sets already designed when the client arrives with the “pretty wraps” laid out for each one.

Once I get baby settled, I will change the top wrap but can easily move baby from set to set without disturbing them.

Be sure to place baby in a prop that can be photographed from several angles. Look closely at your composition and make sure you are getting multiple looks from each setup.

It takes less than a minute to change a tiebacks or add a bonnet; that minute can equate to extra money in your pocket! If executed correctly, you should be able to get 5-7 images per setup. Even if baby took a few minutes to settle when wrapped, you’ve already got yourself covered when the amount of images you’ll need in one single setup. However, the more looks that you can offer in a short amount of time, the better. As an added bonus, grab a few macro shots of those tiny details!

Kristin Baker

Upsell, upsell, upsell! Some clients will take the bare minimum of what is included and that is certainly ok. If you priced yourself profitably from the beginning, you just got some extra money in your pocket from what was maybe 2 hours of work total for one session.

However, so many will struggle to walk away when they see 20 different, beautiful images of their little one. Play on that emotion and upsell that gallery! Whether you are IPS or digital sales, these sessions can be extremely profitable!

All in all, and when executed profitably and efficiently, these mini sessions are an amazing thing for our industry! Clients that maybe wouldn’t have booked get the opportunity to have their babies photographed and now have you as their go-to photographer for future milestones. It gives us photographers the opportunity to extend our client reach, cuddle some more babies, put extra money in our bank accounts, and create beautiful images!

Kristin Baker Photography + Design www.kristinbakerphotography.com

Kristin Baker




Wunderkind Photography by SAF




Racheal Trail

Benedetta Valone




Anna Alesci




Quibby-Made Photography




Joanna Law




Joanna Law




Shonda Feather




Joanna Law




Saskia Colonna

Brooke Lattik




Trisha Harris

By Carrie C arpunky

Each & every client that books a newborn session receives a slew of information.

Contracts, model releases, but most important is the questionnaire. This information is going to give you the tools to style their newborn session to fit into their home as a piece of art they will love for years. You can add anything to your questionnaire to make it easier the day of their session to prep before your client arrives. As soon as I arrive to the studio the morning before they arrive, I open up their questionnaire & start pulling the fabrics & props I think they will love, based on their answers to the questionnaire!

I use Iris-Works and can build my questionnaires in that software & they auto send in my welcome information. So, let’s talk about what information to include. I always collect mom & dad’s names & Contact information. Then due dates, if they know the gender, & if they have names picked out. I also ask if there are siblings, so I can prepare for those shots as well. The day of their session, I open the questionnaire & put baby's name on a chalkboard sign outside of the studio welcoming them.

Parents always love it & take photos tagging back to the business.

Next, I want to know colors: colors in the nursery (or theme) and then colors of the walls where they will most likely be hanging photos. This will give you an idea of the colors they like so you can pull props & fabrics in the colors they prefer. I ask if they have props that they have seen on my page & then if they have special interests, they would like incorporated into the session. I try to do one set of something they love whether it is super heroes, Harry Potter, or even a career. I have police uniforms, firefighter & even nurse outfits & love incorporating little pieces of their lives into the session.

It is always good to be armed with as much information so you can be prepared for the session, so I also ask if there is a known medical condition with the baby. This could be anything from club foot, Down’s Syndrome, or Spina Bifida. If there is a medical condition you are working with, just be sure to touch base with mom before her session & find out what restrictions you will be facing with posing. Being prepared will give you a chance to prepare for what poses will be possible & how you might need to modify a pose due to casting, bracing, surgery sites, or movement restrictions.

The more information you arm yourself with before the session, the easier it will be when you are in the studio preparing.

Lina L

Carrie Carpunky Photography. www.carriecarpunky.com Newborn Questionnaire Mom & Dad’s Names Contact info Approximate Due Date Do you know the gender of the baby Do you have the name picked out?

Will there be siblings photographed? What are the names & ages?

What is the theme or what are the colors of the nursery?

Are there particular props you have seen in my photos you would like to use?

Do you have specific hobbies or interested you would like to incorporate in your session? (IE Harry Potter, Superheroes, or a career) What colors are in your house where you will be hanging photos?

Are there any special circumstances or medical concerns with baby?

Special Requests or props you will be bringing with you.

Preparing your client before a session is a key component in establishing a strong relationship. Now more than ever, we need to understand our clients needs and be prepared.

Do you have a client prep guide? If not, you really need to create one as soon as possible. We are in a new world, and now more than ever safety and prep is key to success.

How do they prepare for a session?

Do you provide the clothing for the session or do they need to bring their own?

What are your sanitizing and cleaning methods?

Where do they park?

How long are your sessions, and do they pick their own poses or do you?

Are they doing family poses, or is this just for newborns?

Clients have a million questions when hiring a photographer, and then a million more when trying to prepare for their own session. Every Photographer has their own procedures, schedule and ideas for how they want sessions to run.

We talk to your clients on the phone, when booking sessions and also send them a very detailed client guide that is also printed. Every newborn studio should have their own detailed client prep guide that will help the parents understand what to expect.

Having a baby is challenging enough, now imagine trying to pack up that bundle of joy to drive to a brand new studio. Your mind races with so many questions. Wondering what to pack, when to arrive and even when they should feed the baby. Are there breaks? Do they bring spare bottles? Do you even have a bottle warmer? Changing table‌.diaper pale‌toys for toddlers?

On the next page, I have listed some key topics for your Client Prep Guide. I also have my client guide available for photographers at www.bellybabyschool.com.

Below are just a few of the topics your session guide should provide.

Scheduling - When and How to Schedule Session Day Prep - What to Prepare to Bring Clothing Guide - What do you provide and suggestions for what they should wear Hair and Makeup - Do you provide or recommend a salon?

Baby Safety - Are assistants present or how do you provide a safe clean environment Masks - are they required or provided Frequently Asked Questions - have a page with Q&A for the most common questions you receive Delivery of Gallery or Images - do you scheduled IPS appointments or what happens after the session

Ana Brandt




Jessica Cook




Stacey Ash




Patrick Boutros




Bryana Capen




Joanna Law




Erin Young

Benedetta Valone

 




Saskia Colonna

Ana Brandt

Marketing is still the number one challenge I see around the world. This year marks 20 years in my career, and I can tell you I have never stopped marketing - even when our world seemed to come to a screeching halt for Covid19.

Marketing is about who you are, not how good you are. Once you realize this, you too will never stop marketing. Too many times we stop because we aren’t happy with…fill in the blank here _____! It could be your website, logo, recent work or just your life in general. Many times we just don’t “feel” like marketing. But marketing should not rely on our “feelings”. Lord knows if I stopped marketing every time I didn’t “feel” like it, I wouldn’t get very far.

Once you have realized that Marketing is simple letting the world know who you are and the services you offer - you too won’t stop marketing.

Our world is filled with gorgeous visual media. This means that a beautiful sleeping baby is not going to bring you fame and fortune. It may give you “oohs and ahh’s” on social…but it’s nothing ground breaking. We love sleeping babies, gorgeous families and anything else that catches our eye. But does that make us pick up the phone to call you? We need more than a pretty sleeping baby.

We need to know WHO YOU ARE. We need to know WHY YOU DO WHAT YOU DO and what DRIVES YOU. This means we want you to show up! We want to see you working in video. We want to see you behind the scenes setting up your cake smashes. We want to see all the pretty items you buy and we love to watch you edit. Because when YOU SHOW US WHO YOU ARE…we immediately decide if we want to form a connection with you. If we do, we follow you. We like you.

We comment on your posts, share them and, we even may just call you!

But when does marketing work? When you are consistent with everything I just said. When you keep doing everything REGARDLESS. Regardless of how many “likes” “shares” or “comments” on your image. REGARDLESS if the only one bragging about you is your Mother. Consistency is the key to success and there is no shortcut. It is about the journey. It’s about letting the world follow you in your creative path, and it’s about doing the work. This article is not going to give you “TEN QUICK METHODS TO MARKET” because a simple google search will give you that, and frankly you already know the methods. This article is to tell you to show up. To do the work. To do it consistently and with love and passion. We are drawn to those who create. We are drawn to those who show us who they are. Once we do this, I promise you…the world will not only see who you are. They will learn from you, love you and give back more than you asked for.

Bryana Capen




Jaime Sword




Karine Barbeau




Quibby-Made Photography




A.S. Photography




Annmurry Photography

Ana Brandt




Saskia Colonna

Joanna Law




 

Kristin Hazel




Trisha Harris




Wunderkind Photography by SAF

Lori Lesh




Cathy Murai

 

Denise Lewinski

 

Serreh Burritt




Andrea Trifunovic




Corie Walker

Jennifer Trego




 

Denise Lewinski

 

Lauren Leland

 

Denise Lewinski




Geniann Elliott




Amanda Knowles

Jennifer Gulizia  

 

Michelle Paterau

Lina Lodico

 

Michelle Rose




Alisha Cory

 

Liliana Martin

Karimelly Photography 





Erin Young




Laura Rosa

Katie Lintern

Kate Rezanko 





Cristina Seal




Geniann Elliott




Jennifer Trego




Amanda Knowles




Alisha Cory

Sheila Buhr 


Elise Northfield

Janelle Perez

LuAnn Warner-Prokos

By LuAnn Warner-Prokos WP Newborns ~ WP Photography Delray Beach, FL

Every professional photographer of every genre has some useful hacks, unique items, and particular tricks up their sleeves to make a session flow, make one’s job easier, and in the case of us newborn photographers, are just plain necessary for the flow, for the safety of the newborn in our care, and to get those final adorable, oh-so-precious images we seek for our new parents. I have specialized in newborn photography for the last 5 years of my 8 year career. I am grateful for all that I learned from my mentors, including Ana, especially related to baby safety and session flow. I know you all will find the following information useful!

How do we decide on some of these items, especially the now-so-popular “Shusher?” Well, we glean some of our secrets to success from our mentors, from instructors at workshops and conferences, and also from talking with other photogs we meet along the way. I know you all will find the following information useful!

I now have 2 carts with items ready for me or my assistant to grab as needed.

These can be moved around the room and keep things off the floor in a hectic session with many parts to each setup.

Cart 1: In my first cart, I have some of my “must-haves”: * Baby Shusher * organic baby wipes * organic “butt” cream (use a kleenex to scoop out) and Aquafor * a sound box (removed from my youngest son’s cuddly bear) * some newborn diapers * a few sealed pacifiers and face masks (for just in case).

This cart also has some handy items, like clips in case an outfit or bonnet is too large for the wee-one, 2 mesh bags filled with my felt animals and more, along with 2 bins filled with stuffed animals and other props; bonnets and tiebacks (for girls) chosen for that day’s session; and a mesh bag with various colored diaper covers. On the bottom I keep a basket of white/cream/tan wraps in the event they are needed. AND, I always have my client’s gifts ready to go - my gray, pink, or blue onesie with logo, plus a pink or blue teething toy camera! My clients love these!!

I always have my client’s gifts ready to go - my gray, pink, or blue onesie with logo, plus a pink or blue teething toy camera!

My clients love these!!

Cart 2: My 2nd cart holds my equipment and miscellaneous accessories. * cameras, lenses, * accessories (triggers, extra batteries) * toys to attract the attention of little ones This cart also holds items that help with the flow of the session: clips, pee pads, washcloths to use as stuffers as well as for emergencies, hand sanitizer, gloves for cold hands, and at the bottom, various sizes of stuffers and Bambinas (from Ana)!

As you will see from the following lists from other experienced newborn photographers (2 have been my mentors in various capacities, 2 I have met at conferences, and 2 I have met on FB!), we have many things in common (starting with the carts!). Perhaps you will have an “ah-ha” moment and find something new to add to YOUR cart! Or, perhaps you are just starting out and this information is just what you need to improve your session flow as well as the experience you will have with your littlest clients and their families!! Here’s to your success!

Trisha Jimenez TG Newborns ~ TG Photography

In Owasso, OK, Trisha realized her niche was newborn photography 2 years into her 12-year career. Having photographed 100s of newborns in states across the U.S., she feels honored that countless parents have entrusted her to capture such precious, fleeting moments in time for them.

My must-haves: * Hand sanitizer - a tip!: all natural brands are more popular with new parents today * Baby wipes and diapers - I recommend the all white Pampers Swaddlers because they do not have patterns that show through light-colored outfits/ wraps * Baby Shusher - the absolute must have! * Newborn accessories: tiebacks, hats, bonnets, etc.

* Folded receiving blanket - I use these as posers * Clips - to use if I need to clip newborn outfits or hats to fit smaller babies * Swaddle wraps - if I have a newborn who wants to stay awake during the session, my go-to pose is the swaddle

* New in-package pacifiers - the Soothie brand is my favorite! * Lint roller - very handy when tiebacks to float pieces shed all over my posing blankets or onto a parent’s clothing

L i n d s ay Wa l d e n P h o t o g r a p hy

Lindsay, a long-time newborn photographer in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area, known for her creative setups and beautiful heirloom products, has found the rolling cart (IKEA), to be definitely convenient in her studio. Not only does she have her equipment easily accessible, her session props and product choices ensure a safe environment for her little subject. If parents have forgotten something, she has what is needed at hand, which enhances the experience of her clients.

In Lindsay’s carts….

Cart 1: Photography essentials plus some essentials for mamas: * 3 camera bodies, with 2 in use every session; at least 3 lenses * spare batteries, triggers and transmitters, a blower, lens pen & Expo Dish for switching to natural light; handy clips in various sizes (metal and rubber, not plastic!) * for mamas: nipple covers, sweat sheets, bobby pins, etc. * noisy, attention-getting toys for toddlers in the studio Cart 2: all the essentials for baby: * top shelf: extra diapers and wipes, adult chucks (pee pads), grocery bags for soiled diapers, lint roller, newborn-sized weighted blanket, gaffers tape * 2nd shelf: various sizes of clean towels * bottom shelf: variety of posing beans

Erica Loree Photography

Erica started specializing in newborn photography 7 years ago when her 2nd son was born. So ecstatic after trying for a number of years, his birth started her desire to capture every moment of his life, starting with photographing those first weeks of life before he lost his “newborn look.” Erica sees herself as a “super prepper” for every session, and feels that being organized with a cart not only keeps her organized, but ensures a more safe session. Her first tiny apartment on a military base in Japan led her to find a cart in a hardware store - and, she thought SHE had come up with the idea! Now in her small home studio space (16x12) in Illinois, her IKEA cart is the perfect turquoise color, and is not only for convenient storage, but is important for baby safety (do not leave that baby unattended!).

In her cart: Top shelf - everything to do with gear: * up to 10 lenses * accessories: 2 additional mem cards, extra batteries for trigger, lens wipe. remote for space heater; tiny reflector; extra camera battery; Expo Disk * Middle shelf - all for baby: * gigantic stack of vintage cloth diapers - a must have useful for every unwanted mess * stuffing for props * various clamps for beanbags and backdrops * small bin of new “binkies” of all shapes and colors * the Shusher - a definite must-have - even over a dozen dads have ordered right there in the studio * hand sanitizer for forgotten tags on clothing, etc.; hair tie and water bottle for her.

Bottom shelf - all about posers and weights (in sets for sessions with multiples) * the Studiobaby posing props - white vinyl kidney shaped stuffing props filled with foam pellets and equal part dried beans (to lighten them up) * some 3 lb weights for bottoms of baskets/buckets props for safety Bonus items throughout - the “be right back” items that she will often have to run out of the room to gather: baby nail clippers; safety child scissors for forgotten tags on clothing, etc.; hair tie and water bottle for her (for the “3 hrs of hot yoga!”)

Fay Simcha Fay Simcha Photography Faye has been a photographer for almost 6 years in the NYC/Brooklyn/ Long Island, NY areas. She loves having a rolling cart in her studio, because is is essential for her workflow. Moving from bean bag posing to other setups, having everything on hand is super helpful. Having worked as an Occupational Therapist at a veteran’s hospital, she has found that many things she learned there has helped her with her newborn sessions.

In her cart: * baby wipes * hand sanitizer * extra pacifiers * the Baby Shusher * Summer portable white noise and vibration machine * The Simple Swaddler * her little “lovies” and hearts * swaddling blankets and socks rolled for posing on beanbag and in props * Original Photoblock Beans in various sizes * the Hugaroo, used as a weighted blanket to place on baby’s legs and tushy to help them feel more secure and safe while posing them on the beanbag

Annie Smack Little Peanuts Photography Annie, the owner of Little Peanut Photography in Jacksonville, NC, feels that a cart is a must in her studio sessions with newborns.

Some of her absolute “must-haves” in her cart: * an abundance of organic washable nursing pads (for when baby is naked in a basket!) * various sizes of Bambinas (from Ana Brandt) * The Baby Shusher (hangs on the side!) * wipes, newborn diapers, and hand sanitizer And, she always has her little felt “lovies” on hand!!

Amy Doak Amy Doak Photography Amy is a newborn and family photographer in the Buffalo, NY area. Because parents are entrusting her with their new little one, she feels her cart plays an important role in her studio, helping to ensure a safe environment as well as aiding the flow of the session.

Her absolute must-haves on her cart: * the Baby Shusher * Original Photoblock Beans * baby wipes * fluff pieces * nappies for those messes that always happen! * and, spare socks for me!




Ana Brandt

 

Serreh Burritt




Jennifer Trego




Heather Davis




Lori Lesh

 

Michelle Dominey




Brown Bunny Photography

 

Valerie Clement




Kim Shimmer

Dawn Geraghty 





Sheila Buhr

Jessica Thomas 


Kate Rezanko




Cathy Murai

Michelle Howatt

Kim Shimmer 


Bibi Lalbihari

By Jena Rae Torres

Aside from your camera, what is the most important tool you can have for a newborn session? If you said an assistant... bravo! If I had to guess, I’m sure a lot of people would first say lighting, a beanbag, or a baby shusher; however, a newborn assistant is much more important than all of these things. During a session, your job is to be a creative artist, a perfect poser, a set designer and an expert in newborn safety... all while taking beautiful portraits for your client. That is a LOT of hats for one person to wear at once, which is why

it is important to have an extra set of hands to help take care of the sweet

Jena Rae Torres

little babies that come in your studio.

But, how do I find a newborn assistant? The toughest part about hiring a newborn assistant is finding someone with flexible hours since we never know when a newborn is going to be added to the calendar. I find that advertising for employment in places like parenting groups, breast feeding or postpartum groups, art or music schools, play gyms, and local parenting Facebook groups attracts the type of person I am looking for which is (most importantly) someone who is comfortable working with children and someone with a relatively open schedule. My ideal candidate does not have to have any photography experience or interest in photography and they do not necessarily need to have children of their own.

Okay, I’m in contact with a few candidates that I like... now what? Before I waste anyone’s time with an interview, I find that it is helpful to send a preliminary questionnaire. This will help you weed out people that don’t fit what you deem “non-negotiable” in terms of what you’re looking for in the perfect candidate- these requirements are different for everyone.

I always let the candidate know that there are no right or wrong answers ... but I DO have preferences about their responses so a lot of these questions are very important and I can easily put someone on the “no” list based on their responses:

1. Are you a smoker?

2. Are you vaccinated?

3. Are you able to work in temperatures between 75-85 degrees for extended periods of time?

4.

Are you able to work per diem hours (sometimes) with only 24 hours notice?

5.

Are you able to lift children up to 30 pounds?

Once you receive the questionnaires back, you should be able to narrow it down and interview 2-3 people. I find that a newborn assistant is like a marriage; it is SO important that you connect and have some chemistry with each other. You asked all of the important technical questions in your questionnaire. Now is the time to meet, chit chat and figure out if you are a good match.

I find that a newborn assistant is like a marriage; it is SO important that you connect

Jena Rae Torres

and have some chemistry with each other.

They’re hired! How do I delegate? When you first start working with an assistant, it is going to take some time to learn how to direct them to help you in the most efficient way possible. You are used to doing everything yourself but you don’t need to anymore. You’ll eventually get into a groove. I find it is helpful to do a model call for the first session or two so you can teach them how to be a great assistant. First and foremost, their job is to keep the baby safe so I typically go through my typical workflow and show them what that role looks like for each pose. Every pose requires assistance and hands near or on the baby- not just the froggy pose! Whether they are on a flokati, in a bucket, or in a parents arms, etc. your assistant should be nearby with eyes on the baby. As you get comfortable with each other, you will get in a rhythm and your sessions will run like a well oiled machine.

What other tasks can you give your assistant? Aside from being a second set of hands during a session, one of the reasons I hired an assistant was to chit chat with parents that come in the studio. I love talking but sometimes when I have a tough baby, I get in the zone and need to focus on posing and keeping baby sleepy. I love that my assistant can give some extra attention to my excited new parents and engage in deeper conversation than I can in that moment. Your assistant can also help tidy up at the end of a session or between sets so that you have a clean, safe and organized work environment. During every session, I always ask my assistant to take a quick behind the scenes photo of me wrapping baby or snuggling baby so that I have some extra content for Instagram stories or my other social media pages.

Having an assistant present at all of my newborn sessions was completely life-changing for my business. It adds an extra facet of safety and care to my workflow that my clients appreciate and respect. Your clients will be able to sit back and relax knowing that their new, sweet little baby is in not one but two sets of safe hands. Aside from that, you have someone there to share all of the fun, exciting aspects of newborn photography with you.

Sometimes, you’re going to need your assistant to read your mind and hand you a pacifier or the exact layering piece that you need without skipping a beat. Other times, you need them to wipe sweat from your face, help you clean spit up off of your shirt, and wipe some newborn poo off of the floor. You’ll laugh together, cry together and swoon over beautiful little babies together.

Jena Rae Torres www.tangiblelittlemomentsphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/tangiblelittlemomentsphotography/

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