Featured Photographer : Randal Martin

Name: Randal Martin

Representing: Babies & Bumps Photography

# of Years Experience: 12

Hi my name is Randal. I remember when I met my uncle for the first time after him and my mother were reunited. He was from Hong Kong and was coming over to visit. I remember that he had a digital camera and I had never seen that before. I was already taking photos with a film camera, but this was instant. I loved using it so much I kept bugging him to borrow it. From there I was hooked on taking photos. Early in my professional years I started off taking photos of models in the fitness and fashion industry. From there I moved over to wedding photography, as I thought I could make more money from it. Although fun, I still didn’t feel a love for it. It wasn’t till my wife said I should try newborn photography. Because I love to work from home and my preference is to be in a controlled setting. I was hooked. The joy from the parents that received the images was the greatest gift of all. I soon realized there was so much more to newborn photography then just taking photos. I learned quickly that safety had to be most important thing in my studio. Editing the images and creating these heirlooms meant so much to me.

On my spare time I love spending it with my wife and now 2 daughters. We love taking vacations and going out. It is super important to me that I spend as much time with them as possible. This is why I love being self employed.
Other interests that people might not know about me, is that I am super into fitness. I train everyday in the gym as well I study Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga. On weekends, you can sometimes find me working as a bouncer in certain nightclubs.

For anyone first getting into newborn photography, I highly recommend studying up on newborn safety handling. APNPI provides numerous amounts of information and is a great resource to study from. Second, learn how to use your camera like its second nature. The worst feeling, is to be fumbling around with your settings in front of clients. Third, don’t go crazy buying all the gear and props. It can really add up fast and eat up all your profits.

I use a Canon 5D MkII. This has been my work horse for so many years and both my bodies have been all over the place in travels and through work. Although this year, I am looking at needing to upgrade. Still debating to go mirrorless or not.
As for lenses, when I photograph newborns I use a Sigma 35mm Art. Then when I’m outdoors shooting maternity or families I use mainly use my Canon 70-200mm 2.8USMII then I’ll switch pending what Im shooting between Canon 50mm f1.8 and Canon 24-105mm.
I am a gear head, so I have much more equipment, but this is my main setups.

All my newborn sessions are held in my in-home studio. On occasion I will shoot a lifestyle session at a clients house.
My maternity sessions are usually shot outdoors at various parks.

Starting a photography business is hard work. It is much more then simply taking photos and collecting money. To run a true profitable business, you need to really look at your numbers. Find out what you need/want to make and work back from there.
Aside from taking photographs, I had to teach myself website design and SEO marketing. I already had a background in marketing and sales, so that wasnt a problem for me. Next big hurdle I had to establish was legal operations. I had to organize all the contracts, establish a business name, insurance, systems in place for clients.
The biggest help with establishing myself as a full time photographer was actually networking with other photographers and seeing what they are doing and what was needed.

Clients can expect a relaxed and calm experience in the studio. The energy level in the studio is very soothing with spa music and natural oils calming oils in a diffuser. Parents often sit back, relax and even fall asleep during the sessions.