The Story Behind the Winning Images – Sarah Lake

Sep 16, 2024 | APNPI Community

2nd Place Winner – Milestones – “Funny Girl” by Sarah Lake

The Story Behind the Winning Image

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Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in some of these amazing images, particularly those that are competition winners?

Sarah has been a hobby photographer since childhood, but like many mothers, started her professional photography journey after having her two children. A military wife of 20 years, She’s now started (and moved!) her business in 3 different states, and is currently enjoying serving families in San Antonio, TX. Formerly a teacher and early education consultant, she’s also passionate about teaching aspiring newborn photographers what she’s learned over her decade of photographing babies and families.

To see more of Sarah’s work: Sarah Lake Photography, LLC

The Inside Scoop…

Q: Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?

A: When I first ever submitted an image for competition, I was at the stage in my photography journey that I wondered if I my images were “good enough” to be considered excellent and I wanted to take the chance to see. I figured if they were, it’d be really validating and encouraging! And if they weren’t, through the judges critique and comments I would learn WHY. Now, I am far more confident in my ability to create strong portraits, but competition still serves to challenge me so that I’m always learning and still continuing to improve and look for different perspectives everyday!

Q: What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?

A: I have learned that I’m tough enough to put myself “out there” even when it’s scary to do so. And I’ve also learned that I’m tough enough to take criticism and use it the way it’s meant to be used- to challenge oneself and continuously improve! And if I’m fortunate enough to receive praise or for one of my images to win or place, it reinforces a belief that is so true in life: You might win, you might not. But you’ll never win if you don’t try.

Q: What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?

A: I like the idea of being critiqued by artists who were drawn to the same genre that I was- artists who love newborns, babies, and family portraiture. I also appreciate the hugely beneficial feedback from some pretty incredible artists and business owners!

Q: Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

A: I think being able to share some of my winning images on my website is pretty powerful in terms of showing that I’m an expert in my field- especially for the region where I live. Not only that, I think it gives a pretty strong air of professionalism that only a few artists have- and I think that’s one reason many of my clients choose me!

Q: What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?

A: I usually use a pretty simple method- as I’m creating a gallery and I see an image that makes me audibly gasp or choke up, then I know it’s something pretty special! I always first gravitate toward an image that first makes me FEEL really strongly- no matter the emotion. Then I look for images that are very striking compositionally, and that are also lit beautifully. I don’t think I’ve ever submitted anything that doesn’t have these 3 characteristics!

Q: What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?

A: Just do it! It’s validating just to present your work to another professional- for them to observe it though their own eyes/experience and to share how they perceive it! And if you’re scared (like I was for so long!) it feels incredible to challenge yourself to just do it anyway! Because regardless of whether you have a winning image, you will ALWAYS learn something invaluable- either what you’re doing really well, or what you can improve. Never turn down education from an experienced peer! 🙂

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – “Funny Girl” by Sarah Lake

1st Place Winner – Milestones – “Porcelain Doll” by Marcela Limon

2nd Place Winner – Child – “Pure Innocence” by Marcela Limon

The Story Behind the Winning Image

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in some of these amazing images, particularly those that are competition winners?

Marcela Limon is a Certified Maternity and Newborn photographer servicing the San Francisco Bay Area from her beautiful studio in Alameda. She’s been specializing in motherhood images since 2015 and has won prestigious awards at international print competitions in the last few years, including APNPI, WPPI and PPA, where she recently earned her Master of Photography degree. She’s committed to newborn safety and that’s why she is Infant CPR trained and has had in person mentoring with renowned photographers from around the world. She’s always looking for education opportunities to make the industry better for both her colleagues and her clients.

To see more of Marcela’s work: https://lemonshoots.com/

The Inside Scoop…

Q: Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?

A: I deeply believe that submitting for competition makes your everyday work better, especially when you can get some feedback from the judges. The fact that APNPI records its judging and makes it available to the makers is a huge learning opportunity!

Q: What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?

A: You learn about what you did right, so you can repeat it, and what you could’ve done better, so you look for those mistakes next time, and correct them before taking the photograph. It’s a never ending process of working, perfecting, submitting, learning, tweaking… and then it starts again. But it is so much fun!

Q: What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?

A: The feedback was definitely a big one for me. Competitions that don’t provide feedback are fun for the accolades, but they won’t teach you much. Feedback and hearing the judges discuss an image is what makes it worth it for me.

Q: Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

A: Oh yes! Clients get so excited when they learn that their baby’s portrait did well at an image competition! They share that with their families and friends and that creates buzz around your brand. And personally, it has given me the confidence to charge properly for my work. I value it more -and my clients do too- by knowing I can create an award-worthy image from everyday sessions.

Q: What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?

A: You look at all the elements that make an image outstanding: impact, story, subject matter, composition, color harmony, technical excellence… it all has to be there! When going through images, the one that makes you stop to look at it more, that’s the one that has potential.

Q: What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?

A: I get it. It is scary. But if you never submit you’ll never know where you are in the process. Not knowing what you can improve won’t help you at all. Submit with the hopes of winning, yes, but most importantly, with the certainty that you will learn and become a better artist after you do. You need to enter with a humble heart and open ears. Don’t take feedback personally. Feedback is a gift and it is your choice if you want to use it to make you grow or not.

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Milestones “Porcelain Doll”

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) “Pure Innocence”

To learn more: APNPI Image Competition

Did you know…

All members receive one free entry – so go ahead try it out, you have nothing to lose!

Each image is up for an award, whether it’s in the top 3 or not. Every submission competes against itself to earn a Merit Award (score of 80 and above).

Merit Awards are prestigious accomplishments! They denote a level that stands out above the Accreditation level.

Competing is an excellent way for members to sharpen their skills and elevate their work.

Members learn a ton from entering their images and receiving feedback from the judges.

For more info and to enter, visit: www.apnpi.com/image-competition

Winner Feature Alicia Barrett

Sep 6, 2024 | APNPI Community

Winner Feature Alicia Barrett

Celebrating Creativity: Meet the 1st Place Winner in the Child Category

We’re thrilled to show off our 1st place winner in the 2024 Spring APNPI Image Competition for the Child Category.

Read on below to learn more about what inspired Alicia to enter and about her experience.

1st Place Winner Child Category: Alicia Barrett

Business Name: A2Z Photography

Located in: Clarensville, Newfoundland Canada

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Child Category | “Teddy Bear Stroll” by Alicia Barrett

Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?

It’s a chance for photographers to showcase their skills, creativity, and unique vision to a wider audience and potentially gain validation and credibility as professionals. Plus, it can be a great motivator for pushing artistic boundaries and honing their craft.

What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?

What I love most about image competitions is how they consistently inspire growth, regardless of the scores received. I’ve discovered that I possess the resilience to evolve, even when faced with disappointing feedback. Whether it’s through constructive criticism or a victory, there’s always room to learn and enhance my skills for the next opportunity.

What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?

The quality and professionalism of the judging panel is always a significant draw for me, as it is comprised of experienced and respected photographers who offer credible and insightful critiques. This level of expertise not only lends credibility to the competition but also ensures that the feedback provided is valuable and constructive, helping participants to improve their craft.

Additionally, the specific focus on newborn photography within the APNPI competition is appealing to photographers specializing in this niche, as it provides a platform tailored to their specific skills and interests. The professionalism of the organization, including how the competition is structured and managed, also plays a crucial role. For many photographers, the opportunity to have their work recognized and critiqued at such a level is a significant motivator and a chance to gain visibility in a competitive field.

Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

Achieving recognition in an image competition like the APNPI International has certainly brought about several positive outcomes. Firstly, the press attention that followed the win has been instrumental in enhancing my visibility and reputation in the photography community and beyond. This publicity not only highlights my skills and creativity but also serves as an endorsement of my work, attracting new clients and opportunities.

Additionally, the excitement among parents whose children’s images have won is immensely rewarding. This not only validates their decision to choose my services but also often leads them to share their experience with friends and family. This word-of-mouth promotion is invaluable, as personal recommendations carry a lot of weight in decision-making for potential clients.

Finally, the increase in bookings for storytelling images is another significant benefit. Clients are increasingly seeking out photographers who can capture more than just a moment—those who can tell a story through their images. The recognition from the competition has underscored my ability to create such engaging and emotive pictures, leading to more clients interested in this particular style. This, in turn, allows me to further refine my technique and continue to push creative boundaries, maintaining the cycle of growth and improvement sparked by the initial competition success.

What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?

When selecting images to submit to the image competition, my primary focus is on finding photographs that possess a compelling impact and the ability to tell a vivid story. Impact is crucial because it’s what grabs the viewer’s attention immediately, drawing them into the image and evoking an emotional response. Whether it’s through striking composition, powerful lighting, or vibrant colors, I aim to create images that leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

Equally important is the storytelling aspect of the photograph. I look for images that go beyond mere visual aesthetics and have the depth to convey a narrative or evoke an emotion. Whether it’s capturing a fleeting moment of joy, portraying a tender connection between subjects, or eliciting a sense of wonder and curiosity, storytelling adds layers of meaning to the image, making it more engaging and memorable.

In essence, I seek out images that not only showcase technical skill and artistic vision but also have the ability to resonate with viewers on a deeper level. Whether it’s a single powerful moment frozen in time or a nuanced narrative unfolding within the frame, I believe that the best images are those that leave a lasting impression and invite the viewer to connect with the story being told.

What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?

I would definitely encourage any member contemplating submitting their imagery to go ahead and take that step. It is absolutely worth stepping outside your comfort zone and putting your work out there. Submitting to competitions provides a unique opportunity that pushes you both creatively and technically. It’s a proactive way to challenge yourself and discover new aspects of your craft, prompting you to refine your skills and perhaps explore styles or subjects you might not have considered before.

Moreover, participating in image competitions offers invaluable learning experiences. The feedback you receive, whether your work wins an award or not, is crucial for your growth as a photographer. It helps you see your work through fresh eyes and often provides perspectives you might not have considered. This kind of critique is essential for any creative looking to elevate their craft.

Yes, there may be successes and disappointments along the way. Not every submission will win a prize, and not all feedback will be what you hoped for. However, each piece of input is a stepping stone towards improvement. Celebrate the successes when they come; let them affirm your skills and fuel your passion. Learn from the disappointments, too—they are not just setbacks, but opportunities to understand more about your art and how it can be developed.

Ultimately, the process of submitting your images to competitions is always worth it because it is inherently tied to personal and professional development. Each submission is a step forward in your journey as a photographer, helping you to become more versatile and resilient in your work. So, go for it—embrace the challenge, and enjoy the journey of becoming a better photographer with each competition.

“Each submission is a step forward in your journey as a photographer, helping you to become more versatile and resilient in your work. So, go for it—embrace the challenge, and enjoy the journey of becoming a better photographer with each competition.”

~ Alicia

Meet the APNPI Judges – Image Competition Fall 2024

Sep 3, 2024 | APNPI Community

Written by: Jennifer Robyn

Meet the APNPI Judges!

Our Image Competition is quickly approaching and we’d like to introduce you to our APNPI Judges! Judges have completed the APNPI Judges Training and are respected members of the industry spanning various styles and genres of maternity, newborn and baby photography.

Submissions are now open for all categories of our Image Competition. Want some support and feedback on which images would be good to submit? Consider participating in our membership community group on Facebook to ask for feedback and critique! This is a great way to make sure your submission is ready and a wonderful way to experience image critiques before our image competition deadline dates.

We look forward to reviewing your submissions with our amazing judging panel!

Submission Deadline: Sep 24th, 2024

*Are you an accredited member of APNPI and interested in our judge training program? Email us at admin@apnpi.com

Shailee Connolly

First of all I’m looking for images with that wow factor. First impressions are so important! Likewise, technical expertise is essential for a highly scoring image in competition. I love a good story and creativity but sometimes simplicity can be powerful too. I can’t wait to see the submissions!

Shailee Connolly is an accomplished professional photographer who specializes in Newborn and Maternity Portrait photography. Based out of her commercial studio in San Jose in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, she has received awards and recognitions for her work. In 2020 and 2022, she was awarded first place in the APNPI competition in the newborn category, as well as a PPA silver photographer of the year award in 2017 and a bronze photographer of the year award in 2018. Additionally, she earned second place in the Children’s Portraits Category of the Professional Photographers of America’s Western District print competition in 2017. Shailee holds bachelor’s degrees in Fine Art and Education, with a major in painting. Her previous career as a high school Visual Arts teacher in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia, gave her a solid grounding and passion for creating art in a variety of disciplines. When she became a mother in 2011, she transitioned her skills to newborn and maternity portrait photography. She has been photographing bellies and babies since 2013 and has been a professional photographer for over 10 years after relocating to the US with her family from Australia. Shailee always aims to create stunning, timeless images that her clients will cherish for a lifetime. Her style blends fine art with a more natural, organic approach to photography, and she works closely with her clients to ensure that their vision is brought to life. Her clients receive heirloom quality, archival printed artwork that they can proudly display in their homes.

Tara Graham

Overall impact is the first thing I look at – it’s automatic, when you see an image for the first time, how you react and how it makes you feel are important aspects. Obviously I look for technical competency, from lighting control, to posing, to how the maker uses their camera functions to create the image. Lastly I look at editing. Ideally I don’t want to even notice the editing, as usually if we notice the editing it’s to point out an area that could be improved.

Tara Graham:
I am mom to one wildly creative and stong-headed little boy. I started photography long before he came along though, having gone to college for Creative Photography, and then working in various studios doing portrait, commercial/editorial, and wedding work. One day I decided to tell my husband we were moving so I could have a home studio, and that really allowed me to grow my newborn business, having a dedicated space for it. I also love to photograph families! I love the interactions and being able to get those photos that parents say really captures their child’s essence or personality.

Trayc Dudgeon

ImpactCreativity/originalityTechnique

Trayc Dudgeon: I’ve been passionate about art my whole life and after taking my first photography class in High School I fell in love. I furthered my photography education at Humber Collage and 20 years later I am still just as passionate as the day I began. I’ve since become an award winning Accredited portrait photographer with PPOC (Professional Photographers of Canada) specializing in Maternity, Newborn, Children, Family as well as Corporate portraits and Weddings. I am also newborn safety trained and Internationally recognised as a qualified Newborn photographer with the APNPI, an international photography association. I have recieved several accreditations, awards and have become on of their mentoring photographers.

Tamarind Spender

I am looking for images that catch my eye and make me feel something. Seeing something different and unique always gets me excited. Good lighting, harmonious colour tones and a clear subject are always things that I look for.

Tamarind Spender:
Tamarind’s passion for photography ignited at the age of 17 when she began working at Black’s Photography, where she fell in love with capturing the world through her lens. This passion led her to turn her hobby into a profession after the birth of her daughter in 2013, founding Azure Photography to show her daughter that following your dreams is possible. Starting from her home, Tamarind poured her heart into every shot, eventually expanding to a grand studio in downtown Guelph. Here, her vision of creating unforgettable photography experiences for her clients has truly flourished. For Tamarind, photography is more than a profession—it’s a way to freeze time and encapsulate the beauty of life’s moments. She specializes in capturing the authentic emotions of pregnancy, newborn sessions, cake smashes, and family portraits, believing that each stage of life deserves to be treasured and celebrated. Tamarind’s goal is to create a comfortable and genuine connection with her clients, crafting images that speak volumes and touch hearts. Whether you’re celebrating pregnancy, welcoming a new baby, or capturing family memories, Tamarind is dedicated to creating cherished moments that will last for generations.

Jennifer Robyn

APNPI – Social Media Manager

Choosing the Best Location for Your Photo Session

Aug 12, 2024 | APNPI Community

Written by: Tammy Gallant

Choosing the best place for your photo session can be tough

That is definitely on the list of benefits for hiring you, as a professional photographer. As a professional, you will get to know who your client is and what message they want their photos to convey to their family and future self/selves. After all, photos are done to show the future who you are right now, be it the future you, the kids all grown up, grandkids or for generations down the line. For example, are they a person who likes uproarious laughter or are they more serious? Do they love the mountains or prefer just hanging out in their own yard? Is the family super affectionate with lots of PDA or more reserved and private. Do they have horses and land or are they more of a city dweller? What about their home? Is the decor earthy and woody, boho or more minimalist and industrial? All of these things (and many, many more) will play an important role in deciding where a client session will take place.

Indoor or outdoor

This is super important and probably the first question that needs to be answered when you are thinking about the photos. Will you want an outdoor look for or something more traditional in a studio setting? Each has it’s own set of challenges and rewards. Working outside, the photos will be affected by weather. If there is any wind at all, hair will be blown out of place and long hair can become unruly, blowing into the air or, worse, into the faces of all beloved family members with long hair.

Even the slightest wind will probably also influence how clothing looks, creating ripples in material or moving around skirts, sleeves and the fronts of shirts. Hats and other accessories can be easily blown off or even completely away (ever chased a cowboy hat across a meadow near a cliff, because I have, lol). What if it’s raining (or worse)? There could be other people, cars or animals in the shot that you didn’t want. However, all those issues aside, outdoor portraits are some of the most dramatic, most beautiful, most impactful and genuine that you could get. There is really something special about photos in the great outdoors. Just try looking for a place with minimal intrusions into the composition that you don’t want. That includes trails that could have people, roads, poles and wires, signs and more.

Billings_Red-Lodge_Laurel_Montana_Child_Family_Photographer

There is also the option of composite portraits. That is where you take the actual photo of your subject(s) and put them into a completely different set. This can be done to just utilize a different background, replace a background and floor, create a completely different scene or put together several elements into one. Literally, the sky is the limit when using digital backdrops, especially with the improvements made in AI, recently. Check out the example with the little boy and the giraffe, which was actually taken using a ball in the boy’s hands.

Photos done in the studio have their perks and benefits, too, though. It doesn’t matter what the weather or temperature is doing outside. These photos usually look more elegant and have more an air of luxury than their outdoor counterparts. It’s easier for you to play around with lighting styles indoors than out. In a relatively short amount of time, you can use the studio for low key, dark and moody portraits or high key, light and airy images, backlit silhouettes and all points in between. It’s also easier to keep kiddos in the same spot for longer periods of time, inside a studio setting. You and your client will figure out this part, together, as well as planning what, if any, props you will want to use. They may be the sort of person who loves a minimalistic approach or may prefer portraits that are filled with all sorts of things that they love (I knew of one client who literally brought a cargo trailer, as well as the truck bed, filled with things from home, every single year, that they wanted used in their family sessions, no lie).

The personality factor

You might be wondering what I meant, earlier, about the personality factor. Why would that matter? Well, there is actually a lot of psychology involved in creating the perfect portrait session. In general, certain personality types are typically drawn to certain styles. Someone who is more reserved and quiet will likely prefer a simple background, maybe with just one color, over a busy background filled with lots of props. Conversely, someone with a gregarious, talkative personality and who loves to laugh will likely be more drawn to lots of bright colors and many props. Could you picture Robert De Niro, Matthew McConaughey or Clint Eastwood or John Wayne (God rest him) posing for a photo in front of yellow shelves bursting with funny, brightly colored clockwork toys and rubber ducks? I bet it wouldn’t be a huge stretch to see Robin Williams (God rest him, too), Jim Carrey, Melissa McCarthy or Will Ferrell there, though. As a professional photographer, you will help navigate the perfect look, poses and styling for your client’s personality and family dynamic. For practice in honing this skill, take a quick moment with each person you see, in any environment, and visualize how you would photograph them, based only on their observed behaviors and attire. Good luck!

Tammy, photographer in beautiful Laurel, MT, got her first camera in 1978 at the age of ten. She began her professional career in 2004, with automotive events and wildlife. In 2017, she branched off into two separate studio businesses. The first, specializing in maternity, newborn and child portraiture and the other in high school seniors and corporate head shots.

When she’s not behind her camera, she’s hiking, camping and exploring in the mountains of Montana and Wyoming or riding her motorcycle. You can find her on IG and FB as @TSGallantPhotography and @LookAtYouPhotography

See more of Tammy Gallant at http://www.TSGallantPhotography.com

Studio lighting for newborn photographers

Aug 5, 2024 | APNPI Community, For Photographers

Written by: Katherine Katsenis

One of the most common questions I get besides “What camera is good for newborn photography?” is, “What light should I get?”. And “What modifier should I use”? I remember what it is like to be at the beginning of my newborn photography career. You want to get started, but are not sure where to begin. In this blog, I want to talk about studio lighting for newborn photographers so you can get going and move ahead with your dreams.

Natural Light

Natural light can be a great thing. If you are in a situation where it is kind to you, or you are easily able to manipulate it, natural light makes life easier. In my experience, however, natural light is usually not optimal for an entire newborn session. This is because you may not be able to use natural light for all situations; from family, to siblings, to posing bag, to props. Each of these requires different amounts and types of lighting. If you have a situation with huge floor to ceiling windows and enough room to place a V flat or foam core as a reflector, then natural lighting may work for you all the time. Natural light, you’re like that friend who’s sometimes amazing to hang out with but then can suddenly become a bit unreliable. It can change a lot very quickly. Newborn photography is tough enough without you having to worry about what the light outside is doing.

So, what’s a newborn photographer to do when the sun decides to go on a break, or it’s just too gloomy outside? That’s where our trusty friend, the monolight, steps in. It’s like having a sunshine buddy on call, ready to brighten up your photo sessions with just the right amount of light. No more fretting over cloudy days or racing against the moving sun. Monolights are here to save the day, giving you consistent, beautiful light you control.

Studio light – Monolights

One of the easiest studio lighting for newborn photographers is the monolight. Think of watt seconds as your guide to how much light your monolight can dish out. It’s a bit like deciding how much frosting goes on a cupcake. Too little and it’s just a muffin, too much and it’s a sugar bomb. For newborn photography, you want just the right amount of frosting — I mean, light! This helps keep the photo soft and sweet, just like your little subject.

So, when you’re out there picking your monolight, keep an eye on those watt seconds. Not too high, not too low. 1000 ws is probably too much. 500 ws is more in the neighborhood of what you need. This way, you can take images of just the baby, the baby and siblings, and whole family photos and you will be able to adjust the power setting on the strobe to get the lighting look you want.

Popular Studio Monolights for Newborn Photographers

A lot has changed in monolights since I began my newborn photography business. But the basics are still the same.

You need to be able to adjust the power

This can be done manually at the back of the strobe, or in some cases, wirelessly through the trigger in your hotshoe. I am a bit of a fossil and my strobes plug in to the wall and can only be changed manually. But if I had to change, I would love to be able to adjust the light remotely. Very convenient.

Consider Recycle Time

Newer and mid to higher priced strobes have faster recycling times. This means that your strobe can fire at the power you set quickly. If you can afford it, fast recycle times can help you get those fleeting newborn smiles.

Consider battery powered

Battery packs are awesome. It is just one less cord you have to deal with and it makes it easy to go inside or out depending on where you are doing your newborn session. I do recommend buying an extra battery pack so you have one on standby at all times.

Popular Strobes in the Newborn Photography World

Paul Buff’s Einstein

This is an affordable, reliable strobe. Buff also sells modifiers for it that are effective and easy on your pocket book

Flashpoint (Godox) Xplor 600

This strobe has a battery, which is great if you travel, or need to move your light around. It has one trigger (be sure you buy it as it is not included with the strobe). This strobe has good recycle times at lower powers when you need to get 3 or 4 quick shots in a row.

Profoto D3

If you have money to burn, Profoto is for you and will be your dream studio lighting for newborn photography. But what do you get for all that extra bank? Mostly, it is small things that may not matter to you. For one, faster recycling time at higher powers. For another, more consistent color. Less expensive strobes do tend to vary a little bit in color over a long session. Pro Foto does this less. But these variations are very small and you can adjust those images in post production.

Buying Used

There are many options out there in the world of monolights. When I was new, I was lucky to have a mentor who could answer questions. This allowed me to be able to buy used gear with confidence because he always told me what to look for. If you can, buying used can save you a small fortune. Many reputable places like B and H Photo and Adorama sell used gear. They have good customer support and you can ask questions. It is something to consider when just starting. Aferall, you also have to buy newborn clothes, posing fabrics, headbands and props.

Types of Common Light Modifiers for Newborn Photography

Once you have your strobe, you will need a modifier or two. Check out these commonly used ones.

Shoot Through Umbrella

This is a large white umbrella that fits into your monolight. You shoot light through it for soft diffused shadows.

Shoot Into Umbrella

If you have an umbrella that is black outside and white or silver inside, then you can shoot light into the umbrella and it bounces back to light your subject. For this, I recommend also using diffusion material for the light to bounce back through.

Soft Box

To use a softbox, you will have to know what kind of mount your monolight has. Softboxes use what is called a speeding to attach the softbox to the light. Many take a Bowens Mount. Some are proprietary and only use their own brand. If you need to, you can get an adapter so that the soft box you want will fit properly on your monolight. For newborns, you want a large softbox. I have a 4 x 6 that I use.

Invaluable Lighting Grip Gear

Get ready to meet the unsung heroes of your newborn photography set-up: grip gear! Think of grip gear like the trusty sidekick who’s always got your back. It’s the Robin to your Batman in the world of lighting and photography. These handy dandy gadgets, like light stands, boom arms, and sandbags, are all about giving your lighting that extra oomph and stability.

Light Stand

While you can use just a basic light stand, it has its drawbacks. Most light stands only go so low to the ground. This means that your modifier only goes so low too. This matters for shots where the baby is in a prop on the floor, or for those overhead family images.

I recommend a light stand with a sliding arm and wheels so you can maneuver around your environment and get the light you want.

Sandbags

But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget about the sandbags. They might not sound glamorous, but they’re the unsung heroes that keep everything from tipping over. A little like the weights that keep a hot air balloon from flying away. They make sure your light stands stay put, even if you accidentally bump into them while tiptoeing around to get that perfect angle.

Take Your Time and Have Fun

There is a lot more I could say, but the point here is to get you started. Once on your way, you will decide for yourself the exact lighting gear that is good for you. Creating your own style takes time. It is only through trial, error and experience that you come to know who you are as an artist. The answer to “What is the best light for newborn photography?” is not static, but hopefully you’ve learned enough about studio lighting gear and modifiers for newborn photographers to get going from the base beginning point which I have given here. But your answer to this question will evolve.

So, get out there. Get started. Before you know it, you will be writing a blog post for APNPI!

Katie is a pregnancy and newborn photogapher in Los Angeles.

See more of Katherine Katsenis at http://www.panosproductions.net/

Model Calls For Newborn Photographers: Which Is The Right Type For You?

Jul 29, 2024 | APNPI Community

Written by: Katherine Katsenis

To me, newborn photography is a genre that either leaps out at you, or it doesn’t. I suppose this is true for any kind of photography, but I contend that newborn photography tugs at some of our heart strings a lot more than others.

To get going in newborn photography takes practice, and to practice, you need live models. Stand In Babies (SIBS) can only go so far. In this blog, I want to share with you the kind of model calls I used at various points in my 9 year career so far. My hope is this will give any newborn photographer some things to think about no matter how accomplished (or not) you are.

The Ethics of Newborn Model Calls

From the start, I always felt guilty asking to borrow a baby from new parents. Often, they have no idea what is involved in newborn photography; no idea that there is a short window for most popular poses. So, when I was super inexperienced, and was unskilled in how to pose, I felt that they were giving up a chance to get better photos by being my model.

You may be thinking, but some photos are better than none; that they likely had not planned on newborn photos anyway. I hope that was the case for those first 20 sessions I did as a total beginner.

My point is to be very upfront about your skill level. Let parents know that modeling for a beginning photographer can have its risks in terms of quality of imagery.

The Paid Model Call

While unpopular, this was the main kind of model call I used 9 years ago when I literally had a Canon Rebel T3 and a continuous light from Amazon. I paid my parents for their time. In Los Angeles, where I am based, I offered $75 an hour plus all edited images I created from the session. The advantage of this is that the parents are working for you and you are paying them. This takes pressure off having to try and do certain poses, or use props the parent wants.

The disadvantage is the cost. As a beginner, my sessions took F O R E V E R…up to 5 hours. So that cost me about $375 per session to practice. Another disadvantage is that this person you are paying will probably not be a contender to be a future paying client. I am not sure why, but in all my years never did a model ever hire me. So, it could be that you are not building a network or client base if you pay your models. This may not seem like a big deal, but down the line, it makes a huge difference if you slowly build up your marketing base. Having a starting list when you finally launch can help. By list, I mean emails, but also social media followers who will support you through comments and shares.

The Completely Free Model Call

This is what many people think of when they see the phrase “model call”. The photographer does 90% of the work and the model gets EVERYTHING (all images) for free.

The obvious advantage is that there is no out of pocket cost to you. However, these are some of the pitfalls I experienced with the F (free) word model call!

A general lack of respect. Perhaps it was because I was a total beginner, my personality, or how I interacted with models, but I noticed that many of them did not respect my time, effort etc. Of course, I had some models who were just so grateful and courteous. Overall, I had more ghosted emails, more cancellations, and more no shows than any other type of model call. Again, I worked in Los Angeles, a large urban area with a lot of diversity in mores, languages, culture and so on. Communication can be difficult.
HIgher Expectations: Free model call participants were more likely to ask for particular poses, props, colors or show me images on Pinterest that they wanted. Even though my contract explained this was a model call, that I had certain plans etc. This may not be a problem for you. In my case, I always had a certain plan for each baby based on age and I found being assertive difficult.
No Financial Future: Models who got everything for free from you once, are highly unlikely to become a paying client. They will probably be happy to model for you again as their baby ages, so you can work on your sitter and cake smash skills. Having images of the same baby newborn to the first b day is good to have for your portfolio. Let go of these models ever paying you. Instead, use them to your advantage to build your portfolio

The Hybrid Model Call

As your skills improve, you will start to be on the hook for monthly bills (web site, CRM software, Bookkeeping, mentoring, education, dues and subscriptions,). You need money. The hybrid model call is for intermediate or advanced newborn photographers. Offer the session and X number of complimentary images. If they want to purchase more, they are X amount each.

You may be thinking, why would I need to do a model call if I am intermediate or advanced? Because trends, props, and gear changes. Sometimes, you need to stop and practice with that new lens, see if you like using a dog bed as a posing table, check out that new strobe etc. It is not a good idea to use these things for the first time at a paid session.

Using the hybrid model call, you can either bring your model back for an IPS session, or have them purchase additional images through your online gallery. This gives you a chance to practice your sales skills and client interactions. You can also start to get an idea about what kinds of products you may want to sell.

Gabby Chung has taken this model to it’s ultimate with her $1000 Model Call

I made $1000 a few times doing this. But overall, my sales numbers were a lot lower. Probably because my model was not my “ideal client” and my sales skills are wobbly. But for the right person, this model call type can work wonders on your bank account.

Final Thoughts On Newborn Model Calls

Model calls are a great way to practice, for sure. BUt if I were to offer any advice, I would say that you should have a mentor first BEFORE you start model calls. Why? So that you can make adjustments early. In my first year as a newborn photographer, I did 30 model calls in a summer. Sometimes 3 or 4 in a week. I barely had time to recuperate from one, and another came. Doing this caused some poor habits that were difficult to break.

I highly recommend debriefing after each session with your mentor. Craft a plan of the elements you want to work on for each session and stick to it. You will improve faster, and not have to do so many model calls like I did.

Have a written agreement in place with each model. For me, models had to sign a model release, that was part of the deal. I outlined exactly how many images, in what formats (low res, high res) they would get. This will save you when the model comes at you with, “But I thought we got ALL THE UNEDITED IMAGES TOO”. And believe me, they will ask you for them.

Now go forth and collect your models. Have a plan. Stick to it. Practice and keep going. Some calls will be easy, some harder. Keep going. Cry and bask in Imposter Syndrome, but keep going. Keep going. Then one day, you will wake up and realize, “Hey, I made it. I’m an accomplished newborn photographer!”

Katherine Katsenis is certified professional photographer. She specializes in pregnancy, newborn and infant photography in Los Angeles. She has 2 dogs and was a special education teacher for 20 years.

See more of Katherine Katsenis at Panos Photography