The Secrets Behind Newborn Photography

When I first started out in my photography career about ten years ago, I was drawn to capturing moments that grasped the feeling one felt in that exact time-period. I LOVED that challenge! And I still do! It’s why I love photographing families and babies! However–when I started Newborn Photography about five years ago–this was a whole new ball of wax.  Oh my GOODNESS. I had NO IDEA the time, the commitment, the patience, the money that was behind this craft…and I was intrigued…

Though I still LOVE capturing these treasured family moments,  I find a sense of  great pride when I orchestrate a newborn photo session that I nail on the head. To me, this form of photography is the most challenging…and rewarding. Why?! I’m so glad you asked…

Newborn Photography 101:

It takes a lot of TIME & PATIENCE

Newborn photo sessions take a lot of time. From the consultations, to the session, to the editing, to the final product–these sessions take many, many hours to perfect so that you, the client have gorgeous works of art. Sessions last anywhere from 1-4 hours (depending on which package), however, this is only the beginning of the experience.  Editing takes a great deal of time because newborn skin can be worse than a teenager’s!  Flaky skin, jaundice, baby acne are just some of many things that are fixed during editing.  Editing can take up to five weeks because each image is a work of art. I absolutely LOVE the focus that goes into having a successful session.  It’s what DRIVES me to be best I can be.

It takes a lot of TRAINING (and MONEY)

Guys…I realize…EVERYONE is searching for the BEST deal out there. For EVERYTHING. For toilet paper, for school supplies, for mortgages, for wine (ah-hem). Can I just tell you that with newborn photography, this is the ONE place you should not skimp?! This person is being trusted with your most prized possession. This tiny miracle grew inside of you for ten long months!! This is NOT the time to bargain shop. At. All.  Look for someone who is trained. Who  continually invests in his/her education on a regular basis. Someone who is not desperate to gain clientele. This is the person who will treat you like you are family and who will value your sweet little nugget like their own.

When I decided to truly invest in my newborn photo career, I realized I needed to take the plunge (deep monetary plunge) and learn from the best in the business.  To me, this was Amy McDaniel of Dewdrops Photography. I loved her style, her colors, the props and layers that she used; to me, she was/is the whole package. I searched to see if she offered workshops–and BOOM! She did. I was living in Milwaukee at the time and was itching to go some place warm, and there I saw it.  She was going to be in Charlotte (my future CITY!).  So I invested a small fortune in my business and myself. I learned SO MUCH from this amazingly selfless woman.

During this initial workshop, I learned how to safely pose these precious babies and how to edit to perfection. I soaked in how to soothe and comfort babies so much that nearly every parent has named me the “Baby Whisperer” (haha!). I also learned how to market my business so that I attract clients that are the right fit for what I offer.  This was the best decision I ever made for my business.  And now every year, about 20 newborn photographers from across the country meet in Panama City Beach to learn and network from each other.  Each of these ladies continue to push me to be the best version of myself in this business.  I also continue to learn and grow from many other talented photographers from around the world.  What an amazing job I have! *sigh*

It’s more than just “Taking Pictures;” It’s the experience

When you book with KatieRie Photography, you get VIP treatment from the very start. We talk about your vision and style as well as mine, and if we are a good fit for each other. The photography studio is all-inclusive and well stocked with state-of-the-art equipment which includes my cameras, lenses, lighting and thousands of props, wraps, layers, backdrops, headbands and hats to suit my clients’ desires and needs. All my clients need to do is show up for their session and I will take care of the rest.  Sometimes parents even pop in a quick cat-nap since the studio is so warm and cozy!

I also include a variety of unique products that are exclusively sold to photographers. These are fine-art pieces that won’t be found at Hobby Lobby or Michaels! The products are hand-made and will help showcase the gorgeous images from your session in a unique fashion!

Investing is WORTH it

Taking the time for find the right fit for you is worth it. Just take a look at my before and after: The top photo is my daughter five years ago, before I truly invested in my training…The bottom picture is from a current gallery.  The photos speak volumes!

When you invest in KatieRie Photography, you are investing in the experience we share together. Many clients come away from sessions feeling like we are family. You can’t put a price tag on that!

Think we are a GOOD FIT for each other? Let’s Chat!