As summer approaches us, and so many of us are tempted to move our sessions outdoors for some yummy outdoor newborn photography - we thought it would be a great opportunity to invite Stephanie Knowles of Jaiden Photography as our Monthly Mentor. Stephanie is one of the industries leading photographers and most sought after mentors and is known for her beautiful outdoor images of newborns on the beach and in grassy fields - as well as newborns perfectly posed in her studio.
Take a peek at this Q&A with Stephanie, and if you have any questions for her - leave them on her forum post where she will be answering your questions all month long! Stephanie will also be critiquing images on the critique board, so don't miss this opportunity to learn and grow from one of the industries best!
Q- When did you start photographing newborns? And why did you choose this field?
A- I started photographing newborns in 2009 along with families, weddings, children. I quickly realized newborns were my favorite and started specializing in January of 2010.
Q- Describe your personal 'style' to us.
A- Personal....hard to believe but I'm a home body, when the kids are off at grandma's I love to just be at home in a quiet house. Love shopping at Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, antique stores and of course Target..what mom doesn't love Target?!?!
Q- Do you use natural light, or studio light? Do you prefer one over the other and why?
A- Natural. No preference, never needed to use studio lighting. My little beach studio has great natural light and I like simplicity :)
Q- What's in your bag? (What camera and equipment do you use)
In my Ketty Bag, I have a Nikon D3s, 35mm 1.4g (obsession!!), Nikon 105mm Marcro, Nikon 85mm 1.4g and just added a fisheye lens
Q- Can you share with use, some images of your studio and set up?
Sure!!! I just moved into a 1900's little beach cottage in April. It has a little mommy room, office and of course shooting room. I love it and feel so blessed to have this space!
Q- What is your favorite pose, and why? What image do you tend to sell the most of?
A- I have two favorites...little curly butt up pose and the chin pose. I love how they both feature different parts of the baby. These would be my two biggest sellers.
Q- What is your biggest challenge as a Newborn Photographer, and how do you strive to overcome it?
A- I think my biggest challenge is just being a working mom. A few months ago, I was featured on a local mom's blog about this very challenge and how I overcame it. http://www.jaxmomsblog.com/mom/the-working-mom-challenge-juggling-without-dropping-the-ball/
Q - What advice would you give to other newborn photographers, just starting out?
A- Be humble. Don't gossip. Shoot for your clients. Push yourself. and most important, have fun!
Q- What are some of your favourite prop vendors?
A- Sweet Pea Toad, Woolywishes, Darling Baby, Adorable Props, JD Vintage
Q- Tell us about your mentoring sessions, what do you teach, and what do your students learn?
Oh goodness..day full of sweating, swaddling, shhhh'ing, swaying..ohhh you didn't know there are 4 S's involved in a newborn session? everyone forgets the sweating. haha! Back to the question, we go over it all; posing-soothing techniques- lighting-marketing-editing-outdoor & sibling.