With Jillian Kirbys natural and organic style, she is easily one of the most sought after mentors our industry! We are so pleased to have Jillian contribute as our May mentor, and we are looking forward to reading her critiques, answers to your questions and welcoming her as our mentor this month!
Q- When did you start photographing newborns? And why did you choose this field?
A- I started photographing families, children and newborns about 6 years ago. Then about 4 years ago I made the decision to focus solely on newborns and babies. It was a huge decision, but really, newborn and baby inquiries were all that I was getting because of what I was showing on my blog and because of the way that I was marketing myself. It was pretty much a natural progression.
Q- Describe your personal 'style' to us.
A- Ohh that's always a tough one for me. The way I try to shoot is to achieve a sense of serenity and calmness. I never want anyone to look at an image I have created and wince or even wonder if that child is safe or comfortable. I want the beauty of the baby to be the very first thing they notice about an image I deliver. So I suppose my style is serene, organic, calm and natural.
Q- Do you use natural light, or studio light? Do you prefer one over the other and why?
A- I have used both. Currently I use natural light for the simple reason that I can. My studio has huge floor to ceiling windows that allow me to really have fun with natural light and be consistent using it. I love the really soft look it gives vs. studio lighting. Having said that, I have seen quite a few photogs use studio light and I never would have guessed it! If studio light is done right, it's gorgeous!
Q- What's in your bag? (What camera and equipment do you use)
A- I have a couple Nikon D700s and my workhorse lens is the 50mm 1.4. I also use the 105 macro sometimes too. If I'm doing families outside I'll use the 24-70 as well. I switched from Canon about 3 years ago and I have never looked back. I've also never felt the need to upgrade any of my gear, which is so nice for my bank account! ;)
Q- Can you share with use, some images of your studio and set up?
A- Actually I have a Google 360 degree tour online if you'd like to come inside the studio and see it! It's at https://plus.google.com/116208629026224239131/about?gl=ca&hl=en and you just have to click on the little image on the right hand side and that will bring you to the tour!
Q- What is your favorite pose, and why? What image do you tend to sell the most of?
A- My very favourite pose is the side lie. I really feel like it's the most natural pose for a newborn. That, or the bum up pose. Both those poses are poses that you would actually see a one week old baby in. I like that it features the face but still shows little details like the fingers and toes, all while remaining natural and comfortable for the little one. Of course there are little variations you can do to both those poses to make them more interesting, like adding headbands, hats or wraps. But sometimes, my very favourite image is just of a baby in a side lie or bum up, with tons of negative space, on a simple cream backdrop. Nothing more organic than that!
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 definitely finding that work/life balance. This business is almost like one of my children. I never feel like I am doing enough to help it thrive so I fall in to the trap of working way too many hours. However, in the last couple years, I think I have really started to head in the right direction. I work from 10am to 4pm every day and I have dinner with my family every night. I spend the evenings with my husband and I go to bed at a reasonable hour. That has come with taking a lower volume of clients at a higher price point, as well as outsourcing things like bookkeeping and admin work.
Q - What advice would you give to other newborn photographers, just starting out?
A- That's a tough one… there's just so much that I'd do differently if I could go back. But I think the top thing would be to really try to achieve your own style. Instead of trying to emulate a photographer that you admire, really pick apart their work and figure out what it is about the images that you are attracted to. Take those elements and add them to your own style… do this to all the photogs that you love and combine it with elements of your own work that you love and eventually, you'll have your own style, rather than a cookie cutter look that already exists!
Q- What are some of your favourite prop vendors?
A- I love Just Hatched Photography Props and Designs, Whimsy Hats and Bands, Baby Joy, Emmy Blue Handmades, Goodnight Mouse Handmade Knits and so many more!!
Q- Tell us about your mentoring sessions, what do you teach, and what do your students learn?
A- I think I teach a very relaxed approach to newborn photography. Its not so much about achieving a million perfected poses and setups every session, but more so about the experience and results you offer your clients and their new little ones. I teach the value of maintaining the natural look of a newborn and really, truly capturing exactly what they are in that moment with as little editing as possible. I really value the uniqueness of each baby and I focus on that rather than the "it" pose or prop of the moment!