When thinking about how to start a photography business, things can quickly become overwhelming.
There's a lot to do, and much of it has nothing at all with being behind the lens.
Managing all that business stuff like marketing, getting a website going, registering your business and business name, working with accountants, and so forth can be tedious tasks, but they're important nonetheless.
What's also important is that you take some time to hone your craft as a photographer.
Here's a few tips for becoming a newborn photographer that focus on what you need to do from the business side as well as behind the lens.
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Word of Mouth Marketing is Where It's At
Hands-down, the best marketing for your newborn photography business will be word of mouth.
Getting referrals from clients is an absolute necessity because potential clients will be much more likely to give you a shot if they've heard about you from a relative or a friend than if they see your name on a business card thumbtacked to a wall somewhere.
Of course, generating positive word of mouth means that you have to produce gorgeous photos, be fun and easy to work with, be attentive and responsive to your newborn subjects and their parents, and delivering beautiful products in a timely manner (among many other things!).
The key to maximizing word of mouth marketing is timing.
You don't want to ask for a referral too soon because doing so might seem desperate. Besides, how can your clients give you a referral before you've completed the work for them?
You also don't want to ask for a referral too late, like when you send your clients their final bill.
The sweet spot for getting a referral is when you've sent proofs to your client.
Their level of excitement will be through the roof at that point, so they'll be more likely to refer you.
You can also think about offering referral discounts or bonuses to clients, like getting 20 percent off their baby's one-year photos if someone they referred to you books a session.
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Get the Right Props
Using props in portraits is something that can add tons of interest to the shot when done well. If not done well, they can be an eyesore.
That's why it's so important to get the right props for your newborn photography business.
Though every little guy and gal will be different, there are a variety of props that you can buy now and use over and over again.
This includes beanbags for supporting their little heads, necks, and backs.
It also includes throws and blankets to keep them warm and to add some texture to their portraits, as shown above.
It's also a good idea to have props that bring in colors and patterns to create more visual interest.
As seen in the image above, something as simple as a headband can help draw the eye to the baby's face while adding a pop of color as well.
Of course, you can combine these various props into the same shot for a beautiful look.
In the image above, the newborn crown adds sparkle to the photo while the texture of the jumper and blanket add depth to the shot.
But notice how in each of these examples that the props look and feel as though they're an integral component of the photo.
What's more, none of these props are distracting or compete for attention with the true star of the shot - the baby.
That's an important thing to keep in mind when styling your newborn photos - use props in a way that seems natural.
Editor's Tip: Newborn photos can really stand out by making smart decisions with accessories. See how newborn photos should be accessorized.
Figure Out Your Target Market
Perhaps one of the more difficult tasks you'll have when thinking about how to start a photography business is determining what your target market will be.
It's not good enough to say "newborn photography" as your market, either...
Sure, you'll initially need to cast a wider net in order to get things off the crowd with as many clients as possible.
But as your business grows, you'll want to zero in on the specific kind of clients that you desire to have.
Here's a great photography business tip: When thinking about a target market, consider financial and geographic factors.
That is, when you think about your future as a photographer, you have to set goals for your income. And to make that income, your clients will need to pay a certain amount of money for your services.
That, in turn, drives who your ideal client becomes - they must be able to afford what you charge.
Likewise, it doesn't do you any good to target customers that are too far away. That means that you have to consider geographic factors when figuring out your target market.
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Final Thoughts
With these newborn photography tips, you have a few pointers for how to become a newborn photographer.
While this isn't a comprehensive overview of every step you need to take, this will still get you pointed in the right direction.
Remember that starting a photography business is tough work and it will be a long road.
But if you produce beautiful photos, work well with your clients, and have a long-term strategy for success, you should be in good shape!
About Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories
This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories (like those shown in the images above) are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, and mommy and me sessions. These accessories not only make your clients look and feel great, but they also add a depth of detail and interest to your photos that elevate the images to an entirely other level. What started out with just a few people manufacturing these eye-catching items is a growing business that provides accessories to photographers worldwide. Help your clients look and feel their best by partnering with Sew Trendy Accessories.