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If you are just getting started with newborn photography, know that you are not alone – I was right there once as well. Over the years I have had so many lessons – things that I have tried and didn’t work out, or just mindset shifts I needed to have. So in today’s solo episode I share with you the 10 lessons that I have learned over the years that have made the biggest changes in my business and my life. 

1. It takes time to get comfortable with babies

I had been to a workshop where my instructors looked so calm and confident in how they posed newborns, and when I returned I thought suddenly that would magically transfer to me.

However, confidence with anything requires practice and tenacity. Realize that babies are all different, and we all get tough sessions. The magic is in your tenacious efforts – there will come a time, if you keep practicing, that you get it.

2. Invest in your education & never stop 

The learning never stops. Stagnation happens when I stop challenging myself, but yes, learning is heavy lifting. It’s trying and failing and pushing yourself. Most learning happens from the repeated failures, because no one was born a master. You just have to keep going and keep trying.

3. Get solid on your big WHY, and evaluate it from time to time

Your big why is that reason you are getting started with newborn photography in the first place, and frequently reevaluating is the fuel that keeps you going. Having a big why can keep you focused and grounded, but sometimes it feels murky as it shifts, until it becomes solid again.

4. You are the boss – not your clients

When I was just getting started with newborn photography, I had really ambiguous boundaries, since I am a people pleaser.

Learning to create boundaries and say no was essential, and I realized that a No to someone else wasn’t saying that I didn’t like them. It was just saying yes to me.

5. Charge what you are worth 

Crunch the numbers. Really look at your bottom line, and see whether you are as profitable as you should be, given what you put into your business.

6. Be mindful of the time & energy you give people

We always think about time & money as our most valuable resources but I think our energy should be included in that too. 

Look out for energy vampires: a person that seems to suck the life out of you, people who, in stead of inspiring you, uplifting you and filling you with positive energy, leave you feeling drained, stressed, and demotivated

Release them with love, and positivity, I refund sessions, I refund deposits, and I let them know I am not the photographer for them.

7. You don’t need everything

Whether you are just getting started with newborn photography, or you’ve been in business for years: you don’t need every single prop, blanket, headband, camera lens, etc. to be an amazing photographer.

You can’t shop your way to e a better for photographer. You can’t shortcut practice. Poor posing, lighting & editing dressed up with pretty props, doesn’t make it any better. Learning the skills will. 

8. If you need help, ask for it 

Be kind to yourself. Be aware of what you can & can’t do, what you want to do, and what success actually looks like for you. Be aware of your joy, and when you start to feel tapped.

9. You are not the photographer for everyone 

You get to choose the photography services that you want to offer. And you get to change and re-evaluate at any time. If you say yes to every opportunity, you will end up miserable and stuck in a life you didn’t envision.

10. Don’t compare yourself to strangers on the Internet 

Be mindful about how things make you feel. If there are certain photographers or artists that you find triggers you to feel like you’re not good enough, that chips away at your self-confidence, you have the power to put those blinders on.

It is so important we learn to manage our minds. Because your inner critic can become your constant abuser. Its your kryptonite to your self esteem as an artist.  And comparison truly is the thief of joy, especially when you’re just getting started with newborn photography.

BONUS TIP: There are Seasons of Creativity

You will go through times where you have so many ideas you can’t catch them all, and there are going to be times where you are so burnt out that you feel like you don’t have an idea to save your life. My biggest advise is to lean into those times you need more rest. Just trust yourself.

All creatives have an ebb and flow to creativity…and you wont run out. 

Discover more about Lisa DiGeso and the Milky Way

Website: www.themilkyway.ca
Facebook: @photographyresource
Facebook Group: Learn the Art of Newborn and Family Photography – by The Milky Way
Instagram: @milkywayfun
Youtube: The Milky Way

Bio: Lisa DiGeso is the owner of Milk & Honey Photography and founder of The Milky Way – a photographer’s resources.  Over the past 12 years, she’s photographed over 1,200 newborns and helped over 21,000 students through online classes +  retreats.

Resources shared in this episode:

Introducing…The Art & Soul Show

Unlocking The Power Of A Creative Community That Benefits Everyone With Malia B

The Art & Soul Academy