Newborn photographer Christina Merez shares how her and husband Carlos make it work as a husband and wife photography team. From roles to boundaries to styles – there is a lot to unpack about this special dynamic.
SUBSCRIBE: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher
Introduction (2:27)
How did you and Carlos become a husband and wife photography team? (3:02)
Carlos was looking for a new job, and when we added up all the costs of daycare, etc. it was actually expensive for him to go back to work, so I suggested he help with my photography – he is so patient with little ones, so newborn photography was the natural choice.
What are your roles in the job? (4:19)
We determined that I was best at shooting, and he is amazing at assisting on set, putting babies into poses, and he also does all the editing.
How did you figure out editing that fits both your styles? (7:07)
I sat down and explained my creative vision to him until we have now developed a unique style.
Do you have business boundaries in a husband and wife photography team? (9:07)
Yes, we have been able to keep things separate. We were older when we met, so as a couple we have been able to communicate better and stay in our roles in the business.
What is your client workflow (12:33)
We used to have a prep guide, but found that people don’t read it. So now we focus on having a phone call and just letting people know what to expect the day of the session.
How long did it take for you to be confident in shooting newborns? (15:43)
About 3 years to feel good about our work. Once you have sessions consistently, that is when you learn the most, because you learn something at every session.
What is your go-to tip to get toddlers to cooperate in newborn sessions? (18:59)
I speak directly to them all the time, rather than the parents. I ask them to help me with small things and they start realizing that they are the big brother/sister and will be more inclined to help with baby too. I also use a stuffed animal or stand-in-baby to show them what to expect before putting the baby in the shot.
Do you have a client closet? (22:14)
Yes, we have dresses for new and expecting moms. They love that they don’t have to go shopping and everything they need is at the studio.
What is your favourite newborn pose? (24:36)
We are well known for our bowl shots, but it’s limited. On their back on the beanbag is my favourite because I can get so many different looks from it.
What do you do when baby gets fussy? (26:40)
Wrap! You can still get variety by showing legs and arms.
Do you have any funny stories from a session? (28:29)
What is your business selling structure? (29:29)
We have a hybrid system. We do full IPS with newborns, but do mainly digitals for sitters with the option to purchase print products.
What do you wish you knew starting out? (32:10)
Don’t buy everything you see! Buy the right thing, not the cheapest.
Speed Round (34:44)
What do you wish more photographers knew? (37:08)
As long as you don’t quit, and you keep practicing, and you invest in education, you will get better and busier.
What are you artistically curious about? (38:51)
Lighting
Discover more about Christina Merez
Website: www.ccmerazphotography.com
Facebook: ccmerazphotography
Instagram: ccmerazphotography
Bio:
We are Cristina and Carlos a husband and wife photography team. We started photographing newborns in2013, and opened our first very small studio in February 2016.
In 2018 we started to received mentoring/teaching inquiries and did a few 1:1. That same year we also got invited as speakers at HPP (Hispanic Professional Photographers).
Since 2019 we have had the opportunity to teach at workshops in Mexico, City, Guadalajara, Costa Rica and El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, and Boston.
Awards: Jan 2018 Second place, Portrait Masters, Newborn Category
Sep 2018 Third and Fourth place Portrait Masters Newborn Category
