1. Samantha Thornburg

2. Newborn Photography
Maternity Photography
Studio Setups
Props
Posing
Marketing
References
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3. I chose newborn photography, because newborns are an area that I want to specialize in. Not everyone is meant to shoot
newborns, but I definitely feel I am. However, newborns are so delicate and I want to make sure I know everything I possibly
can especially with the safety aspect before I am handling someone else‟s child. I think newborn photography is so important.
They are only newborns for an extremely short amount of time, and they change so quickly. Everybody should want to
remember what they looked like, how they smelt, the love they felt for their newborn baby. When I look at my daughter‟s
newborn photos everything I felt that day comes back. The window for newborn photos is pretty small. They are only able to
curl up in those cute little poses for the first couple weeks after they are born. After that they become more alert and move
around much more. I wanted to add this to my idea book, because I feel there is so much people do not take the time to learn as
far as safety. People do not realize that it is not about getting the baby in the cutest poses, it is about keeping the baby safe at all
times and getting what images you can safely. The parents are not going to care if you could not get their baby in the little frog
pose. They are going to care and freak out a little bit, if their child is put in danger.
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4. I chose this image because it is simple and proves you do
not need all those fancy poses to make an adorable photo.
I chose this image because it shows the
connection , bond, and love between a mother
and her child. There is no greater bond and to
capture it so perfectly on camera is priceless.
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The image to the left is actually down using one
of the posing pillows I have below. The Butterfly
poser. This is that pillow in action.
Both images are done by
LaurieL Photography. I am
extremely inspired by her
work and love pretty much
all her images. I am
awaiting the opportunity to
photograph twins, so I
thought I would include
one of her twin sessions.

6. Maternity Photography is another area that I want to specialize in. I really want to be able to capture a woman‟s pregnancy, but also
be an advocate of how important it is to capture this amazing time in their life. I made the biggest mistake by not getting
professional maternity photos taken when I was pregnant with my daughter. Even though I may have more children down the road,
I will never get to experience those photos with my first born. It is not something you can go back and capture later, it is a once in a
lifetime kind of deal. Each pregnancy you have is different, and each child is different. It is a beautiful experience that should be
captured. I hear way too many times that they just do not feel comfortable or they just do not know if they want them done. Even if
the only person who sees the photos is them, they should have them done. It is just another nice reminder of that experience of
carrying a child. Every imperfection they may have gotten while pregnant was to home and grow that child, which makes those
imperfections…perfect. Every mother to be as a motherly glow, the love for their unborn child just beams off of them. This is
important to me and I added it to my Idea book so I can be better at making my client more comfortable. I want those beautiful
elegant photos for my clients. I want them to be able to look back at those photos and realize that was one of the best decisions
they made, not having regrets.
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7. The image to the left I chose because it is
elegant and beautiful and shows off her
baby bump amazingly.
I love this close up shot of the tummy. I
think side views give a better shot of the
size of the mommy‟s tummy. I also love
this in black and white.
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Once again both photos are by Lauriel
Photography. She shows in her images what
I hope to show in mine. I love how she
caught the intimacy in the photo to the
right.
The image to the left is art, she catches quite a
bit of hate on facebook for these images, but
this is natural beauty in my opinion and very
artistic.

9. I think studio setups especially for newborns are extremely important. Newborn session cannot be thrown together at the last
minute. The planning and preparation before the session are extremely important. Whether it is what you have to make the room
more comfortable for the baby or the situation more comfortable for the parents. This is extremely important to know how you
are going to accommodate the parents. If the parents are nervous or tense the baby will sense that and the session will not go as
easily as you may think. It seems like every photographers has their own way of doing things, own style, different preparations,
etc. Even when it comes to making the baby more comfortable, and not as if this was a photo session or anything, whether it be
heaters, white noise, having several different layers on the bean bag for extra comfort and minimal lumps, anything that would
bring that comfort. I have heard of some that set up a small nursery area for changes and feedings to make it a little homier. I
would love to learn more about that, because I think that is a fantastic idea. There is a lot I have found that plays into preparation
and setup, and believe it or not it really makes a difference in the way your session goes as far as organization. I added this to my
idea book so that I may somewhat find out and develop my own setup routine or style not only for setup but for making the
parents comfortable as well.
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10. The setup to the right although seems crowded
is one I see used quite a bit. The heater to keep
the baby nice a warm. The layers upon layers
over the beanbag. The reflector bouncing off
the natural light. I included this one, because it
is so commonly used.
I chose the image to the right because it is
labeled. It tells what everything is and where
it is. It is kind of like a step by step to setting
your studio space up.
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I wanted to include two setups using artificial
lighting because that is mostly what I work with.
These are two that I found that I could see myself
using.
Next week I am hoping to break it down a little more
and include what specific things are used in the setups
versus the whole setup.

12. I chose props to go in my idea books, because I am curious to explore different props for newborns and maternity sessions. I think
that props can also play into the safety issue with newborns. You cannot just stick a baby in whatever they will fit in, you have to
make sure that it is safe, sturdy and you always have a spotter. You are behind the camera; you need a parent or an assistant to have
their hand on that baby at all times. Baskets are a huge thing now days. Not all baskets are reliable; putting 6-7 pounds of baby in
one end could cause it to topple over. I have even seen the before and after composite of a baby on a guitar. I should have named
this section of my idea book composites, but I am curious to know more about different props and such that you can use during
maternity sessions as well, as in what is more flattering and shows off the baby bump best. I really want to explore props for both
kinds of sessions. I want to learn more about why some props are good and others are not for these types of sessions. Not only that,
but to see how to use them properly. I have heard of weighing down one end, or like I mentioned before doing a composite. I think
“props” is such a broad subject. Not only do you have baskets, pillows, posers, crates, little trunks, and the list goes on, but then
you also have the little hats, diaper covers, ties, wraps, outfits etc. There is so much that can tie into this one subject. I really just
want a better understand of what is SAFE to use and what is not so much recommended.
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13. I like the props to the left because they are more simple
close to the ground and sturdy. There is not a whole lot
of chance of them tipping over or anything so overall
they would be more comfortable to use.
Hammocks can make for the most
adorable photos. They are nice and
simple, but should always be used with
a spotter. This photos was mostly likely
a composite.
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The photo to the right is a butterfly poser. It can be
adjusted a few different ways, and I actually included an
image of it in use above in my newborn section.
Below are very soft newborn wraps. They are made out
of mohair and are becoming extremely popular.

15. I think posing for both maternity and newborn sessions are crucial. I like everyone have photographers that they drawn inspiration
from. I have a few that I strive to be as great as someday. They each have their own unique style and are not selfish in the way that
they do not want to share their knowledge. They want people to have the knowledge to safety and beauty in the images they take. I
chose posing, because posing can make or break an image. For maternity sessions you are focusing on that baby bump. You do not
want to put them in a pose that would flatten or somewhat hide that bump. You would want them in tighter fitting clothing or bare
tummy. They are showing off their pregnancy and it should show in their image. As far as newborn posing, you want to practice
safe posing and learn to work with composites. Never second guess, always be safe. I have seen images that looked more forced
and sloppy because they just tried too hard for those complicated poses. The parents would rather something simple and really
shows off their newborns features and how truly amazing they are than their baby in a curly pose that just did not work out so well.
I think if you are not 100% comfortable in the pose you choose to do than you shouldn‟t try it on someone else‟s baby until you
are. I wanted this in my idea book, not so much for me to know what to do, but more to show what I should not be doing if that
makes sense. A reminder of the don‟ts.
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16. The little frog pose to
the left is extremely
common and also very
important you use a
composite. I think this
is a great and easy to
follow step by step on
how to accomplish this
pose safely.
I have seen the final image of the baby on
the basketball several times, but this is the
first I have seen the composite. I included
this one, because without a composite this
could be extremely dangerous.
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The photo to the right I think is most
commonly done the wrong way, with no
support for baby. I think this is a great photo to
show how it should be done.
I have never seen the composite done for the
photo on the left, and I thought it was pretty
interesting how they do it, some of these are
hard to believe that they are even composites.

18. I definitely think that marketing needed to be in my idea book. I know some things about how I can market myself, but I know that
there is so much more out there that I could be doing. I know I could reach many more people, if I just had the means and knew
how to. I mean it is not only what can I do, but where. Since I want to specialize in maternity and newborn photos I have been told
that hospitals, clinics, anywhere mommy to bes would go are the perfect places to sort of put a bug in their ear about me. I mean I
have so ideas, but I want attention getters, and I am not quite sure if I know exactly what I need to do to make myself stand out
from the rest. I also know that some places encourage you to display your work or leave postcards at their business for their
customers to take. Then you have others that look down upon it and do not allow it. So I guess what I really want to find out is
what can I all do to market myself? Where can I do this at? What can I do to my marketing that would make me stand out from my
competition? Let‟s say 3 other photographers have something for their business at the same place I am leaving mine, what is going
to drawn attention to mine. So I guess I want to just know more about marketing my business all together.
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19. I am really glad I found the image to the left, because
social media in my opinion can be your biggest
advertisement. I know several photographers, that have a
Facebook page and a majority of their clients have found
them through that page. So I think some kind of social
media for your business is a must.
I really liked how unique these business
cards were. They are something that stands
out and would catch your eye and I think
when it come to marketing that is very
important.
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Marketing boards are a neat way to advertise your specials.
I see these used a lot just to post on Facebook. I think they
are good for directing attention and getting people to
notice what specials you have going on versus just reading
text.
Accordion albums are something a little different to
advertise your business and can be used for just about any
occasion or used to show off any part of your business
you would like.

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22. Howard, Courtnie. "Murphy, NC Newborn Photographer, Newborn Composite - Images By Courtnie Photography." Images By
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http://www.imagesbycourtnie.com/1/post/2011/11/murphy-nc-newborn-photographer-newborn-composite.html .
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