Social Media for Photographers – Instagram

Social Media for Photographers – Instagram

I am amazed how many photographers are not utilizing Instagram. With over 300 million active monthly users, this platform is ideal for photographers to connect with potential clients. In this post, we will be outlining how to create and utilize your Instagram account. Please keep in mind, this is not a detailed, marketing tutorial. However, if you do not have an IG account or your IG account is not connected to your Facebook Business Page then this is a post to you! :)

In an effort to further connect with our customers, I recently visited around 50 Facebook Business pages with the sole purpose of connecting via Instagram. I was astounded that only 2 of those pages had an IG account attached to their page. If you are looking to build your business and further your reach on the world wide web, I would highly recommend creating a “business” IG account. While, Instagram is not currently offering specific business profiles (like on Facebook), it is good practice to create an account separate from your personal account (if you have one). However, if you’d like to include photos of your kids, pets and home improvement projects mixed in with your business photos then have at it!

1. Set up an Instagram account

Setting up an IG account is very simple. Just download the app (https://instagram.com/download/ios/) on your smartphone or tablet and create an account. One of the great things about this platform is you can connect on the go! Whether you are sitting at the DMV or waiting in line at Starbucks, you can connect with friends and potential clients – building your brand and expanding your online presence.

2. Adding Instagram to Facebook

This step is actually easier than most people think and it is very valuable in connecting with your past and future clients!

While logged in to your personal Facebook page, visit the following URL: https://apps.facebook.com/instagram_feed/. This will begin the process of adding an Instagram Tab to your Facebook Business page.

Then, make sure that you select the Facebook Business Page where you would like the tab installed. (Some folks have multiple business pages) Once you have the correct page selected, hit the ‘Add Instagram Feed Tab’ button and you will be prompted to input your IG username and password. (You created these during Step 1)

That’s it! You don’t have to upgrade to the paid version of this application and you now see your Instagram feed as well as button for your clients to add you to their network!

3. Make Sure You’re Not Private

Although I understand the need for private accounts, if you want folks to be able to see your fabulous professional photos, you’re going to need to make sure that your ‘business’ IG account is not set to private. This is another reason that it might be wise to have a personal and business profile. If you’d like to see an example of this Instagram Tab in action, take a look at our Facebook Business Page!

4. Utilize Hashtags

One of the easiest ways for future clients to find your company is to utilize hashtags. Nope, these are not just for young people. Hashtags are actually a very valuable tool, especially on a platform such as Instagram. Every time we post a beautiful photo from one of our customers to IG we always include a variety of hashtags including: #newbornphotography. This is one of the ways that people search for IG profiles that might interest them so make sure that you aren’t overlooked!

That’s it! Just follow these couple steps and you are already way ahead of the curve! If you have any trouble or have any questions regarding these steps just shoot us an email and we will do our very best to help you out!

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How to Prepare for a Newborn Photography Shoot

You may have noticed that brand spankin’ new babies don’t exactly pose when it’s time to have their picture taken. This is pretty much the most important thing to know about newborn photography, and it will be a constant in your newborn documenting adventures. Because babies don’t pose, you’re going to have to be very flexible and in the moment. Don’t fret! There is some good news. Usually you can make this work to your advantage — some of your best photos will often happen when the infant falls asleep during the shoot. That said, there are some steps that can help baby, parents and the photographer to prepare for a newborn photo shoot and bring out those photos that you strive for as a newborn photographer:

1. Parent & Baby Preparation

In order to accomplish your goals as a newborn photographer you will need parents who know what to expect and are prepared ahead of time. The best way to prepare the parents is to compile a list of tips to get both mommy and daddy ready for the shoot: length of the session, what you’ll be bringing, to expect messes and delays, and to warm up the house (even if you bring along a space heater, which is a great addition to your kit.) Ideally, mom will feed the baby while the photographer sets up.

2. Expectations

There are two types of newborn photography – studio (posed) and lifestyle. Studio type sessions are usually scheduled within the first 2 weeks of birth because baby sleeps a majority of the time. The baby can typically be positioned perfectly swaddled in blankets, wraps or specialty fabrics, and wearing various hats or stylish headbands. Lifestyle type sessions take place in the baby’s home environment and are often captured with the parents holding the baby in a variety of poses. Regardless of which type of newborn photography you decide to focus on, be sure that the parents expectations about the type of photos they are looking for are clearly stated and understood.

White Washed Wood Photography Backdrop | Photo by Fresh Art Photography

3. The Kit

Newborn photography requires almost as much preparation as shooting a wedding. You should certainly create a checklist to review before every shoot. We have compiled an example checklist for you below:

• Camera
• Backup camera
• Lenses
• Formatted memory cards
• Toys (for siblings that might join in the session)
• Infant poser(s)
• Backdrop(s)
• Backdrop stand and clamps
• Space heater
• Step stool
• A change of clothes (Well, you know why)
• Props and small blankets
• Hats and headbands

4. Ideal Backdrops

Whether you’re doing studio or location work with newborns, a selection of quality photography backdrops is a must. Soft solids and dreamy patterns are ideal; our Solid Backdrop Collection offers many soft colors that would be perfect for a newborn photography shoot. You can also order any of our backdrops in a poly paper material, such as our Baby Clouds Photography Backdrop which is very popular with newborn photography. Newborn-sized backdrops are small enough to be easily transported to locations or changed out quickly in the studio.

Treasure Map Photography Backdrop | Photo by JME Portraits

5. Soft and Natural Lighting

Whenever possible, make use of the natural lighting streaming in through windows during lifestyle/location shoots. Try diffusing sunlight through a translucent curtain. Choose studio lighting that is warm, soft and diffused for posed shots.

6. Be Selective with Props

You don’t want to overwhelm yourself by bringing out too many props. Instead, plan 3 to 4 different looks/themes and setups for the baby ahead of time based upon the client’s expectations and preferences. Include items the client provides as well — perhaps a family heirloom blanket, or something that’s special to dad.

7. Aperture Setting and Lenses

In newborn photography, many poses involve extreme angles. Your sharpness and depth of field will benefit from shooting at around f/2 and f/2.2. Also, when baby falls asleep, switch to a macro lens and focus on some extreme close-up shots. Zoom in on fingers, toes, tufts of hair, ears, pouty lips, etc. Open up those little closed fists to add a more peaceful, relaxed vibe to the images.

8. Include Mom, Dad and/or Siblings

The sad reality is that other family members often don’t appear in photos with newborns. Encourage mom, dad and brothers and/or sisters to get in some frames. Sometimes new moms feel too exhausted to feel up to posing, but remind her that she will treasure those photos years from now. Keep mommy/baby poses easy and gentle.

9. Let the Baby Inspire You

Find inspiration before the photo shoot by checking your client’s Facebook or Pinterest accounts to view some of their personal photos. Seeing the family ahead of time can help you to have some poses in mind before the session. However, once you arrive, you should also allow the shoot to unfold organically; some of the best baby photography images are unplanned. Stay in the moment as the child moves, yawns, stretches or cries. From bright blue eyes to dimples to a full head of hair, highlight the uniqueness of each baby.

Grass Floor Drop | Photo by Red Elephant Studio

10. Be Safe, Persistent and Prolific

Be aware of newborn photography safety considerations before you begin — posers should be soft, padded and secure. All props should be non-toxic and have soft, pliable edges. Remember also that although the baby won’t say a word, they are in charge of the shoot; if they don’t want to go to sleep, continue taking lifestyle shots until they tire themselves out. Know that the session likely won’t go as you planned, but keep on shooting — those unplanned moments just might be where the magic happens.