Behind the Lens: The Newborn Photographer Diaries
Welcome to Behind the Lens: The Newborn Photographer Diaries where two caffeine-fueled, swaddle-wrapping, baby-whispering photographers spill the (non-toxic, baby-safe) tea on what it’s really like running a newborn photography biz.
We’re talking about everything from posing tiny humans and soothing fussy babies to navigating clients, running a business, marketing without losing your mind, and juggling it all while trying to keep our own families alive and fed. (Some days, that’s the real miracle.)
It’s honest. It’s a little chaotic. It’s full of laughter, real talk, and all the behind-the-scenes moments you won’t find on Instagram. If you’re a newborn photographer, or just curious about the beautiful mess behind the lens, this is the podcast for you.
Behind the Lens: The Newborn Photographer Diaries
Ep. 4: Mini Sessions: Quick Cash or Brand Burnout?
In this chatty, real-life episode, Arielle and Jackie pull back the curtain on mini sessions—the good, the bad, and the glitter-in-your-eyes ugly. From personality portraits and Christmas sets with Santa to why some minis can unintentionally cheapen your brand, we dig into where minis shine, where they fall short, and how to set expectations without burning out. You’ll also hear honest mom-life moments (college send-offs, teens testing limits, and snack-seeking kiddos) and how we’re batching recordings to stay consistent for you.
What we cover
- What actually counts as a “mini” (timing, deliverables, expectations)
- Pros & cons: quick money, new-client pipeline, and the very real burnout tax
- Personality portraits vs. milestone minis vs. holiday/Santa sets
- Managing timelines, buffers, and client expectations (and using timers)
- Pricing/positioning: when minis undermine a “luxury” brand—and when they don’t
- Marketing ideas: early access, scarcity, “limited edition” language, and lead-up timing
- Why some families thrive with minis—and others need the space of a full session
- Behind the scenes: batching episodes, headshots, and model call ideas
Takeaways
- Minis work best when they’re truly limited, clearly scoped, and priced to protect your brand.
- If your style leans candid, intimate storytelling, minis can be done—but they’ll need tight guardrails.
- Build in buffers, set “up to” time language, and use alarms to stay on schedule.
- Consider minis as in-person marketing—an entry point that can lead to full sessions.
Join the conversation
Do you love minis or loathe them? What’s working (or not) in your market? Drop your experiences and spicy takes in the comments—we’re planning a future episode on unpopular opinions in photography and want your prompts!
If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate/review, and share with a photographer friend. Thanks for listening and hanging out with us!
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Follow Jackie with HoneyWild Photography on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/honeywild_photo
Follow Arielle with Arielle Elizabeth Photography on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/arielleelizabethphotography
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Website: https://www.newbornphotodiaries.com
Email us: newbornphotodiaries@gmail.com
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