Looking for honest feedback Post Reply

[emanu_ela]

Back in in July I placed an ad here on NappyValley looking for models 0 to 12 months old and I had many replies, especially for babies between 3 and 12 months. I am still going through the bookings at the moment and feedback from mums has been very good so far.

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 523#p45523

A few days ago I did post a second ad looking exclusively for newborns, but nobody has been in touch with me yet.

It would be really appreciated if you could help me with some candid and honest feedback in order to understand why my research for newborn models is not as successful as for slightly older babies.

Your perspective on this would be very welcome and look forward to hear your ideas and opinions.

Many thanks for your time,

Manu xx

[supergirl]

Because mums and dads of newborn have other things to do than go for a shooting?
They are trying to figure it out (furst time parents), sleep (all parents of newborns), spend time with their other children and looking after bew baby (secondtimers, thirdtimers, etc).

Also a lot of people think (me included) that camera flashes and lots of light are bad for a newborn. I Am not surprised at your lack of responses

[Jen66]

Yes, I agree.

I suspect it's because newborns are very delicate and the mothers are, no doubt, exhausted.

However, since you asked for honest feedback I don't like the styling of the pictures. I think they're naff and too deliberately cutesie and...dare I say it...a little bit 'chav'. Really hate those headbands on newborns.

Sorry. just not to my taste

[emanu_ela]

@Supergirl

thank you so much for the feedback.

I absolutely agree with what you are saying about lack of time and exhaustion for parents of a newborn baby.
On the other hand, that time is never going to come back and after newborns hit the 2 weeks mark they become much more mobile and they lose most of the natural curl from when they were in mommy’s tummy. This means that your chance of ever having lovely pictures of your new baby asleep in very cute poses becomes very small. (If are a fan of them of course, not everyone is).

Newborn photography is still in its infancy here in the UK and there might be a few misconceptions about bringing a newborn to a photo shoot.
I am a natural light photographer, therefore I won't use any flash or artificial light at all during my sessions (other photographers however do use it quite often). Even though there is no evidence that camera flashes would be harmful to newborns I have personally chosen not to use it so to avoid any potential issue with my clients.
As a mum myself I wouldn't put my children at any risk.

I will make sure to mention more clearly my use of natural light on my ad.

Thanks Manu

[emanu_ela]

@Jen66

I appreciate your honest feedback.

Obviously it would be a miracle to be able to please everyone's taste with my style and pictures.

I have adopted a certain style and I am aware that it might be too cute and not appreciated in the same way from everyone.

Let me just add that it comes as a surprise thinking of my pictures as naff and "chav" but I will take your comments on board.

Thank you,
Manu

[emanu_ela]

Hi again,

not many people are willing to share a feedback, thank you to those that took time to write me. It has been really appreciated.

xx
Manu

[balhamite]

I think what puts people off responding to this sort of thing is the fear of a hard sell of photos at an unknown cost. The ad is phased as if you are giving something away for free as you want to build a portfolio but then the mention of a credit to put towards future purchases rings alarm bells. A lot of photographers are using this approach at the moment and I think it puts people off.

In my opinion if you really want models to build your portfolio then you should give all the photos you take for free but if you are really trying to sell a photo shoot and photos then you should be more transparent in your ad and give details of pricing.

[thelittlelegscompany]

I have to say I agree with Balhamite..this looks as if it is a sale ploy rather than a genuine model search. If you want models, just give them all a photoshoot and a picture and establish a portfolio, if however you want business, just be honest.

[emanu_ela]

Thank you so much for the feedback. I'm taking everything into account!

Have a lovely Sunday,
manu

[Honeymummy]

I like the idea of the curled up newborn, sigh...they grow so fast...(perhaps you could offer other settings ie more classic?) - I think the way you catch 'that glimpse' is quite unique.