Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paloma Schell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paloma, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Moving to a new country was undoubtedly one of the biggest risks I have ever taken. Deciding to leave Brazil, where I had an established career as a newborn and children’s photographer, to start over from scratch in the United States was both challenging and transformative.
This decision stemmed from my desire to provide better opportunities for my children and to explore new horizons in photography. However, the journey was far from easy. I had to adapt to a new culture, face the challenge of learning a language I was not fluent in, and help my children integrate into a completely different environment—all while trying to rebuild my career and earn the trust of new clients.
Entering a competitive market like the U.S. was intimidating. I had to start from scratch, building a new client base in a community where my name was not recognized. I developed strategies to connect with people, showcase my work, and prove that I could deliver high-quality services despite being a foreigner.
Balancing this transition with my children’s emotional needs was a constant learning experience. Helping them adapt to a new school system, language, and lifestyle required patience and resilience.
Looking back now, I see that all the effort was worth it. I have managed to carve out my space as a newborn and children’s photographer, building a loyal client base. My family has also adapted and thrived in this new culture. This experience taught me that the biggest risks often bring significant rewards. It was a leap into the unknown that strengthened me personally and professionally.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Paloma Schell, and I am a photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and baby milestone sessions. My greatest passion is being in my studio, face-to-face with clients, creating images that not only capture moments but also transform them into lifelong cherished memories.
My journey in photography began with my admiration for motherhood and the world of babies. Through photography, I found a way to turn this admiration into art by capturing unique stories and genuine emotions. I believe every family has something special to share, and this uniqueness inspires my work.
I strive to offer a complete and personalized experience, always prioritizing practicality and comfort for my clients. I understand that welcoming a baby brings many changes and adjustments, so I ensure that the photography process is light and hassle-free. From planning to final delivery, every detail is carefully thought out to make life easier for parents. For instance, in my newborn sessions, I follow a structured and organized workflow in which clients don’t have to worry about providing props or outfits, as everything is thoughtfully prepared by me. My primary focus is to ensure a smooth experience, prioritizing the baby’s comfort and safety at all times.
What truly sets me apart is my attention to detail and dedication to providing more than just photos; my goal is to offer a memorable, stress-free experience that combines efficiency with quality emotional results. Many clients highlight not only the beauty of the images but also how easy and enjoyable the entire process was from start to finish.
I provide look guides and style consultations to help families prepare for their sessions. My suggestions of neutral, delicate, and timeless tones create sophisticated and harmonious images that elegantly and minimally highlight the baby and family connections.
What fills me with the greatest pride is the trust my clients place in me to capture the most important moments of their lives. It’s an honor to be a part of such special stories, delivering images that become true works of art, full of meaning and emotion.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has been a strategic combination of a well-structured digital presence and the trust generated by previous clients. I have invested significantly in tools such as Google Ads and SEO to ensure that my website ranks highly in search results. This makes it easy for potential clients to find me when they are looking for maternity, newborn, or baby milestone photography.
Additionally, I have focused on creating a functional and informative website, which includes a detailed FAQ section and clear information about my services. My goal is always to make life easier for my clients by providing everything they need to know in a transparent and accessible manner, from the available packages to session guidelines. This approach not only saves parents time but also builds trust and ensures a seamless experience from the very first interaction.
Another key factor has been the power of client reviews. By investing in their experience—not just in the quality of the photos but in every step of the process—I ensure that they feel valued and confident in recommending my work. Many clients find me through direct referrals or positive online reviews that highlight not only the beauty of the images but also the practicality and care in my service.
This balance between a strong online presence and the loyalty of satisfied clients has been the foundation of my business growth.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My reputation in the market has been built on values that I consider essential to my work: transparency, safety, agility, and attention to detail. I have always positioned myself clearly and transparently with my clients, ensuring that every step of the process — from booking to final delivery — is understood and free of surprises. This clarity builds trust and allows clients to know exactly what to expect.
During sessions, especially newborn ones, the baby’s safety is my absolute priority. The confidence parents feel when they see me holding and positioning their little ones with care and expertise is something that has been frequently praised. Additionally, I make a point to conduct sessions in a calm and welcoming manner, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and relaxed, which also positively impacts the final results of the photos.
Another key aspect is my focus on delivering products quickly. While I believe that photographs have eternal value and become even more meaningful over time, the client’s excitement and anticipation to see the results are unique to the moment. I don’t like lengthy processes and do my best to deliver the edited photos as quickly as possible without compromising quality. This shows respect for the client’s time and strengthens their overall satisfaction with the experience.
These pillars — transparency, safety, comfort, and agility — have been fundamental in building my reputation as a reliable and dedicated professional. They reflect my commitment to providing not only beautiful images but also a memorable and unique experience for each client.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://palomaschell.com
- Instagram: palomaschell
Image Credits
Paloma Schell