We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Spencer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Once I decided to make a full time career out of newborn photography, I did as many model calls as I could. Posting online along with friends sharing my posts is what landed my first paying client. I wish I still had those pictures! I am always upfront with clients, so they knew I was just starting out and the pictures wouldn’t be *perfect* (and they weren’t!) but you have start somewhere! I had a hard time getting the newborn to settle and stay asleep. I think I attempted 3 poses and none of them worked, but I learned a lot! So even though it wasn’t the greatest session, it didn’t deter me from trying again. All of the sessions in the beginning were so tough, I always felt defeated, but I had a great support system around me and very patient clients.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a newborn, baby, and maternity photographer. I have been in photography for 17 years and started my newborn photography business in 2014. I specialize in posed newborn portraits and custom cake smashes. I provide my clients with a personal experience from the start of planning through the reveal of their amazing portraits and wall art. I also offer a wide selection of professional print products that my clients love!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think building a reputation starts with good customer service. Past clients tell me about how much they loved their experience with me and refer me to their pregnant friends all the time. It’s how I get most of my business. My portraits are consistent, every client knows exactly what they are getting. My posing is consistent, my selection of props and accessories are never-ending, my deadlines are always met. You can not be successful without good customer service. Getting here 7 days after you deliver is not easy for any parent. I never forget that and I try to make every session as easy as possible for my clients.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn what works for someone else doesn’t always work for you! I followed A LOT of newborn photographers in the beginning. I studied everything they did, took every piece of advice they offered. I took so many online classes (more than I can count) and while they were all helpful, I always felt like I had to do things their way. It took me years to figure out that I need to do what works best for me. How I connect with clients, how I pose and what I offer are all done in a way now that works for me and shows off what I excel at.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenniferspencerphotography.com
• Instagram: jenniferspencerphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halandjen
• Yelp: Jennifer Spencer Photography

Image Credits

All images are by Jennifer Spencer Photography