Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tawny Nalley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tawny, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today
Looking Back: Lessons From My First Year in Newborn Photography
As a professional newborn photographer who launched my business in early 2024, I’ve learned valuable lessons that would have made my journey smoother. While I’m proud of where I am today, here’s what I would do differently if I were starting over:
Invest in Education Before Equipment. I initially focused too much on having the perfect camera setup and props. In retrospect, I would first invest in specialized newborn safety training and posing workshops. The safety and comfort of these tiny clients is paramount, and no amount of expensive gear can replace proper training.
Develop a Solid Business Foundation. Before taking my first client, I would establish clear policies, contracts, and pricing structures. I spent the first few months adjusting these on the fly, which created unnecessary stress and occasional awkward client conversations. Having these fundamentals in place from day one would have made me appear more professional and confident.
Create a Premium Experience From the Start. Initially, I worried about charging premium rates, which led to underpricing my services. What I’ve learned is that parents aren’t just paying for photos – they’re paying for expertise, safety, and an experience.
Focus on Client Education. I would spend more time educating potential clients about the newborn photography process. Creating detailed guides about timing, feeding, clothing choices, and session flow helps manage expectations and results in smoother sessions. This information should be readily available before clients even book.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success in newborn photography isn’t just about taking beautiful photos – it’s about creating a safe, professional, and memorable experience for new parents during a precious time in their lives.
Tawny, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Tawny! My middle name is Rochelle, and I have always loved how my names seemed to flow well together, so I used it as my namesake business. I am a full time nurse and mom to 2 very active kids ages 4 and 6 located in Tri-Cities, WA (Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco). Working in the ER for over 10 years, I developed a passion for pediatrics. I carry that experience and love of children into my business. I started my photography journey when my son was about 6 months old as I felt like moments were passing me by, and I wanted to capture every moment I could.
The last 5 years I have spent my free time learning about child and family photography. And this last year I finally made my dream of photographing newborns come true. After spending time with 1:1 hands- on training, I now have a fully equipped in-home studio designed with newborns and children in mind to capture the first fleeting days. Newborn photos with both of my kids are such cherished items, as those moments pass by so quickly.
What makes this journey even more meaningful is that I built this business while working full-time as a nurse and being a single mom. People often ask how I manage it all, and honestly, it’s my proudest achievement. My nursing background has been invaluable – it’s given me a deep understanding of newborn care and safety, while my experience as a mom helps me connect with parents on a personal level. When I’m photographing a newborn in between busy shifts, or editing photos after my child has gone to bed, I’m reminded that this isn’t just about building a business – it’s about showing my child that with determination and passion, you can create the life you envision.
Many assume you need to choose between being a dedicated parent, maintaining a stable career, or pursuing your dreams. I’m proud to show that with careful planning and dedication, you can do all three. My journey hasn’t been about perfect balance – it’s been about perfect imperfection, about making it work, and about turning challenges into stepping stones. Each role – nurse, mother, and photographer – enriches the others, bringing unique perspectives and skills that make me better at everything I do.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success in newborn photography isn’t just about taking beautiful photos – it’s about creating a safe, professional, and memorable experience for new parents during a precious time in their lives. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about believing in yourself enough to take that first step, even when the path seems challenging.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most valuable (and initially difficult) lessons I learned was about the importance of contracts – even with friends and family. Early in my business, I was asked to photograph a friend’s newborn, and since we were, well, friends, I ended up skipping my usual contract process. I had been friends with her for 4 years, and I knew they were capable of paying for the photos. The session went beautifully, but afterwards, expectations began to diverge. What I thought would be a great session turned into multiple reshoot requests, choosing to purchase 50+ images by the friend while viewing the pricing sheet and confirming the number of photos selected, myself spending hours and hours editing these photos to deliver a beautiful gallery I was, and still am incredibly proud of, but then a loss of hundreds of dollars when my friend decided she could not pay for all of the images after I delivered the gallery. Without a contract defining the scope of work, delivery timeline, and image usage rights, I found myself in an uncomfortable position that strained our friendship. It was a turning point in my business. I realized that contracts aren’t about trust – they’re about clarity. They protect both parties by ensuring everyone understands exactly what to expect. Now, I have a firm policy: every client, whether they’re a stranger, friend, or family member, receives the same professional treatment, including a detailed contract. It’s actually improved my relationships because it sets clear boundaries and expectations from the start. Some of my best clients now are friends and family who appreciate the professionalism I bring to every session.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
There have been nights when I’ve sat at my computer at 2 AM, editing photos after a long nursing shift, while mentally reviewing my child’s upcoming school schedule, when the weight of it all felt crushing. I’ll be honest – I’ve had moments where I’ve questioned if I could continue juggling it all. The life of a single mom is already full with everyday responsibilities, add a demanding nursing career and a growing photography business, and some days it feels like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. But then, just when the overwhelm starts to creep in, I’ll receive a message from a client that changes everything. Recently, a mother wrote to me saying, “These are by far the best photos we have ever had”, and another wrote “I teared up just looking at the photos”. These moments remind me why I push through the exhaustion. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about preserving precious memories that families will cherish for generations. When I read these reviews, suddenly those late-night editing sessions don’t feel quite so overwhelming. They become a reminder that I’m not just building a business – I’m helping families capture moments they can never get back. That’s what keeps me going, even on the hardest days.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tawnyrochellephotography.com/
- Instagram: tawnyrochellephoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555733232478
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawny-nalley-807513330/
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/LjUR4v25pUrZg0KVDZRHMQ
