The Lady Behind the Lens - Interview with Denise Urness from Appleseed Photography

What is your big why as a photographer?

In today’s episode we speak to Denise Urness, who started her journey as a newborn photographer as a Milky Way student, and has now come full circle by returning as a teacher.

She is solid on her big why as a photographer, and encourages us all to evaluate the reasons we do what we do, and to discover what it is that gives us energy to keep going even in those hard times.

Introduction to Denise, her family and her why as a photographer (1:58)

Being a newborn photographer allows you to be part of that magical experience, the special energy, and the high that parents are on when they first have a baby … and to then have that over and over.

The therapeutic nature of newborn sessions (5:28)

How long does it take to gain confidence? (6:58)

It can take a year or two to feel that you’re finally knowing what you’re doing. When you’re just starting out, you’re literally thinking of every single part of a session.

Tricks to get toddlers to cooperate in sessions (9:31)

You have to consider the huge life change that toddlers have just experienced, and realize that they may be struggling to figure out where they belong in the new family dynamic.

So it’s important to make accommodations for them to succeed. When they enter the studio, don't fawn over the newborn, give the toddler space to observe you and your energy. Music, and a big basket of toys right at the entrance will help them feel more at ease.

Favourite newborn pose (17:20)

The bum-up pose is a favourite because it is so classic and timeless. It is also very comfortable and most babies will settle into that pose.

When a session goes sideways (18:00)

The first step is to always review your checklist – is the studio warm, are you calm, is mom calm, is baby hungry, is baby gassy, etc. If nothing is wrong, simply wrap baby and carry on with the session!

Often, you can do an entire gallery worth of wrapped and awake shots, and then after baby feeds and falls asleep, you can attempt a beanbag flow with no pressure.

When babies refuse to sleep (20:32)

If baby is having a really hard time, perhaps because of colic or feeding issues, assure the parents that it is normal, and not their fault. Check your own energy - babies will pick up on any negative energy.

If parents are willing to wait, the session can simply go on as long as needed, but if not, there is the option to reschedule.

How big is an average newborn gallery? (27:48)

Your most memorable session (29:25)

Advice for the new newborn photographer (31:03)

Learn something new every day, no matter how big or small. In a year, that’s 365 new things that you’ve learned towards your craft.

Do model calls, and actually watch your training videos with a model baby right there – you don’t have to memorize everything and pretend like you know it all. It’s not shameful to look new when you’re new.

When things go wrong, you’re not failing, you’re learning.

What are you creatively curious about (39:49)

Discover more about Denise Urness
Website & Presets: http://www.appleseedphotography.ca
Facebook: @AppleseedPhotographyLtd
Facebook Group: Inspired by Newborn Photography (Appleseed Photography/Olive & Lace)
Instagram: @appleseedphotographynewborns

Resources shared in this episode:
2021 {online} Newborn Retreat