Meet this week’s FEATURED PHOTOG …
Kim Flores
Whimsy Baby Photography
Tell us a little about yourself in just two sentences and include a picture of yourself.
I am a full time newborn and family photographer in Baltimore Maryland. I have been in business since 2006, and recently (2011) rebranded to create Whimsy Baby when my business began to focus more on newborns. Aside from being a working woman, most importantly, I am a mother. I have a supportive husband of 8 years, four beautiful young girls, and will be welcoming a baby boy in September 2012! I may feel busy most days, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What do you shoot with and what is your favorite lens and why?
I shoot with a Nikon D3s and a D700 back up. I started with Canon, but moved to Nikon in 2008 and will never look back! The skin tones are lovely! My favorite go to lenses right now are the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8, 50 f/1.4G, and the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8
When did you start shooting for fun and then move to shooting professionally?
I started learning a DSLR for fun in 2005. It quickly turned into an obsession. Eventually, my own children grew tired of being my models, so it went on to neighbors and friends little ones. Before I knew it, I had strangers inquiring about services. It was then that I knew I wanted to go into it professionally. That was mid 2006.
Are you formally taught or self taught?
Aside from two basic (not newborn specific) workshops, I am 100% self taught. Well, I can’t take all the credit, as the internet holds a wealth of knowledge.
What is your specialty and how did you decide to specialize in that area of photography?
My specialty is currently newborns. I didn’t aim for that specifically, but found a love for it as the years went by. Newborn photography makes up about 80% or more of my current schedule. I do love to photograph the families of those newborns as they grow. Outdoor family sessions are a blast!
How many sessions are you shooting a month?
Averaging about 12-16 currently, but will shoot up to 25 during the very busy season.
On average how long to do you spend editing each session and do you listen to music while editing or just enjoy the quiet?
I have it down to about 3 hours per session, including download, backup, and launch. A nice workflow and consistency helps. While I do love listening to music, I am usually editing with the day to day activities going on, or at night when the kids are in bed. By the time I get to sit down and edit, I really do enjoy the quiet time!
What is your favorite part of the process? Shooting, editing, etc.
A. Shooting, by far. Editing is fun, but I really love the challenges each new session presents, and chatting with the families. It is totally my favorite part!
What do you do to “stand out” from surrounding photographers that you’re competing with?
I have grown fairly close to several of my competitors, so I like to say, I am not “competing”. I think everyone has a different style, so it’s nice for prospective clients to have such variety in the Baltimore area. Possibly one thing that currently makes me stand out is, my offering on location as well as studio. While I do love shooting in the studio only, I still do travel to homes and work in the client’s own surroundings. As of now, I do hold an exception to that in regards to newborns. I prefer to photograph newborns in the studio only, so I can keep the temperature warm and have access to all the props I need.
What do you do to help a client come out of their “shell” during a session?
I try to relate to them at that point in their life. Whether they are feeling tired with a brand new baby, or overwhelmed with a toddler throwing a fit during a session. I have been there myself many times also, and I make sure to remind them of that.
What do you struggle with the most?
Marketing. I am terrible with that. This includes the blog, Facebook, forums, and general advertising. I have been fortunate enough to have a strong client base, which is helpful with referrals, and so far, Google has helped a ton. By the end of the day, between shooting, editing, and raising children, my blog and Facebook take the backburner. I hope to change that soon. I really do understand the importance of all of them, so it needs to change.
How did you find your style? Any advice to new photographers on how to find their own style?
I found mine by following my own heart and what I would like to see and remember of my own children in portraits. Try not to shoot or edit based on what everyone else is doing. Shoot and edit based on what YOU would like to see hanging on your own walls.
Please share your favorite image and tell us what makes this your favorite?
Not even newborn related, but I adore this image for so many reasons. I have watched this little boy grow, and his family became friends of ours. I love the intent gaze in his eyes.
Please share an image of your Prop stash! This doesn’t have to be an organized space just an image showing off your addiction.
Well, unfortunately I don’t have photos of my actual props (baskets, bowls and chairs) on hand, but I do have some on file of my other props I use often. Although, these are about a year old so things have grown quite a bit!
What is the best piece of advice you would give to a new photographer?
Don’t fall victim to the low prices many new photographers charge. I made the mistake of starting too low when I began and had to constantly raise them to turn a profit (kind of the point of business, right?). I lost clients with that model, and had to constantly dive into new markets. Put your prices where you want them to be, and discount (if needed) when you are starting out. Have faith in yourself, and remember the hours lost from your family. This is such a rewarding career, but it is a career nonetheless. Respect your talent and your time!
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More of Kim’s beautiful images:
Thank you for sharing your work with us, Kim!
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