We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna Booth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
As a newborn photographer for over 6 years, there are so many thing that that bring joy and satisfaction. Meeting new parents and their sweet babies, seeing toddlers interact and love their new sibling, styling a session, and receiving news that the parent loves their pictures are some of my favorite things about being a newborn photographer. But sometimes you have hard session where babies cry or stay unsettled during a whole session. Sometimes toddlers will have a complete aversion to their new baby sister/brother, which will make it harder to photographer them together. Even in the business aspect, you will receive lots of inquiries then have clients not respond, say you’re too expensive, or not understand what it takes to run a viable business.

During these situations, especially if they happen frequently, will make anyone feel like giving up. But being in this business for so long, you begin to understand sometimes there are bad days. However, when I sit and evaluate the numerous years I’ve been in business and compared those years to the number of unfavorable situations…I can honestly say it’s less than 10.
They say bad experiences stick in your brain greater than good ones. That’s probably true, because it’s the time that you learn the most about how to improve your business and your customer experience. As a creative, I’m always trying to be more creative my images with different lighting, with wrapping, dreamy sets, purchasing props that fit my brand, etc. I don’t want to do the same thing over and over again.
My advice would be for those who may be frustrated and wanting to give up, consider taking a break and do a completely different style of photography. It’s easy to get burned out when doing the same tasks over and over again. Exploring new outlets in photography (or something totally different) will give you the vacation you need. It’s not giving up, it’s taking a break. However, I would say that if the joy of what you are doing no longer exists, then you should consider a new craft. Being an unhappy newborn photographer is not safe for them.
Over the years, I’ve taken a couple breaks in my newborn business. I’ve focused on my portraits, weddings, and events. My portrait brand is Sanguine Portraiture; weddings is under Joanna Booth Weddings. I also enter competitions to keep challenging myself and improving my art. But I always return to my first love of newborns. I really enjoy the art of photographing babies.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I started my business in 2011, I was very excited to be a photographer, but then realized how hard it was. I took a break and didn’t work with newborns for four years. It wasn’t for me at the time. But the truth was, I wasn’t educated on how to execute a newborn photoshoot properly. When I returned to newborns in 2014 I studied more, did a mentorship, learned what props and wraps I truly needed and was much more successful.

I love florals and shooting through greenery. Creating art with flowers and branches is really one of my favorite things to do. I also enjoy creating unique sets with everyday props. Sometimes you need to purchase newborn specific items, like a beanbag, or posing blankets and pillows. But sometimes it’s fun to simply create with old vintage things you find.
Being a newborn photographer requires patience. Patience with your little newborn clients to guide them into safe positions, patience with their often 2-3 year old sibling that may not want to be photographed with their new brother/sister, and patience with the needs of mom and dads…especially new moms and dads.
The process of a photographing newborns can seem foreign. So I make it a goal to always talk while working. Like you would expect during a doctor’s visit, I communicate a lot to ensure they are comfortable and aware of what I am doing, and how I’m posing.
My primary goal is customer service, and providing really unique and beautiful portraits. I don’t schedule a lot of newborns, and that allows me to provide to my clients a very tailored, personalized, and individual experience. I focus on high customization, unique sets, and beautiful award-winning editing of their babies.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I still consider myself new to the Houston area, although it’s been 4 years since I moved here. My favorite spots are food spots! Lol! I’m such a foodie, and Houston has lots of places that hit the mark. I love going into the city for brunch at the Breakfast Klub for their chicken wings and waffles. It’s definitely a top on my list! I also love Pappadeux seafood, and Willie’s catfish. Luigis in Cypress has the best NY style pizza! I’m in love with Hopdoddy, PF Changs, Tejas & Pinkertons barbecue, and so many more!

For those, like myself, who enjoy the arts, the museum, symphony, ballet, graffiti walls, 3rd ward exhibits, as well as other art shows downtown are great ways to plug into the Houston culture. Or one can simply venture to the local parks and gardens such as the Japanese gardens, waterwall, or Discovery Green for nice outdoor quiet time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m thankful for my family and friends who have supported me over the years. Special thanks to my mom who has always believed in my talents and encouraged me to continue working within my gifts.

Website: https://joannaboothphotography.com/
Instagram: Instagram.com/joannaboothphotography
Facebook: facebook.com/joannaboothphotography

Image Credits
Joanna Booth Photography