Q&A: Safe Spaces In Maternity, Infant Photography
two Chippewa Valley photographers celebrate caregivers' changing bodies and celebrate the little details
These days, it seems all too easy to gloss over the age-old saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” especially as our digital devices fill with photos and screenshots soon forgotten. Still, I’d argue there’s an undeniably magical moment whenever a subject pauses before the camera lens just right, preserving a special or transformative milestone.
When it comes to the journey of parenthood or watching a child grow up, this sentiment undoubtedly rings true.
Two longtime photographers in the Chippewa Valley, Michelle Monson and Angi Randall, weave these deeply felt experiences into their professional vocations. For this year's "Babies!" special section, we asked each photographer how they create welcoming environments for mother, caregiver and babe, and what it means (and takes) to capture these priceless moments in parenthood.
"It is all about the details. The tiny fingers, fingernails, their wrinkles on their foreheads, a pesky cowlick and teeny baby toes – who can resist them!" –Michelle Monson of Michelle Monson Photography
Michelle Monson (MM): Maternity, newborn and family photographer of 20 years. Located in Eau Claire's Banbury Place (930 Galloway St., Building 13, Suite 202 and 203)
Angi Randall (AR): A portrait studio photographer for families and newborns of 18 years. Located in Augusta (S7195 State Rd. 27, Augusta)
V1: Can you describe a favorite moment during a photo session that captures a caregiver's journey, rather than just the physical shape of their belly>
MM: "Watching my clients connect with each other in a moment they probably wouldn't have or remember if it happened at home. Something special happens in the studio. It is hard to describe.You, as the client, step away from your chaos and into mine. The studio environment is like none other, it is welcoming and relaxing. I take care of you."
AR: "A favorite moment that I like to catch unfold during a maternity session is when a mama gently rubs her beautiful baby bump, places her hands on her belly, looks down, and smiles at her unborn baby. You know that mama already is in love, is patiently waiting to meet their little one, and is excited to hold them in their arms."
V1: Maternity posing can easily default to standard poses (e.g., having both hands cradle the bump). How might you guide a client into movements that feel authentic to them and avoid insecurities?
AR: "When I suggest alternate poses during a maternity photo session, I like to watch my maternity clients move and take direction in front of the camera. I will offer expecting mamas a couple of suggestions for a pose while I show the mama-to-be how to do said pose (whether it's a standing pose, sitting pose, or a pose lying down). This allows me to capture each client naturally while I photograph them.
"If a pose looks awkward, I guide them with small movements to ensure we get beautiful, natural poses or strong, confident poses."
MM: "I like to use my light in the studio to add a creative touch. Everyone is different and has their own level of comfortability. I read the room, and adjust with your comfortability level. The possibilities are endless. I have tricks up my sleeve and this is something that people don't know about me. When you book with me, you get all of me. My attention to detail, my time and my creative abilities as well as VIP treatment.
"My clients come to me for the work that I provide, the care that I provide, patience and expertise ... everything else is just a bonus! If you trust me to hire me without meeting me, that is the highest honor and I appreciate that greatly."
V1: Newborns, while adorable, can also present unpredictable elements like physical discomfort, or sudden mood shifts. How do you best prepare the photo environment to accommodate these realities?
MM: "So true, and this why hiring a photographer that has the training and level of experience in posing, recognizing baby's verbal or non verbal cues and then shifting gears around baby is so important. All of my sessions are baby led. It rarely happens, but if baby is having a rough time, we reschedule. Babies are figuring out life earthside, this comes with a lot of adjustments for baby and the entire family.
"Wrapping techniques, white noise machine, having baby nurse, or maybe mom needs to step a few feet away because some babies are very sensitive to smelling mom and then that is all they want. I prepare parents ahead of time and reassure them. Having a calm environment is very important. I really stress to parents, to come in, relax! Babies truly feed off of the energy we are putting off. I also wholeheartedly believe that it will all work out and it always does."
"I'm not only a photographer, but a professional cuddler. ... I like to keep the atmosphere of the studio calm during the entire session, as a baby can sense stress." –Angi Randall of Angi Randall Photography
AR: "My newborn sessions are 100% baby-led. I do make sure that my studio is warm and cozy, and all set up to go prior to my clients arriving. Baby safety is a top priority. So, I make sure that I am watching the baby's breathing at all times, and I am checking the color of their hands and feet with any poses I do with a baby. So, if a baby is physically uncomfortable during any pose, I will change the position of the baby. Now, if the baby is gassy, needs a diaper change, or is hungry at any time during the session, we will attend to whatever the baby needs in that moment. Nothing is rushed.
"I'm not only a photographer, but a professional cuddler. I have been dubbed a baby whisperer. I like to keep the atmosphere of the studio calm during the entire session, as a baby can sense stress."
V1: Beyond the baby itself, how might a photo evoke the emotional range of motherhood in a static image?
AR: "To evoke emotion in a static image, you can give your clients a prompt to encourage a genuine, emotional response. I also think lighting and composition play a role in the overall mood of an image. I love when you can feel the love in an image between a mother and her baby. One way I like to capture this feeling is by telling my mamas to kiss the top of their baby's head and breathe in their baby's newborn smell. There is nothing quite like the smell of a newborn baby."
MM: "It is all about the details. The tiny fingers, fingernails, the dry flakey skin, their wrinkles on their foreheads, a pesky cowlick and teeny baby toes – who can resist them! Knowing how to pose and capture an angle in just the right way and using light to highlight features makes a very powerful statement, creating a lasting emotion that will be treasured for generations.
"This is the exact reason I work so hard and love what I do. It is the emotion I feel when I can create this for my clients. I see you, I hear you and I want you to have these moments! We cannot take these moments for granted, capturing them is the only way to assure we will remember this special time ... your story."
These interviews have been lightly edited for publication in Volume One. To learn more about each photographer and inquire about services or pricing, visit Michelle Monson and Angi Randall's respective webpages online.
