Meet Jennifer Shneidman | Newborn Photographer

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

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I’m the type of person who needs to be told what to do. I was never a leader in anything I did. I didn’t know how to start projects, I just knew how to be a part of them. I never envisioned myself having my own business. Somehow, my photography business just happened. It all started when I began posting photos of my daughter online to share with friends and family. We’re a military family, so connecting via social media is so important. One day, an acquaintance asked if I wanted to take photos of her newborn. Of course, I panicked. I was no photographer, but I took a chance. From then on, I was hooked. Taking photos for someone else was just so fulfilling. I spent the next year or so, offering free sessions to build portfolio, purchasing online courses, studying and gaining as much experience and knowledge as I could. As much as I enjoyed creating these memories for free, I needed to start charging. At the very least, my time spent away from family was worth something. If I’m going to start charging, I’m going to become a business. I officially started my business when my family moved back to the U.S in 2019. I’m originally from England, and starting a business in a country that was foreign to me was frightening! I was new to this country, new to photography. What if it becomes a massive failure? I have invested too much into this to quit now. So I just went for it. I researched how to start a legal business and here I am, 3 years later. It has just been amazing and I’m so glad I did it. Sure, there are difficult times, especially since we have moved States twice during this period and had to start over. But I’m keeping at it. It’s a good feeling to capture these special moments for my clients. More importantly, I realized how much I needed it for my mental health. My identity is no longer just ‘mum’. I have a career, I am a photographer now. I am a business owner. I can contribute to my family. My kids will grow up and be proud of me (I hope).

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I primarily photograph newborns . In particular, I offer posed newborn sessions. It is definitely not an easy niche to be part of. There is so much involved in this niche, it requires a few years to get the posing correct, and more importantly, knowledge on how to pose the babies safely. I have taken many pauses in my business. Being a Military spouse. we move every few years. If you’ve ever had a business, you’ll know that it takes a while to establish a trust and reputation in the community, in order to gain clientele. Although this has definitely created some set backs to my business, it has also given me time to assess what direction I want to go with in my photography. I used to be all about the colors, and florals in my set up because that’s what is popular in the newborn photography industry. I also spent so much unnecessary money because I thought I needed ALL the props and gear I saw other photographers had in order to be successful. But taking a break has made me realize, that wasn’t my style at all and not the type of image that I wanted to produce. I realized that I prefer simple, neutral and monotone set-ups. Something that really highlights the baby. I didn’t need all the colors and flowers and props to take away from their perfect little features. I just needed a simple backdrop and matching wrap. My favorite is creating ‘white’ set ups. It is just so pure; perfect for the littles! When I ask my clients why they picked me to be their photographer, it makes me happy to know that the answer is exactly what I had hoped my brand would be recognized for; simple, classic, and timeless images.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to the Garden of the Gods. I mean, that’s an obvious must do in Colorado Springs! The views are gorgeous! After that, we would go to Glen Eyrie Castle for some fancy Afternoon Tea. I’m British… so I’m all about tea and cakes. Maybe we would go to Manitou Springs where they can spend some time at that awesome Penny Arcade, and find some cool souvenirs from the unique stores there. For dinner, we would go to get some sushi. My favorite spots are Dozo Sushi, and Sushi Ai. Other places I would take them to are Coati, The Coffee Exchange, Boonzaaijer’s Dutch Bakery, Denver Children’s Museum (fun for adults too), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cave of the Winds, Royal Gorge, and definitely The Broadmoor Hotel! Oh, also Magic Town, it’s so unique!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I never forget those who have helped me along the way. When I first started, I knew absolutely nothing about photography. I was terrified to venture out there and take on sessions by myself. I am extremely thankful for one of the most kindest, and most generous people I know, Michele M. She was starting her photography career about the same time as I was, and she welcomed me to join in on the newborn sessions she had planned. Without her, I don’t think I ever would have got the courage to start taking on sessions alone and I definitely would not have a business today. I am also grateful to all the families who brought their precious newborns in to model for me, I know it’s not easy to trust just anyone with your brand new baby. So thank you for trusting me! And lastly, of course I have to thank my husband and wonderful children, for all their encouragement and not getting mad at me when I need to spend time away from them for sessions.

Website: https://jennifershneidmanphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershneidmanphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferShneidmanPhotography/

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jennifershneidmanphotography/_created/