This interview is with Renata Lutz, Entrepreneur/Photographer at The Portrait Mama.

Renata Lutz, Entrepreneur/Photographer, The Portrait Mama

Renata, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a newborn photographer?

My curiosity and love for photography began when, as a young adult, I realized that my own childhood was not thoroughly documented. I feel as though I missed out on so many years of my personal story, especially my first five years. That realization became a promise to my future family and children—to document it all. Like many photographers, I started by learning with friends and pets as my subjects, which naturally led me to family photography. But I was always mesmerized by newborn photography and grew up admiring Anne Geddes’ iconic posters and cards.

My first major investment as a professional photographer was in a hands-on newborn photography workshop. From there, my passion for this work only grew, and becoming a mother myself made me realize just how quickly those early, chaotic days, weeks, and years pass by. In my newborn photography, my goal is to help families preserve those first fleeting days in a way that feels timeless and intimate. I have a deep commitment to safety and incredible respect for the responsibility that comes with photographing newborns. Over the past decade, I’ve built my studio in La Jolla, California, and focused on providing an environment where moms feel supported, comfortable, and truly seen. It’s a privilege to do this work, creating heirlooms that families will treasure for generations.

What initially drew you to the world of newborn photography, and how has your passion evolved over time?

What drew me to newborn photography was the delicacy, skill, and artistry required to capture those first moments of life. I remember giving and receiving Anne Geddes' cards with babies in flower bonnets and being absolutely in love with them.

There's something profoundly beautiful about a newborn's tiny features—the little fingers and toes and that unique, fleeting look of the early days. I became captivated by the art of posing and styling newborns in a way that feels aesthetically pleasing, natural, timeless, and intimate.

Creating these portraits calls for an artistic eye and a calm, gentle approach that ensures both the baby's safety and comfort, as well as the beauty of the images. As my passion grew for these little ones and their loving families, so did my commitment to this craft.

Over the years, I've refined my techniques and developed a signature style that combines artistry with the warmth of family connection. Today, as a mentor to aspiring newborn photographers, I feel incredibly fulfilled sharing these skills and supporting the next generation of artists. Helping them master both the technical aspects and the sensitivity this work demands has become a new source of inspiration for me. In my studio, I strive to create an experience that's as comforting and meaningful as the images themselves, crafting portraits that families will treasure as heirlooms.

My journey has come full circle, and it's a privilege to now teach others to capture these early days in ways that will resonate for generations.

Newborn photography often involves calming and posing delicate infants. Can you share a particularly memorable experience where you had to get creative to soothe a baby during a shoot, and what did you learn from that experience?

Safety and comfort are always my top priorities in newborn sessions. Babies are individuals with their own preferences—even down to how they want their hands and arms positioned. I always explain to parents that my approach is baby-led; I listen closely to the cues each baby gives. I’m not much of a baseball fan, but I like to use a 'three-strikes' analogy: if I attempt a pose three times and the baby isn’t responding well, we simply move on. This way, we ensure the baby stays comfortable and get the best possible images without stress.

One memorable five-hour session taught me so much about this process. I was working with a baby who wasn’t settling into the usual poses, and I began to realize it was my own energy creating tension. In my early days as a newborn photographer, I used to worry about disturbing a sleeping baby and would end up stretching sessions way too long. Now, I understand that my energy affects the entire environment. When the photographer is calm and assertive, and the space is peaceful, it makes a huge difference. Newborns may seem unpredictable, but they’re actually quite easy to soothe if they feel secure and comfortable.

Today, I teach my students to be mindful of their own energy, as it naturally helps the baby relax. Another lesson I’ve learned is to take time to connect with the family and understand their experience—from the birth itself to any challenges they might be facing. The information the family shares can guide you in what poses might be more appropriate, or even how many breaks you might need to take. I also keep a close eye on Mom, watching how she’s feeling and reacting.

We, as photographers, may have worked with hundreds of babies, but for each family, everything is so new and delicate with their newest little member. My goal is to guide them through a gentle, baby-led session that feels relaxed, natural, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for newborns is paramount. What are some essential steps you take to ensure the well-being of the babies you photograph?

First and foremost, I believe that any photographer wanting to specialize in newborn photography must undergo safety training and have a solid understanding of a newborn’s unique physiology. This isn’t negotiable. Knowing how a newborn’s body works and recognizing any signs of distress are essential. It’s also important to ask parents about any movement restrictions that may have come from birth trauma or potential hip issues, as these details help keep the baby safe and comfortable throughout the session.

When it comes to the environment itself, I create a clean, warm, and soothing space. Years ago, we would often warm the entire room, which could make things uncomfortable for everyone but the baby. Now, I keep the area where the baby is positioned warm and cozy without overheating. Babies are happiest in a warmer space, but overheating can be just as uncomfortable and potentially dangerous as a cold environment. It’s all about balance.

Every fabric I use is washed in neutral soap between sessions, and I inspect props carefully to ensure they’re free from any splinters or rough edges. Finally, tools like a baby shusher and a gentle vibrating mat have become must-haves in my sessions.

Many photographers develop a signature style. How would you describe your personal aesthetic when it comes to newborn photography?

My personal aesthetic in newborn photography is centered on creating timeless, minimalist images that place all the focus on the baby. I believe that newborns have a natural beauty that doesn’t need a lot of embellishment, so I keep the styling simple, clean, mostly monochromatic, and refined. Neutral and monochromatic tones and minimal props allow the baby’s unique features—their tiny hands, delicate eyelashes, and peaceful expressions—to take center stage.

I also aim for an intimate feel, capturing moments that convey warmth and connection when documenting family members with their newest addition. My approach combines the delicacy of fine art with a sense of family closeness, so each image feels personal and heartfelt. Ultimately, I want parents to look back at these photos years from now and see their baby’s beauty shining through in a way that feels both classic and enduring.

Lighting plays a crucial role in capturing those precious newborn details. What lighting techniques do you prefer when photographing newborns, and why?

Lighting is everything when it comes to capturing the delicate details of a newborn. While natural window light can create beautiful images, I believe a reliable, controlled light source is essential for maintaining consistency across sessions. Newborn photography is all about the subtleties and softness that highlight the preciousness of new life, and for that, I prefer using a studio strobe.

I’m a big advocate of the Paul C. Buff Einstein strobe, paired with a large umbrella to diffuse the light, in a feathered position. This setup creates a soft, even light that falls gently on the baby’s tiny features, bringing out those delicate details in a way that’s both flattering and timeless. Consistent, soft lighting allows me to focus on the baby’s expressions and positioning, knowing that the light will always enhance the natural beauty of the moment. This approach gives my clients an end result that’s as consistent as it is beautiful and delicate.

From choosing props to selecting backdrops, styling plays a big part in creating visually appealing newborn photos. Where do you draw inspiration for your newborn photography sessions?

My inspiration for styling newborn sessions is a blend of my love for décor and fashion. I keep my sets minimal, often incorporating elements like wood and natural fibers to create a warm yet timeless look. The style you see in my sets is very much aligned with the overall experience in my studio—it’s reflected in the décor, how I dress, and how I present my brand. I believe that consistency across all these elements helps create an atmosphere that feels cohesive and elevated, and yet predictable to my clients.

I also focus on using high-quality props, outfits, and fabrics because they make a significant difference in the final images. These carefully selected pieces enhance the overall aesthetics without distracting from the baby, allowing their natural beauty to stand out in an elegant and understated way.

Post-processing is an integral part of digital photography. What post-processing techniques do you use specifically for newborn photos to enhance their beauty while maintaining a natural look?

Post-processing in newborn photography involves a lot of skin correction, and for me, Photoshop is my go-to tool for achieving a natural, polished look. Newborns often have delicate skin with redness, baby acne, flakiness, or signs of jaundice, so my editing process includes removing blemishes, making subtle color corrections, enhancing tiny details like eyelashes or eyes when they’re open, and gentle skin smoothing.

While I appreciate the advancements in AI editing tools like Evoto and use them for other session types, I’m particular about newborn editing and prefer a hands-on approach. It’s easy to over-edit a newborn into looking doll-like, which is something I aim to avoid. I want the final images to showcase the natural beauty, precise details, and delicate features of the baby while maintaining authenticity. This editing approach allows me to create images that feel timeless and true to the newborn’s unique look.

What advice would you give to aspiring newborn photographers looking to capture those fleeting moments of wonder and create lasting memories for families?

My first piece of advice to aspiring newborn photographers is to prioritize safety above all else. Newborns are the most delicate subjects you’ll photograph, so it’s essential to approach each session with the right knowledge and respect. I highly recommend seeking mentoring and hands-on training with an experienced newborn photographer. Having someone guide you through safe posing, handling, and positioning is invaluable and gives you a strong foundation for working with these precious little clients.

When starting out, it’s tempting to invest in a wide variety of props and outfits, but I always encourage new photographers to focus first on education. Knowing how to use light and understand angles will elevate your work more than any prop can. Mastering light—whether it’s natural or studio lighting—is what truly brings out the details and creates that soft, timeless look parents cherish.

Invest in learning and refining your techniques, especially in posing, camera angles, and lighting, before building up a large prop collection. Quality education and hands-on experience will help you develop a style that feels authentic and allows you to create beautiful, lasting memories for families.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my passion for newborn photography. If there’s one thing I’d like to add, it’s how deeply rewarding it is to capture these first moments of life. For me, newborn photography goes beyond simply taking pictures—it’s about preserving a family’s most precious memories in a way that feels timeless and true to their unique journey. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to mentor and support others entering this field, and I’m always excited to see how each new photographer brings their own vision and heart to the work.