Over at the 7 Photography Questions blog, they cover all sorts of photography topics ranging from dog photography to fashion photography. But the best part of the site is their audio podcast feature where they interview professional photographers and cover 7 key photography questions that are voted on by their readers. The interviews are conducted by Audri Lanford who is a founder of the blog. She approaches the interviews with a relaxed and personal style and gives us a unique perspective from a professional photographer. I almost felt like I had my own mentor right at my side. Beats taking a class any day, in my opinion. 

Carrie Sandoval

Carrie Sandoval

The interview featured here is with Carrie Sandoval. Carrie is one of the country’s most talented baby photographers. She has a flair for focusing on black and white photos. “I’m a total black and white junkie..I just think its clean.. its classic..” There’s a pretty well known anonymous quote that Carrie relates that really boils down how she feels about black and white baby photography, “If you’re photographing in colour you show the colour of their clothes - if you use black and white, you will show the colour of their soul.” Fascinating quote- I researched it and came up with no source. If anyone knows who said this, please comment about it.

In the interview 7 baby photography questions are asked:

  1. What is the single biggest mistake people make when taking baby pictures?
  2. What is the best lens to use and what settings should I use on my camera when taking baby pictures? What should my (grand)baby wear?
  3. When is the best time to photograph a newborn baby and is it safe to use a flash? Any suggestions for my husband about photographing me with the baby?
  4. Can you suggest any poses or props that work especially well for baby photography? How about my baby with his big sister?
  5. I’ve noticed that most of your photographs are black and white. Can you explain why you usually use black and white vs. color, and then give some tips for taking great black and white photos of babies?
  6. Can you share a couple of your “secrets” for taking such exceptional baby photographs?
  7. Can you suggest one or two exercises that will improve the results of my baby photography efforts?

The interview runs 43 minutes in length. You can read more about the interview and listen at Interview with Carrie Sandoval or for a quick listen try clicking on the media player below:

Shown here are some of the beautiful black and white photos discussed in the interview.

Newborn Smile

Newborn Smile

Triplets

Triplets

Newborn Sleeping

Newborn Sleeping

Mother and Baby

Mother and Baby

Father Holding Newborn

Father Holding Newborn


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