Picture a photographer working away with a child in a carrier on her back. This is the image many of her soon-to-be clients had of Laura Saucedo when they became inspired by her Instagram. Saucedo is a full-time, stay-at-home mom, who simultaneously runs a photo business specializing in motherhood photography and outdoor boudoir. 

She recently caught up with host Nikki Closser on The Portrait System Podcast to talk about how she manages taking care of a five-year-old and a two-year-old while running a portrait business. (Listen to it here.) As you might guess, her secret to success involves a lot of planning ahead and a lot of being flexible in the moment.  

In this article, you’ll find Saucedo’s tips for running a photo business while being a stay-at-home mom. Plus, she shares photos from a first year of Motherhood series, including how she captured a “field of flowers” Mom-and-baby image. 

Tips for Running a Photo Business as a Full-Time Mom 

If you’re thinking of starting a photography business while also being a stay-at-home mom, consider implementing Laura Saucedo’s top tips to make it work. 

1. Email Automation will be your biggest friend. It pays to set up your email workflow ahead of time. Setting up your emails in advance can keep your business running while ensuring you don’t skip any steps. And, you can personalize them before they go out. 

2. Schedule shoots in blocks of time when a family member can watch the kids. When they are very little, it’s easier to put them in a carrier and work with them attached. But when they are toddle-ing, they need more attention. 

3. Be realistic about your delivery times and communicate this clearly to your clients. Let them know that you are taking care of your children full-time, and a reasonable time to expect their images is around six weeks. 

Field of Flowers Photo Shoot 

This “field of flowers” shoot was designed to capture “the magic of motherhood amongst the madness that it can be daily.” It was part of a first year of motherhood series that was commissioned by the mother. (See more images from the series in the slideshow at the top of this article.) 

This flowy floral dress concept was inspired by maternity photographer Lola Melani, who teaches how to drape fabrics to make gorgeous, economical gowns. Saucedo made this dress from a cheap sheet she bought from Amazon. She used an elastic band and clothespins to secure it to her client. 

Saucedo had been planning this shoot for awhile and allowed the clover in her front yard to grow nice and lush for it. She achieved the “field of flowers” effect by scattering silk flowers among the clover. It was an overcast day, permitting her to shoot comfortably at 2 pm. However, the sun occasionally peeking out necessitated the use of a patio umbrella to block it. 

Saucedo had her client lie on her side in the clover in what is known in the co-sleeping community as the “cuddle curl” position. She used a towel to prop up her client’s head, and then climbed up on a ladder to get the shot. 

Saucedo is drawn to working in nature because she is inspired by deep shades of green and blue. In post, she tends to desaturate yellows within greens for a more muted aesthetic. 

Learn more about Laura Saucedo on her website, Instagram, and by listening to her recent appearance on The Portrait System Podcast. © The Portrait System