Fund Raiser for NEW BABY!!!

[NathanO]

Hello everyone!! I just found out that I'm going to be a DAD!!! This is so exciting. We're expecting a Thanksgiving baby. I had a couple questions about newborn/infant photography as I don't want my kid to become blinded with flashes.

1) Have any of you heard of having an online "fundraiser" for their newborn? I was considering taking random pictures around the city or editing past pictures to post for small profit sales on my zenfolio site. I was thinking just enough to cover the zenfolio fees +5% or so. Do you think this would be a good idea to pass around to friends and family? I could advertise for free through my blog and facebook...

2) As far as lighting goes, I want to get a small studio lighting package that way I'm not limited to available lighting. I sometimes get home from work when it's dark and placing the baby near a window would be useless by that time. Any suggestions as to whether soft boxes or umbrellas would be greatly appreciated! I'll be sure to post some pics to DPS when I can.

-Nathan

Congrats!

1. You can give it a shot, but don't expect much. In the last 60 days, I've only sold two photos on my Zenfolio account (Ryan Taylor Photography). Granted, I made $100 on each photo, but I don't expect that to be very consistant. I think you have to a HUGE following on your blog and on flickr to make it work.

One big advantage of having a Zenfolio account is that you can sell the baby photos to family members. It's easier to have them order directly from you (with a small mark-up to cover your Zenfolio membership) than try to figure out what they want, order the prints, and send them.

2. Watch craigslist. In my area, someone is getting rid of their lights, stands, and umbrellas for only $200. And I've seen several deals like this. Otherwise, you can get a set of umbrellas, flash adapters, light stands, and a couple flashes (Yougnuo makes some good cheap flashes) for about $250 from mpex.com. Add a backdrop holder ($140) and some backdrops (paper is $50, cheap black sheets from walmart are even cheaper) and you have yourself a nice portrait setup.

[Indigo November]

Congats!!! I was born on Thanksgiving and my mom said all the doctors were really crabby and mean because they had been pulled away from their dinner! I hope your wife is planning on using a widwife! Or just hoping for the day before!!

Sorry I can't help with your questions, but photoboothguy covered it pretty well.

[Rolling Stone]

Originally Posted by Photoboothguy

One big advantage of having a Zenfolio account is that you can sell the baby photos to family members.

Is this common practice? That's unbelievable.
Congrats to the OP. I hope the marketing of your child goes well, I guess.

[BEGM83]

Congratulations on the impending mini-you arrival!

As for the concept, erm, really, truthfully, i think it sucks. Sorry.

Artofindigo - is midwife care not the norm in the states then?! Doctors only get involved here if you're high risk or baby/mum is in distress.