420: Creating Emotive Imagery with Storytelling for Newborn and Family Photos with Tiffany Crenshaw

The Heart & Hustle Podcast - Episode 420 Summary

Title: Creating Emotive Imagery with Storytelling for Newborn and Family Photos with Tiffany Crenshaw
Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman
Guest: Tiffany Crenshaw, Founder of Animal House Photography
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 420 of The Heart & Hustle Podcast, hosts Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman welcome Tiffany Crenshaw, the creative force behind Animal House Photography. Tiffany specializes in lifestyle newborn and family photography, emphasizing emotive storytelling to capture authentic and timeless moments. This episode delves deep into Tiffany’s approach to creating heartfelt imagery, her methods for client preparation, and her insights on photographing diverse families.

Guest Background

Tiffany Crenshaw hails from Huntsville, Alabama, where she runs a successful photography business focused on newborn and family sessions. With two daughters and a son, Tiffany balances her entrepreneurial endeavors with homeschooling her children. Her journey into photography was unplanned; initially hesitant to turn her passion into a business, she was encouraged by a coworker to embrace her innate storytelling ability, leading her to establish Animal House Photography.

Notable Quote:
Tiffany shares her pivotal moment:
“I was denying a gift God has given me. … God did bless me with that gift, the gift of vision.” (10:49)

The Art of Emotive Storytelling in Photography

Tiffany distinguishes her work from the typical posed and contrived photography often seen in newborn and family sessions. Instead of stiff poses and standardized setups reminiscent of hospital catalogs, she focuses on capturing genuine emotions and interactions that tell a unique story for each family.

Key Points:

Moving away from traditional, posed newborn photography.
Emphasizing natural interactions and candid moments.
Creating images that evoke strong emotional responses.

Notable Quote:
“We want pictures to make you feel something, not just follow a standard formula.” (12:11)

Client Preparation and Setting Expectations

A significant aspect of Tiffany’s process involves thorough client preparation. She conducts face-to-face consultations to understand each family’s unique story and preferences, ensuring that the photography session reflects their authentic selves.

Strategies Include:

Wardrobe Guidance: Advising clients on clothing choices to avoid matching outfits and instead focus on soft colors and textures that enhance storytelling.
Home Environment: Helping families select suitable spaces in their homes and reassuring them that a perfectly clean house isn’t necessary.
Props and Setup: Minimizing props to keep the focus on family interactions rather than staged elements.

Notable Quote:
“I’m here as a documentarian. I let memories unfold naturally.” (24:08)

Directing Clients During Sessions

Tiffany employs a balanced approach between direction and allowing natural moments to unfold. She positions families thoughtfully to set the scene and then steps back, encouraging them to interact naturally.

Techniques:

Posing with Purpose: Guiding clients into positions that enhance emotional connections.
Encouraging Interaction: Prompting families to engage with each other, fostering authentic expressions and connections.

Notable Quote:
“I position them and then let things unfold naturally.” (25:50)

Handling Awkward Clients

Tiffany shares her experiences working with clients who may be naturally awkward, such as engineers, a significant portion of her clientele in Huntsville. She utilizes specific techniques to ease their discomfort and encourage genuine interactions.

Strategies:

Redirecting Focus: Encouraging clients to engage with their family members instead of the camera.
Providing Activities: Giving fathers tasks like complimenting their partners to create meaningful interactions.

Notable Quote:
“I say, ‘I want you to look at your wife and tell her the things you admire most.’ It melts the awkwardness away.” (26:46)

Incorporating Music and Environment

Music plays a pivotal role in Tiffany’s family sessions, particularly outdoor ones. She curates playlists based on client preferences to create a relaxed atmosphere, enabling families to engage naturally without the presence of the photographer becoming intrusive.

Key Points:

Customized Playlists: Tailoring music to the family’s taste to set the mood.
Minimal Stimulation for Newborns: Using white noise machines during newborn sessions to keep babies calm.

Notable Quote:
“Music helps eliminate awkward silent spaces and allows families to connect naturally.” (30:09)

Editing Techniques for Emotive Imagery

Tiffany emphasizes the importance of editing in enhancing the emotional depth of photographs. Her approach ensures that skin tones are honored, especially in interracial families, and that images maintain a warm, natural feel.

Editing Practices:

Warm Lighting: Prioritizing warm light to evoke emotion.
Skin Tone Accuracy: Carefully adjusting edits to respect diverse skin tones without over-smoothing.
Consistent Style: Maintaining a moody yet vibrant aesthetic that keeps images lifelike and full of emotion.

Notable Quote:
“I want it to feel very organic and true to the stage that they're in.” (34:32)

Photographing Families with Multiple Kids

Tiffany thrives when photographing families with multiple children, viewing it as an opportunity to capture dynamic interactions and varied emotions. She employs strategies to manage different ages and personalities, ensuring each child feels comfortable and engaged.

Techniques:

Activity-Based Posing: Incorporating activities like playing football to provide natural interaction opportunities.
Layering and Framing: Using architectural elements to create structured yet emotive compositions.
Individualization: Tailoring poses and interactions to each child's personality and interests.

Notable Quote:
“The more the merrier. It’s about capturing the love and story that may not be visible in daily life.” (40:33)

Posing Older Kids and Teenagers

Photographing older children, especially teenagers, can be challenging due to their self-consciousness. Tiffany shares her approach to making them feel at ease and capturing their authentic selves.

Strategies:

Relatable Activities: Engaging teenagers in activities they enjoy, such as sports or casual walks, to encourage natural expressions.
Storytelling Prompts: Asking reflective or humorous questions to elicit genuine reactions and interactions.
Environment Utilization: Choosing locations with architectural interest to add depth to images without forcing poses.

Notable Quote:
“Having mom share something embarrassing about them makes both smile and connects their present to their past.” (47:06)

Advice for Aspiring Emotive Family Photographers

Tiffany offers valuable insights for photographers aiming to specialize in emotive family and newborn photography. Her recommendations focus on continuous learning, client engagement, and refining one’s unique artistic voice.

Key Advice:

Study and Inspiration: Regularly studying other artists and art forms to fuel creativity and technical skills.
Client Relationships: Building strong connections with clients to understand and capture their authentic stories.
Consistent Practice: Continuously shooting and experimenting to hone your craft.
Strategic Portfolio Building: Utilizing model calls to showcase desired styles and attract like-minded clients.

Notable Quote:
“Stay inspired and invest time in understanding what makes your images breathe emotion.” (53:43)

Conclusion

Episode 420 of The Heart & Hustle Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of emotive storytelling in family and newborn photography through Tiffany Crenshaw’s expert lens. Her insights on client preparation, directing sessions, handling diverse families, and thoughtful editing provide invaluable guidance for photographers seeking to create meaningful and authentic imagery. Tiffany’s passion for capturing real moments underscores the essence of her work, making this episode a goldmine for creative entrepreneurs in the photography industry.

Connect with Tiffany Crenshaw:
Follow Tiffany on Instagram at @AnimalHousePhotography to explore her stunning portfolio and book your own emotive family or newborn session.