Meet Paloma Schell

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paloma Schell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paloma below.

Paloma, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

Oh, the haters! You know that saying, ‘What others think of you says more about them than it does about you’? I live by that. I’ve always seen these situations as opportunities to learn and grow. I’ve faced some really challenging times caused by people who wanted to bring me down, and honestly, I’m thankful for them – without those experiences, I might not have developed the strength I have today. They taught me to be more resilient, focused, and, above all, true to myself. At the end of the day, while they’re wasting energy trying to stop me, I’m out here running life’s marathon and celebrating every win with a big smile. Those who spend time hating miss out on the chance to shine in their own journey!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hi there! I’m Paloma Schell, a photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and baby milestone sessions. My passion for capturing special moments began in 2008 when I was pregnant with my first child and discovered the magic of newborn photography. Since then, I’ve spent over 16 years dedicated to preserving what matters most: family stories! Along the way, I’ve had the honor of teaching and speaking at photography events around the world, sharing everything I’ve learned.

What I love most about my work is the opportunity to turn unique moments into heartwarming memories. Every session is planned with care to ensure families feel comfortable and have an incredible experience. Whether I’m capturing the delicate details of a newborn session or celebrating the wonder of pregnancy with maternity photography, my mission is to highlight the beauty of life’s most precious milestones.

Right now, I’m super excited about the new projects in my studio! I’m working on offering even more personalized experiences for each family and watching my community of photography students grow. I’m also constantly exploring creative ways to bring even more love and artistry to everything I do.

I truly believe photography has the power to tell stories that words can’t express. That’s what I love doing: turning unforgettable moments into memories that will be treasured and celebrated for generations to come.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

One of the most important qualities that helped me on my journey is resilience. Photography, especially family and newborn photography, comes with its challenges. Things don’t always go as planned, but learning to adapt, stay calm, and find creative solutions was essential to building my career and providing excellent service to my clients. My advice for those just starting is to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and never give up, even on the tough days.

Another crucial skill is communication. Understanding what clients want, building a genuine connection with them, and clearly explaining the process made all the difference. When working with families, especially during such delicate moments as the birth of a baby, trust is everything. To develop this, invest in listening more than speaking and in conveying security and empathy in everything you do.

Last but not least, technical improvement has been key. Dedicating time and effort to mastering photography tools and techniques was fundamental. From lighting and composition to editing and post-production, every detail contributes to creating flawless work. For those starting out, my best advice is to never stop learning. Take courses, seek inspiration, and practice constantly — technical mastery is what will turn your creative vision into reality.

If I had to sum it all up, I’d say: be resilient, connect with people, and never stop learning. This combination is powerful and can take you far! 😊

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe that the ideal approach is to invest in our strengths, while also not neglecting the development of areas where we’re not as strong. Focusing on what we already do well allows us to stand out and offer something unique. When you find something that truly motivates you and in which you have natural talent, it’s much easier to grow and excel in that area. However, it’s also important to be mindful of areas that can be improved, especially when those areas directly impact your work or your relationships with others.

For example, early in my career, I always had a keen eye for photography and technique. However, I knew that to offer the best experience to my clients, I needed to improve my communication and interpersonal skills. I invested in this by dedicating myself to listening more, putting myself in others’ shoes, and better understanding their needs. This made a huge difference in how my clients felt during sessions, and their trust in me grew significantly.

This combination of strengthening what is already good and improving what still needs attention helped create a balance in my career. Over the years, this approach has allowed me not only to be a high-level technical photographer, but also to genuinely connect with the people who trust me to capture their most special moments.

Therefore, my advice is: identify your strengths and invest in them with all your energy, but never stop paying attention to the areas that need more care. The balance between the two will lead you to steady and continuous growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://palomaschell.com
• Instagram: palomaschell
• Facebook: Paloma Schell Portraits
• Other: Pinterest: palomaschell

Image Credits

Paloma Schell