Today we’d like to introduce you to Paloma Schell.
Hi Paloma, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started in photography in 2008, during my first pregnancy, working as an editor for another photographer. That’s where I developed a strong eye for light, composition, and finishing.
In 2010, I chose to specialize in maternity and newborn photography, and I’ve focused on this niche consistently ever since.
Over the years, I refined a signature style—minimal, timeless, with careful direction and full control of studio lighting.
After moving to the United States, I had to start over. At first, I was just another photographer in the market. That’s when I began studying positioning, website structure, and digital strategy more deeply.
That shift transformed my business. Today, I serve families in the Houston area with a clear and guided experience. I’ve also become a reference in the field, teaching photographers and speaking at international conferences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road.
In the beginning, the challenge was technical. I was still building consistency in my results.
Then the challenge became positioning. I already knew how to photograph, but I had to learn how to differentiate myself.
Before moving to the United States, I had an established business and was a reference in my market. The real disruption happened there.
When I arrived here, I had to start from zero. The name I had built carried weight before, but it had no local relevance. I wasn’t known.
For a period, I became invisible again. That was important because it forced me to understand what truly sustains a business beyond reputation: clarity of offer, structure, and strategy.
I also faced personal challenges, including a high-risk pregnancy that almost cost me my life. That completely changed how I see time, work, and the level of responsibility I bring into each session.
None of this was comfortable. But it’s what moved me from a technical level to a strategic one.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in maternity and newborn studio photography, using fully controlled lighting.
My focus is to create timeless, minimal, and consistent images. Everything is designed to highlight the baby and the family connection, without unnecessary elements.
I’m known for clear direction during the session and for safe newborn handling. The client doesn’t need to know how to pose or what to do. I guide the entire process.
I’m also recognized for consistency. What clients see in my portfolio is exactly what they receive.
What I’m most proud of is not just the final result, but the process. I turned something that usually feels uncertain for clients into a simple, predictable, and safe experience.
What sets me apart is not only the aesthetic. It’s the combination of technique, control, process, and clarity. I don’t rely on improvisation.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
If I had to name the 5 books that changed the way I think and run my business, these would be them:
Good Strategy/Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt
It taught me the difference between real strategy and superficial planning.
$100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
Clarity of the offer. Perceived value. Without it, nothing holds.
The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
Simplifying communication and the path to conversion.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Less, but better. Cutting the excess and focusing on what truly matters.
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Seeing difficulty as part of the process, not an interruption.
These are direct, practical books that shape how I make decisions every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.palomaschell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palomaschell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalomaSchellPortraits/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/palomaschell/
