Before any diploma or recognitioN
I feel.
I feel the quiet rhythm of a life taking shape. A mother’s deep longing to see herself beautiful in a body that is softly transforming. The trust of a mother placing her greatest treasure into my hands. Time moving faster than it should.
Motherhood reshaped the way I see photography. What began as instinct became purpose: to care, to protect, to preserve this season with sensitivity and respect.
I am a wife and mother of three, and it is through my own family that I understand, every day, how quickly these moments pass and how deeply they matter. Through photography, I preserve what time cannot hold, so what matters most can be remembered long after the moment has passed.
"From that personal calling, a professional journey naturally began to unfold."
Building a Career with Purpose
What began as instinct gradually evolved into a solid, structured professional journey. Since 2010, I have devoted myself to maternity and newborn photography. A career grounded in education, safety, and international recognition, always guided by purpose, never by trends.
Over the years, this path moved beyond the studio and naturally unfolded into several core areas of my work:
• Academic Foundation & Specialized Training
• Author & Educational Contributions
• International Education & Speaking
• Industry Recognition, Awards & Jury Invitations
• Brand Partnerships & Ambassador Work
• Creative Development & Product Creation
Academic Foundation & Specialized Training
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Photography (Univali, Brazil). It was in college that I built my technical foundation in photography, while simultaneously pursuing specialized training with neonatal nurses and medical professionals, focused on the safe posing and handling of newborns.
This foundation shapes my work today. Calm, intentional, and devoted to timeless imagery, created with deep respect for every baby and their family.
Global Newborn Education
30+ CONFERENCES • 17 COUNTRIES
Beyond my work with families, I have also become an international reference for my contributions to newborn photography education. Over the years, I have been invited to teach and speak at more than 30 photography conferences and professional events across 17 countries, sharing knowledge on newborn posing, studio lighting, workflow efficiency, and safe newborn practices.
That same commitment to education has led me to train more than 4,500 photographers through workshops and private mentorships around the world.
Along this journey, I had the rare privilege of sharing the stage with Anne Geddes, a milestone reached by only a select few within the newborn photography industry.
Author & Educational Contributions
I am the author of three technical books on newborn photography, where I share practical knowledge on posing, studio lighting, and newborn safety, refined through years of hands-on experience.
My work and educational contributions have been featured in photography magazines, professional publications, and industry websites dedicated to newborn and family photography. Through my books, educational materials, blog articles, and mentorship programs, I continue contributing to the professional growth of photographers and to the advancement of responsible newborn photography practices.
Industry Recognition, Awards & Jury Invitations
Recognition has come naturally, through years of dedicated work with families who trusted me with their most precious moments. My photography has received international awards within the newborn and family photography community, reflecting both an artistic vision and a profound commitment to safety, sensitivity, and care. Beyond the awards, I have also been invited to serve as a jury member in international photography competitions, contributing to the evaluation of professional work and to the elevation of high standards within the newborn photography industry.
Creative Development & Product Creation
I am the creator of Paloma Schell Stands, a patented support system now used by newborn photographers around the world. What began as a simple bean bag evolved into a carefully designed system, built around one absolute priority: the baby's safety. Every detail was thought to support proper positioning, comfort, and visual balance throughout the newborn session.
Seeing this product adopted internationally has become, for me, a profound way to contribute beyond the studio, helping elevate safety standards and thoughtful practices within newborn photography.
MY LEGACY OF INNOVATION IN THE NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY INDUSTRY
Brand Partnerships & Ambassador Work
Throughout my career, I have collaborated with brands connected to professional photography and visual education. I served as a Sony Ambassador in 2019 and 2020, representing the brand within the professional photography community. I am currently an ambassador for Evoto, an advanced AI-powered photo editing software, and for StandinBaby (SiB), a professional training doll widely used by photographers and educators for posing education. I also collaborate with Dreambooks, a professional album manufacturer based in Portugal.
Over the years, the tools and products I choose to use and share with my audience have naturally become associated with my commitment to quality, safety, and the highest professional standards.
Serving Houston & Surrounding Areas
After years of international work in photography, I am now based in Katy, Texas, serving families throughout the greater Houston area with the same care, experience, and unwavering commitment to safety that shaped my entire career. My professional journey brought me to the United States through a visa granted to individuals of extraordinary ability in their field, a recognition reserved for professionals whose work has made a significant impact within their industry.
Today, I lead Paloma Schell Portraits, proudly serving families across Katy and the surrounding communities, including Houston, Sugar Land, Richmond, Cypress, Memorial, River Oaks, Fulshear, and Bellaire.
Press, Interviews & Media Features
My work and educational contributions have been featured in international publications, interviews, and photography platforms.
Photography Articles by Paloma Schell
Explore educational articles where I share insights on maternity photography, newborn sessions, baby safety, and timeless family portraiture.
International Newborn Educator Based in Katy, TX
Paloma Schell is an international newborn and maternity photographer based in Katy, TX, welcoming families from Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Brookshire, Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Cypress, Jersey Village, Memorial, Spring Branch, Bellaire, River Oaks, West University Place, Houston, and surrounding communities. Known for her minimalist aesthetic and emotionally driven portraiture, her work combines refined artistic direction with over 15 years of specialized experience in newborn and maternity photography. Beyond photographing families, Paloma is also recognized worldwide as an educator, speaker, and mentor for newborn photographers. Her studio experience is built around safety, intention, and consistency, offering Houston-area families a calm, fully guided process focused on creating timeless portraits designed to be treasured for generations.