Autumn Colors in Newborn Photography

Oct 13, 2023 | APNPI Community, Latest Trends

There’s a special enchantment that comes with the arrival of autumn, and when paired with the tender innocence of newborns, it’s a sight to behold. In this exclusive showcase, our community of talented photographers present a delightful array of newborn images, each carefully staged amidst the rustic charm of the fall season. Be prepared to be swept away by the adorable smiles and cozy setups that encapsulate the magic of autumnal beginnings.

Photo by Jenna Margaret of Beautiful Inspirations Photography

Photo by Alicia Barrett of A2Z Photography

Photo by Josslyn Petrus of Josslyn Marie Photography

Photo by: Alicia Barrett of A2Z Photography

Photo by: Kerry Cheshire of Heartwork Portrait Studio

Photo by Lindsay Foster of Lindsay Foster Photography

Photo by: Jennifer McNeil of Jennifer McNeil Photography

Ambassador of the Month : Tara Graham

Oct 10, 2023 | Ambassador of the Month, APNPI Community

Located in Oshawa, Ontario CA

Name: Tara Graham

Representing: Tara Graham Photography

# of Years Experience: 13

Learning proper techniques and pricing for profit are two areas that many of us struggle with in the beginning, and you can really fast-track your success by getting advice from someone that’s been there before.

What is the most meaningful part to you in being an APNPI Ambassador?

I love being an APNPI Ambassador and sharing about how belonging to a professional organization can help you in all areas of your business. The more we elevate ourselves as artists and business people, the more the industry elevates as a whole. I wish I’d had access to this organization when I was just starting out, as it can be so helpful to find a community of photographers all raising the bar together and supporting each other.

Tell us about yourself. What do you love doing in your spare time? What inspired you to newborn photography and do you photograph other genre’s in your business?

I am mom to one wildly creative and stong-headed little boy. I started photography long before he came along though, having gone to college for Creative Photography, and then working in various studios doing portrait, commercial/editorial, and wedding work. One day I decided to tell my husband we were moving so I could have a home studio, and that really allowed me to grow my newborn business, having a dedicated space for it. I also love to photograph families! I love the interactions and being able to get those photos that parents say really captures their child’s essence or personality.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting a newborn photography business?

Watch your expenses! Don’t spend every dime you make on props and fabric, and outfits. It’s so easy to fall into this idea that you need one of everything in every colour, but if you figure out what you actually love to photograph, and plan out your larger investments for versatility and longevity instead of jumping on every trend, you’ll keep more money in your pocket and turn a profit much faster. Also, get a mentor! Learning proper techniques and pricing for profit are two areas that many of us struggle with in the beginning, and you can really fast-track your success by getting advice from someone that’s been there before.

What camera do you use? What are your favourite lenses and what’s typically in your camera bag?

I use the Canon R6 mirrorless camera. Having the exposure simulation for natural light sessions is so helpful, along with all the focusing options like facial recognition and eye tracking! My favourite lenses for outdoor sessions are the Canon 35mm 1.4 for getting in close, and the Canon 85mm 1.4 for getting that creamy bokeh shooting wide open. In studio I use the 35mm, and also a 50mm 2.5 macro lens.

What is your favorite place to hold sessions and why? Where do you photograph most of your sessions? (in studio? on location?)

I love photographing outdoors! In the last few years I started even doing newborn sessions outside in the warmer months (we don’t have too many of them here in Canada!). I love incorporating the textures and colours of nature in my work (and try to bring those elements in the studio during the colder months), and everyone just feels more relaxed outside surrounded by nature!

Tell us about starting your business, and what played a key role in developing a profitable income.

I started my business while working for other photography studios, which was helpful. But I also coasted in my business for a long time. Personal development courses and working with coaches has helped me to see where I was standing in my own way, and helped me to dream bigger and see the possibilities that were available to me. For example, just a couple of years ago I never would have imagined I’d be speaking at a large conference like Shutterfest! I also feel like the intentional curation of my portfolio has been a huge factor in having clients hire me for my style instead of just asking about price.

Growing pains: tell us about some of your challenges you have faced in your business, and how you overcame them.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was when I decided to start my own family. We struggled with infertility and early losses, including a very expensive and time-consuming round of IVF, and later on, an ectopic pregnancy as well. It was tough to photograph other families’ little bundles of joy, while experiencing heartbreak behind the scenes. I used the opportunity to raise my prices because it became crucial that any time spent working was worthwhile, and I also used my clients’ stories to give me hope. Now that I’m on the other side of it (with my son born somewhere in the middle of all the struggles), I talk openly about what I’ve been through, in person as well as on my website. I’ve had many clients say they reached out to me because they resonated with my story and they felt comfortable sharing their journey with me too.

Find out more about this photographer at: https://www.taragrahamphoto.com/

Featured Photographer : Rebecca Danzenbaker

Oct 10, 2023 | APNPI Community, Featured Photographer

Located in Ashburn, Virginia US

Name: Rebecca Danzenbaker

Representing: Rebecca Danzenbaker Photography

# of Years Experience: 15

For photos taken from above, I stand behind the girls heads and flip the images around in post. This allows me to shoot down the nose for a better angle.

The best thing I ever did for my business was learn about SEO and take the time to implement best practices on my website.

Tell us about yourself. What do you love doing in your spare time? What inspired you to newborn photography and do you photograph other genre’s in your business?

I started my photography business in 2008 and have been a full-time photographer since 2013. When I had to briefly shutter my photography business in 2020, I took advantage of the ample spare time to finally write the young adult novel I’d been making notes on for 10 years. Now I’m balancing my photography business with writing and loving both!

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting a newborn photography business?

Focus on simple, neutral props that can be used for any gender and in a multiple of ways. Though I have dozens of bowls, boxes, and buckets, I use the same 8 or so in almost every session.

What camera do you use? What are your favourite lenses and what’s typically in your camera bag?

I finally switched to a mirrorless (Canon R6 mkii) this year, and wish I’d made the switch sooner! The focus is tack sharp in 99% of the photos I take now. For newborn sessions, I cycle between a 35mm, 100mm macro, and (to a lesser degree) a 50mm.

Tell us about starting your business, and what played a key role in developing a profitable income.

The best thing I ever did for my business was learn about SEO and take the time to implement best practices on my website. More than half of my website traffic comes from Google, and I rank #1 across many keywords for my local area (newborn photographer, family photographer, etc.). This helps me keep a full-schedule without doing a ton of social media marketing, so I have more free time to edit photos and work on the next novel!

Growing pains: tell us about some of your challenges you have faced in your business, and how you overcame them.

I’m a low-volume photographer (2-3 sessions/week), so if one client decided not to buy a package, it was hard to pay the bills. After a client decided (despite loving her photos) not to purchase a single thing after her maternity session to “save money for her newborn session” with me, I made the decision to switch to all-in pricing. I do the same amount of work for each client, so I deserve to get paid the same amount from each client. This has SIGNIFICANTLY helped my family better budget and pay the bills! If we have added expenses one month, I add a session to help out. I’ve had many photographers point out that I’m leaving money on the table by not doing in-person sales, but I’m much happier having that extra time back and knowing how much I’m going to make from each session. Moral of the story: This is YOUR business. Do what works best for YOU! Just remember to price your work to fairly compensate yourself for the time spent away from being with the ones you love and all of the training you’ve put into honing your craft.

I love macro shots, but only ever do hands, feet, and lips. Have tried ears and belly buttons over the years, but those just don't appeal to me, so I stopped. If the baby has a bunch of hairs on their shoulders or ears, I try to capture those for the parents, though!

I always try to get at least one pose with back lighting for a different effect. Be sure to position the light so it's still coming from above though (not up the nose).

My studio occupies about half of our spacious basement, including a small room for the newborn and sibling photos, an all-white bedroom, and a corner for backdrop sweeps, where this was taken.

I use a mixture of strobe and constant lighting for my images, but prefer constant light when newborns and small children are involved so I don't have to wait for the light to recycle. Their expressions can change in a blink and I don't want to miss out on a smile or that split-second where the older sibling actually looked at the camera.

Find out more about this photographer at:

The Story Behind the Winning Image – Lilliana Norris

Sep 21, 2023 | APNPI Community

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Milestones Category

“My Lovely Six Months” by Lilliana Norris

The Story Behind the Winning Image

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in some of these amazing images, particularly those that are competition winners?

Enjoy a look inside this image… and be sure to scroll down for further Q&A with Lily!

The History behind this lovely picture…. Well that start when I decided broke the rules in 2019 when I photographed my first 6 months boy posed!!!

And since that date I started posing old babies to 1month old to 1 year!!

This particular image was planned! Since the successful demand in old babies I decided to add “Sleeped Babies” images in my collections moms love and Me too! I love the perfect skin, rolls and the cute faces of old babies, Santiago came to my studio since Newborn and month by month, I had the image in mind, I visualized the colors, outfit etc… I loved the final photo and this is why I decided to enter the Competition and now I’m so happy with the Place in the competition!

To see more of Lilly’s work: https://lilynorris.wixsite.com/lilynorrisphotos

The Inside Scoop…

Q: Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?

A: Since I’m APNPI member only was watching only over the fence, this time I decide to give a step and enter to the competition to check if my advance was at the label to get some place during the Competition.

Q: What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?

A: I learned that We need to believe in your own grow in the experience, and that you can continue with your goals!

Q: What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?

A: I really love to watch the recorded judging and learn about the each Judge, I’m very happy with the quality and professionalism, etc

Q: Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

A: In this particular image I had very nice comment from the parent and clients since the session, after I received the achievement I thing the customers has the confident to book and trust in me more!

Q: What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?

A: I’m looking to prove to myself about my advance, growing and check the quality of my images and composition

Q: What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?

A: Enter!!! and don’t think so much to send your images no matter if you don’t get a place, enter to competitions let the judges comments your images and for sure you will learn a lot and continue growing!

To learn more: APNPI Image Competition

Did you know…

All members receive one free entry – so go ahead try it out, you have nothing to lose!

Each image is up for an award, whether it’s in the top 3 or not. Every submission competes against itself to earn a Merit Award (score of 80 and above).

Merit Awards are prestigious accomplishments! They denote a level that stands out above the Accreditation level.

Competing is an excellent way for members to sharpen their skills and elevate their work.

Members learn a ton from entering their images and receiving feedback from the judges.

For more info and to enter, visit: www.apnpi.com/image-competition

The Story Behind the Winning Image – Jennifer McNeil

Sep 14, 2023 | APNPI Community

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Newborn “Always Here For You” by Jennifer McNeil

The Story Behind the Winning Image

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in some of these amazing images, particularly those that are competition winners?

Come enjoy a look inside this image… (and be sure to scroll down to see Q&A with Jennifer below the video!)

Specializing in newborn photography, Jenn is located in Southern California, where she has photographed over 3,000 babies over the last 14 years. Her passion for color, and connection between subjects comes through in this winning image as well as all of her work.

To see more of Jennifer’s work: https://jennifermcneilphotography.com

The Inside Scoop…

Q: Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?

A: Getting feedback on images in general is always a good idea professionally speaking. It’s nice to get a score rather than only a placement, so that I can see my personal growth over time.

Q: What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?

A: Whenever I add on critiques, I learn more about the little mistakes I may make and yet overlook. These competitions also remind me that I’m driven by growth and learning.

Q: What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?

A: I appreciate the scoring system so I can see if I am improving overall. I find the feedback on the critiques to be helpful as well. One thing I greatly enjoy about APNPI is the commitment to newborn safety which is why I keep coming back.

Q: Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

A: Parents definitely appreciate the accolades from APNPI. It does tend to be shared with me that they felt good about their choice of photographer knowing I’m linked with APNPI and their safety standards. And of course, winning images make them feel good too.

Q: What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?

A: There are always images that stand out to me more, probably because I liked creating them most. From there, I try to look for something that is on par with most of my work, something a client could expect to see in their gallery. I realize this is not what everyone does, but to me, it is more about being consistent with what I provide clients, and knowing those images are improving, rather than doing a specialty session for the sake of a competition only.

Q: What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?

A: Choose an image that you are proud of – but figure out why you are proud of it – is it the lighting, the posing? Then add on critique and see what the judges have to say about those areas. While at the end of the day your vision, and your client’s satisfaction may be most important, if you want to grow and learn, it’s important to know what you can work on and measure that over time.

To learn more: APNPI Image Competition

Did you know…

All members receive one free entry – so go ahead try it out, you have nothing to lose!

Each image is up for an award, whether it’s in the top 3 or not. Every submission competes against itself to earn a Merit Award (score of 80 and above).

Merit Awards are prestigious accomplishments! They denote a level that stands out above the Accreditation level.

Competing is an excellent way for members to sharpen their skills and elevate their work.

Members learn a ton from entering their images and receiving feedback from the judges.

For more info and to enter, visit: www.apnpi.com/image-competition

Featured Photographer : Jennifer McNeil

Jul 16, 2023 | APNPI Community, Featured Photographer

Located in SANTA ANA, California US

Name: Jennifer McNeil – Newborn Photographer in Southern California

Representing: Jennifer McNeil Photography

# of Years Experience: 17

While sleeping babies 1-3 weeks old is what I photograph most often, this 3 month old came in full of smiles and I loved it! I'm always happy to photograph older babies for a newborn session and my swaddled style lends itself to that well.

The most important thing to learn when beginning to photograph newborns is safety.

Tell us about yourself. What do you love doing in your spare time? What inspired you to newborn photography and do you photograph other genre’s in your business?

I am a lover of coffee, a good book, and all things art. In my spare moments, I most often spend time outside with my children – riding bikes to the local coffee shop, doing arts and crafts or Lego, or snuggling up to read. I also enjoy yoga during my own time and small crafts to keep my hands busy while I veg out watching TV – like doodling or cross-stitch. When my nephew was born nearly 13 years ago, I fell completely in love. I was amazed by his tiny features and delicateness, all while he could scream so loudly! I spent a week with my sister helping out, and my main job was to soothe him. This gave me a sense of calm and peace and I immediately wanted to find work as a newborn photographer. Instead of going it alone, I worked for another company for 5 years which ended up being the best thing for me as it allowed me to gain a lot of skill and experience before adding newborns to my own business offerings.

How would you describe your photography style? What inspires your work?

Color is often my inspiration and I have a lot of it in my work. My goal is to bring joy to my images with the use of color, celebrating this time in the family’s life while they await, or welcome a new baby. My editing style is clean and simple, creating true to life colors in images that will be enjoyed for generations.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting a newborn photography business?

The most important thing to learn when beginning to photograph newborns is safety. I was fortunate enough to be trained in a hospital setting, surrounded by nurses who I utilized daily for guidance with safety and comfort of babies. Practice is the best thing to gain skill and confidence in such things as posing and wrapping a newborn in a swaddle – so learn what you can by reading or watching videos, then practice on a doll or baby. The foundations of swaddling and soothing have stayed with me for years and I definitely would not be where I am now without that strong foundation and repetitive practice.

What camera do you use? What are your favourite lenses and what’s typically in your camera bag?

I use a Canon 6D Mark II with a 24-70mm lens. This is my everything lens because of the amazing versatility it gives.

What is your favorite place to hold sessions and why?Where do you photograph most of your sessions? (in studio? on location?)

My studio is my absolute favorite place to be. Everything I need is within reach and we can be creative with styling. That said, I also love a silhouette against the sunset at the beautiful beaches of Southern California!

Tell us about starting your business, and what played a key role in developing a profitable income.

Knowing my hard costs and overhead expenses played a key part in determining what to charge in order to remain profitable. The pricing you set doesn’t have to make sense to anyone besides your business and your clients. I made sure to offer high quality, high value products as well, steering away from the shoot and burn model I began with, and that lead to increased sales and profitability as well.

Growing pains: tell us about some of your challenges you have faced in your business, and how you overcame them.

Being self employed can be a roller coaster. My team is me, so when my personal life sends me a curveball, it’s easy to get sidetracked. This is a constant challenge that I am still working to overcome. What has helped is outsourcing tasks that can be done by others, and educating my children on what it means for me to run a business – and sometimes not be able to play. When I’ve felt most overwhelmed, I make a plan for a week or two out with my kids . It gives us all something to look forward to – then I can dedicate that time to them and not be distracted by my business.

What should clients expect when working with you?

My clients know they can trust me not only to create beautiful images but to do so in a way that is safe and respectful to them, their body and their baby. I guide my clients every step of the way planning with them. I cover everything from the styling of each session, the timeline, and ultimately helping them determine the best way to enjoy the images. Sessions are long, but we take breaks, chat, laugh, and have a great time together as the time passes quickly. After everything is edited, we sit back down together for an ordering appointment. This is their chance to view all the images, choose their favorites, and select products. Every client comes away from the experience with tangible artwork that is ready to display.

Siblings are one of my favorite things to capture during newborn sessions. The way they light up knowing they're now a big brother or big sister is magical. This sweet big sis was also photographed by me when she was a newborn, and it's been so fun to watch her grow into this new role.

Grandparents are welcome to be part of every newborn session in my studio. This family had their parents visiting from India, and they were full of joy being able to capture these 3 generations of women.

Every rainbow baby is incredibly special. This one happens to be the youngest in a family I've been photographing since before I started my business. The best feeling in the world is when people trust me enough to share their story, and allow me to come in and be part of that story by creating images like this that are uniquely meaningful to them.

Expecting her first baby, a girl, this mother came in absolutely glowing.

Find out more about this photographer at: