Featured Photographer Archives

Featured Photographer : Kristin Merck

Jul 6, 2020 | Featured Photographer

Located in McMurray, Pennsylvania US

Name: Kristin Merck

Representing: Kristin Merck Photography

# of Years Experience: 8

This is an older image, but still one of my favorites. We waited out the sun for this shot and anyone watching would laugh at me laying on the ground to get it.

Be open to learning new ways to do things, whether posing, lighting, editing or anything!

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?

In my spare time I love spending my time with my husband, 2 kids and our dog. My kids are involved in a bunch of activities and I love capturing those. I started playing tennis a couple years ago and I love it, I also do some kickboxing which helps relieve any stress I have haha! I started photography after I had my daughter and was laid off from my career as an architect. I was taking her photos and my son as well and, with the extra time suddenly on my hands, I really needed a creative outlet so decided to give this a try. I quickly turned my hobby into a new profession and have loved it! I also photograph maternity and older kids and I dabble in architectural and business portraits to mix things up.

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

Lately I am obsessed with trying out different lighting, styling and posing. My style has been pretty simple, clean and straightforward, however I started getting a bit bored shooting the same way so I started trying out more of a fine art approach to some of my images and more dramatic lighting in others. It has been great to mix it up and I feel re-energized and excited again. I love finding new photographers from many different genres and styles on Instagram. I save images that I find inspiring to a folder on my phone and then I can reference it or take elements from them to incorporate into my own work.

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

There are three things (well many but these are top) I wish I had heard when I was starting out. First, be humble. You may think you know how to do things, but listen to your mentors and you will learn so much more! Second, be open to learning new ways to do things, whether posing, lighting, editing or anything! Third, be excited! You will learn so much more when you find something that really excites you. And remember you never stop learning.

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

I have always had a studio that has an outdoor area to take photos as well, so I am able to offer sessions with both in-studio and outdoor photos! I moved into a new studio about 8 months ago and it sits on a golf course which has some really stunning spots. It is especially fun for maternity sessions to do some more artistic shots inside and then get outside for some beautiful golden hour shots as well.

What (if any) photography training, mentoring or workshops have you taken?

I have been so lucky to mentor with some amazing photographers. I have done workshops with Ana Brandt (maternity/newborn), John Gress (lighting), Thom Rouse (Creative Photoshop), as well as quite a bit of mentoring with Julia Kelleher (who is just so generous sharing her knowledge, so sweet and super talented). I have other “mentors” and fellow photographers, both local and national, who I have met through PPA. I think it is so important to surround yourself with people of many different talents and specialties, not just newborn/child photographers. Inspiration and education come from places you may least expect it.

What should clients expect when working with you?

I do my best to give all of my clients a full-service experience. I get to know from the start what their goals are, their style, and any specific poses/props/etc they may have in mind. We meet in person before the session (if possible) to go further in depth getting to know each other and also styling their family. For the session, I have everything they might need in my studio, from diapers and wipes to breakfast and coffee to toys for older siblings. Mom gets pampered with hair and make up and the whole session is very relaxed. Afterwards, I custom design either wall art arrangements or an album for them. I try to make everything as stress-free as possible 🙂

This was this client's 2nd baby with me, and having done a few sessions with her before I felt comfortable trying out some new things with the backdrop and lighting. It helps that she's gorgeous but this is one of my favorites!

This has become one of my all time favorite images, she looks like a doll! I was trying out new props, posing and lighting, so I was thrilled that it came out just as I had imagined.

This little guy came from a huge baseball family and so they requested to incorporate baseball somehow. I had just purchased a bunch of vintage gear for another project so I was thrilled to be able to use it here too!

These babies are number 4 and 5 (all 6 and under!). I love how twins just want to be near each other and these two were so sweet.

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Featured Photographer : Emily Piper

Jun 25, 2020 | Featured Photographer

Located in Coleville, California US

Name: Emily Piper

Representing: Fingers and Toes Photography

# of Years Experience: 7

The best advice I can give is to study your craft and technique. Being a Newborn photographer is the best specialization there can be, but it can also be the most challenging. Knowing how to handle a baby and pose them safely is just as important as how to swaddle.

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

My favorite images are the true to color and eye capturing but have a lightness to them. My style is light and airy.

Who has inspried you and how did you first come across their work?

Ana Brandt would be the biggest inspiration I’ve had since I started on this journey. When I was pregnant with my son, I was looking for a photographer in my area and couldn’t find any that was specialized or even offered Newborn Photography. I found her you tube channel and was memorized. How she moved when posing, how she spoke, the passion she had in each video was inspiring. I started to take some hands on training, watching videos, and taking classes to learn how to be a great Newborn Photographer. I still watch the videos she posts and still get just as inspired as I did the first time I saw one.

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

The best advice I can give is to study your craft and technique. Being a Newborn photographer is the best specialization there can be, but it can also be the most challenging. Knowing how to handle a baby and pose them safely is just as important as how to swaddle.

What (if any) photography training, mentoring or workshops have you taken?

I’ve been to ImagingUSA as well as Baby Summit and had the honor to take classes with some of the greats of Newborn Photography such as Erin Elizabeth, Luisa Dunn, and Eden Bao.

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

The hardest part so far about being a Professional Newborn Photographer was how to manage a business while being a military wife. We move every 3 years, sometimes to completely different states; even other sides of the Country. That means starting from scratch every couple years; marketing, building a sustainable studio, creating client trust and base. Beyond those challenges, being in a military family makes life unpredictable. My husband can come from work and tell me he will be gone for 2 weeks starting the next day, which means moving around sessions and finding last minute sitters.

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Featured Photographer : Carrie Carpunky

Mar 30, 2020 | APNPI Community, Featured Photographer

Located in Godfrey, Illinois US

Name: Carrie Carpunky

Representing: Carrie Carpunky Photography

# of Years Experience: 10

There is nothing sweeter than a baby girl in green!

The most important things you can do is educated yourself on newborn safety. That should be the first thing you do before ever touching a baby.

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?

Spare time? What is this spare time you speak of? It sounds intriguing! 🙂 I have a 19 year old daughter, so I know how fast time flies, so every free minute I can I love to spend with her & my husband. We enjoy watching ghost hunting shows & just spending time together. Our daughter was born with a birth defect called Spina Bifida, so my love for photography grew from capturing her milestones. The doctors would give us a list of milestones that she wouldn’t reach & so when she proved them wrong, I was ready with my camera to document all of these things she was doing. After time, I decided I loved it so much that I would love to try capturing other families also. I photograph newborns, milestones & families!!! So many of these families have been with me from the beginning & are now little pieces of my family.

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

I hope my style is classic and timeless. I would hate to think that is 10 years someone would look at their walls & think, “what was that chick thinking when she put that stuff together?” LOL! I am very inspired by COLOR!!!! Gimme all the colors!!! I started this journey of newborn photography about as neutral as you can get, but the minute I started introducing color into my sessions, there was no looking back.

Who has inspried you and how did you first come across their work?

Oh goodness…this is one of the hardest questions for me to answer. The talent in this industry never ceases to amaze me daily. Tracy Joy Photography stands out as one that has amazed me from the beginning. I am lucky enough to call her not only my mentor, but a dear friend who is always cheering me on!

Another big inspiration for me was the amazing JME Photography. Jamie was such a ray of light in this industry & her loss is still felt. Everyone of her posts was like a little piece of sunshine & I miss seeing them in my newsfeed.

Hello Little Photography, Dewdrops Photography, Sonkissed Photography, Caralee Case Photography, & Josie Tan with Sunny Melon Photography all still inspire me daily.

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

I think one of the most important things you can do is educated yourself on newborn safety. That should be the first thing you do before ever touching a baby. Learning the safe way to pose & then educate yourself on every other aspect of newborn photography. It is a genre of photography unlike most, but it is so rewarding & worth the time spent!

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

I shoot with a Nikon D750 and I just love it. It is a total workhorse that somehow survives me tripping over it constantly! LOL! I shoot most of my newborn sessions with the 24-70 2.8. It is such an amazing lens. I also have the Sigma 35 Art 1.4, the Sigma 135 1.2, my nifty 50 which rarely sees the light of day anymore, & the Nikon 105 macro.

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

I just love my studio. It is definitely my happy place. I live in the midwest, so in the colder months, I shoot 99% in the studio. But when it is warm, I am definitely spread pretty evenly between indoors & out.

What (if any) photography training, mentoring or workshops have you taken?

I have taken quite a few workshops online & in person as well. I took almost all of the photography classes my local community college offered in the beginning. I was desperate to learn all that I could. Then I found the Illuminate Class by the Milky Way & that really helped my understanding of studio lights. I have taken multiple online workshops through the Happy Togs as well.

I hosted Kristen Vincent Photography about 5 years ago & she really gave me the bug for newborns, but it wasn’t until Tracy Joy Photography took me under her wing as my newborn mentor that I had my A-HA moments & my newborn business was changed. A couple of years ago, I hosted the fabulous Miss Amy Cook just to further my newborn knowledge & now I do a little mentoring here & there myself! 🙂

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

My business was literally started on a love for photographing my daughter & a love for photography in general. My in-laws graciously handed my their basement to set up a small little studio & I was off & running. I took in every bit of information I could find & was determined to see this business a success. Finally, I was busy enough to move into a studio outside of the basement & that was really when my business grew. I truly believe it was successful because of word of mouth. I have some amazing clients that are now like family to me that are always willing to recommend me to anyone looking for a photographer. I really owe it all to them & some hard work!!

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

I have been so lucky to have not had a ton of growing pains! The most recent growing pains I felt were quite literally growing pains! LOL! I was in a 950 sq foot studio, & as a photographer that decided that newborns were my niche, I quickly accumulated a lot of props that led to me needed a bigger studio space. So in November of 2017, I moved into my current studio space of 1500 sq feet, plus a full basement for storage as well. It is right in the heart of downtown Alton, IL and is just the most perfect space!!

What should clients expect when working with you?

I tell all of my clients that I am a hot mess! LOL! I am not a shy person & introvert is not a description that fits me at all. I love to chat, I love kids, I love babies & they all need to be prepared to fit themselves into my little photography family. They most definitely will walk in as clients, but walk out family! <3

This gorgeous little girl is one of my fav images!!!!

These 3 tiny super heroes are just the cutest! And they are my cousins too! 🙂

A sweet little 8 week old man. He just melted me when he opened his eyes!!!

Handsome little bear cub!!!

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Featured Photographer : Randal Martin

Mar 16, 2020 | APNPI Community, Featured Photographer, Marketing

Located in Milton, Ontario CA

Name: Randal Martin

Representing: Babies & Bumps Photography

# of Years Experience: 12

This baby was full of giggles throughout her session. It made for a very entertaining shoot.

I highly recommend studying up on newborn safety handling. APNPI provides numerous amounts of information and is a great resource to study from.

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?

Hi my name is Randal. I remember when I met my uncle for the first time after him and my mother were reunited. He was from Hong Kong and was coming over to visit. I remember that he had a digital camera and I had never seen that before. I was already taking photos with a film camera, but this was instant. I loved using it so much I kept bugging him to borrow it. From there I was hooked on taking photos. Early in my professional years I started off taking photos of models in the fitness and fashion industry. From there I moved over to wedding photography, as I thought I could make more money from it. Although fun, I still didn’t feel a love for it. It wasn’t till my wife said I should try newborn photography. Because I love to work from home and my preference is to be in a controlled setting. I was hooked. The joy from the parents that received the images was the greatest gift of all. I soon realized there was so much more to newborn photography then just taking photos. I learned quickly that safety had to be most important thing in my studio. Editing the images and creating these heirlooms meant so much to me.

On my spare time I love spending it with my wife and now 2 daughters. We love taking vacations and going out. It is super important to me that I spend as much time with them as possible. This is why I love being self employed.
Other interests that people might not know about me, is that I am super into fitness. I train everyday in the gym as well I study Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga. On weekends, you can sometimes find me working as a bouncer in certain nightclubs.

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

For anyone first getting into newborn photography, I highly recommend studying up on newborn safety handling. APNPI provides numerous amounts of information and is a great resource to study from. Second, learn how to use your camera like its second nature. The worst feeling, is to be fumbling around with your settings in front of clients. Third, don’t go crazy buying all the gear and props. It can really add up fast and eat up all your profits.

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

I use a Canon 5D MkII. This has been my work horse for so many years and both my bodies have been all over the place in travels and through work. Although this year, I am looking at needing to upgrade. Still debating to go mirrorless or not.
As for lenses, when I photograph newborns I use a Sigma 35mm Art. Then when I’m outdoors shooting maternity or families I use mainly use my Canon 70-200mm 2.8USMII then I’ll switch pending what Im shooting between Canon 50mm f1.8 and Canon 24-105mm.
I am a gear head, so I have much more equipment, but this is my main setups.

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

All my newborn sessions are held in my in-home studio. On occasion I will shoot a lifestyle session at a clients house.
My maternity sessions are usually shot outdoors at various parks.

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

Starting a photography business is hard work. It is much more then simply taking photos and collecting money. To run a true profitable business, you need to really look at your numbers. Find out what you need/want to make and work back from there.
Aside from taking photographs, I had to teach myself website design and SEO marketing. I already had a background in marketing and sales, so that wasnt a problem for me. Next big hurdle I had to establish was legal operations. I had to organize all the contracts, establish a business name, insurance, systems in place for clients.
The biggest help with establishing myself as a full time photographer was actually networking with other photographers and seeing what they are doing and what was needed.

What should clients expect when working with you?

Clients can expect a relaxed and calm experience in the studio. The energy level in the studio is very soothing with spa music and natural oils calming oils in a diffuser. Parents often sit back, relax and even fall asleep during the sessions.

Sometimes these babies just have attitude and feel the need to stick their tongue out and flip me the bird.

Christmas is a time to be joyful and this baby was sure happy for it.

Thinking about when this session will be over with.

My baby girl, born January 29th this year.

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Featured Photographer : Meagan Hauser

Mar 2, 2020 | APNPI Community, Featured Photographer

Located in Calgary, Alberta CA

Name: Meagan Hauser

Representing: Meagan Paige Photography

# of Years Experience: 4

This GORGEOUS momma-to-be came to my studio before our session to try on a bunch of my maternity gowns. She looked stunning in all of them so the choice of which gowns we were actually going to use was quite hard. Before she left I had mentioned that there is a gorgeous little lake at the spot we are taking photos and it would look cool if we did photos in the water, if she was willing. I honestly didn't expect her to say yes but she was totally on board.

Since we were going to get a little wet and going to be in the mountains I reminded her to bring a change of clothes, some towels, and some bug spray (because the bugs are so bad this year). Then just in case I also brought towels, water, bug spray, blankets, my little wagon, extra memory cards, and extra camera batteries. So I am thinking I have everything I could possibly need for any situation that could happen tonight at our session.

Guys ........ I forgot a change of clothes for myself! But of course that isn't going to stop me from getting this awesome shot so I go right in the water fully clothed (thank goodness I realized my phone was in my pocket before I went to deep). So I drove home with no pants on and was soaked up to my shoulders but I think it was 100% worth it!

When I was picturing photos in the water, I just pictured maybe going knee deep and this gorgeous lady kept joking she should float on her back and while it was a awesome idea I expected the water to be way to cold for that. But this girl is ADVENTUROUS and the water was surprisingly warmer than anticipated so her joke turned into a reality and I honestly think it is the best photo from the whole session (and there are SO MANY good ones).

Don’t try to copy other photographer’s work. Do a BUNCH of model calls and find what style best fits you and your business!

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 total dog mom. When I am not taking photos I am cuddling my three dogs.

I am a vintage camera collection, so far I have about 50.

I absolutely love the color pink. My car is a Black Chevy Sonic Hatchback with Pink accents, Pink Rims and a Huge Pink and White stripe down the centre.

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

Light and Airy

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

Don’t try to copy other photographer’s work. Do a BUNCH of model calls and find what style best fits you and your business!

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

Camera: Canon Mark IV
Lens: Canon 24-70 2.8
Whats in my camera bag?
– Camera, Canon 24-70 2.8, Sigma Art 50mm 1.4, Snacks, gloves, Knit Panda to make kids laugh, Matching Wallet for my House of Flynn Camera Bag

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 Maternity Sessions in Canmore. The mountains make every session magical and when my clients choose to use some of my maternity gowns as well, it looks just like a fairytale.

For my newborn sessions, I do them in the comfort of my home. I have a HUGE prop collection and a great big window in my studio that helps with my light and airy look.

What (if any) photography training, mentoring or workshops have you taken?

– Workshop with Glow Portraits and Erin Elizabeth Photography
– Countless Creative Live Classes
– All of Rachel Vanoven’s Online Teachings
– Almost all of the Milkyway Retreats
– All the classes from Learn Photography Canada

Find out more about this photographer at:

Featured Photographer : Wendy Wastle

Feb 17, 2020 | APNPI Community, Featured Photographer

Located in Calgary, Alberta CA

Name: Wendy Wastle

Representing: Belliam Photos

# of Years Experience: 5

This beautiful little girl came to me right before Christmas and I was lucky enough to be able to setup a cute Christmas theme!

Who has inspried you and how did you first come across their work?

Kelly Brown and Ana Brandt, both are so incredibly talented I followed them for a long time. I picked up a camera and bought all of thier tutorials. I practiced on dolls and my own baby as well. I found them both on facebook, then instagram. I love their styles, so much so it truly inspired me to become a newborn photographer as well!

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

Make sure to do your training, watch as many online tutorials as you can. Ask fellow photographers if you can sit in on their sessions to help learn newborn safety. A lot of photographers offer one on one training, some charge some don’t. Until you are confident use an assistant for safety, could be a friend or the clients sometimes like to be involved as well.

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

I,m a Canon girl! My go to lens is the 24-70mm 2.8, it is versatile and I use it for 80% of my shoots! My camera bag is full! My second favorite lens is Aigma Art 85mm 1.4, the creamiest bokeh comes from that lens! I also couldnt do without my 50mm and 35mm. I enjoy using m 70-200mm for little kids and weddings.

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

I love my studio obviously for newborns! However for everything else I love outdoors! My favorite location is Bowness park. It is close to my home and has sooo many possibilities for different scenes and backgrounds.

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

I think what played a key role was having a proper space for my studio. Proper training really expanded my knowledge and improved my skills. When I did the APNPI, Kelly Brown and Ana Brandt courses it taught me so much I can see the difference in my sessions after the training. When I first started I didn’t know what I was doing, I didn’t know about safety or proper posing. Thank goodness there is proper training out there!

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

When I first started I lived in a small home. I had to setup and take down after every session. When we moved I made sure to have a nice space to build my studio. That helped tremendously! Once I became settled I became busier, I was then able to upgrade my lighting and camera and equipment.

What should clients expect when working with you?

My clients should expect a good time! I’m chatty and pretty easy going. A lot of clients when leaving tell me how easy the session was, how I made them feel comfortable and relaxed. I make it easy for people to relax and smile, kids usually warm up to me, I think I have only had 3 who refused to smile for me! I keep it professional! My in home studio is warm and cozy, new parents get to sit back and relax while I take beautiful photos of thier precious little one.

This little guy was a dream for his whole session! His name is Jai, what a sweet little boy he is!

Adeline, what a perfect delicate beautiful name for this little princess. <3

This mama had the sweetest sleepiest little girl. She happily cuddled and posed for me. Her mom and I chatted the day away. I love when you meet clients you just click with! I love being creative with props and matching them together. This backdrop was pink to start with, I decided to color match it as it looks much more cohesive and follows her whole session.

Shulin, hand some boy loved deeply by his parents.

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