I’m 31 years old, have been married for 10 years, and have two beautiful daughters, 5 year old Emma, & 6 week old Nora.  We live in Northern California, close to the Bay Area & Sacramento. In my “spare time” I love the treasure hunt of finding new props at the antique mall. My husband and I make wine with a group of friends as well. For vacation we always choose Disneyland- we love the mouse! My first ever shoot was my Father in Law’s small wedding in Bakersfield, California. I wanted to learn everything I could about photography, and once my daughter was born I simply fell in love with photographing babies.

My photography style is low key, simple, & organic. I really focus on baby, and try not to distract too much from their beauty with color combinations, or ample amounts of props. I like monotone combined with different textures.

Dewdrops Photography by Amy McDaniel is hands down my inspiration. I’ve actually taken her in person workshop. Taking that workshop was the best thing I could have done for the newborn side of my business. It gave me the confidence to work with newborns safely.

Take an in person workshop. This is crucial. Not only is it worth the time and money- but you learn so much from the person. They are typically an open book. Ask a ton of questions and see all of the tips and tricks for achieving poses.

I currently have a Canon 5D Mark III- but hopefully soon I can upgrade to the Mark IV. My favorite lens for newborns is the Canon 50mm L series. For outdoor sessions I love my Canon 135mm L series. I love the compression.

In Person Workshop with Dewdrops Photography by Amy McDaniel
Belly Baby & Beyond Conference 2018
Milk & Honey Online Courses

Name: Heather Clemente

Representing: From the Heart Imagery

# of Years Experience: 10

My passions don’t lie solely in photography though. I also have a great love for music and dance. All of these outlets allow me to express myself in both outspoken and quiet ways, and when combined, they fill me to the absolute brim!

Located in Rapid City, SD USA

Name: Lynn Puzzo

Representing: Lynn Puzzo Photography

# of Years Experience: 18

Like many other photographers, I have always loved photography. I got my first camera when I was ten! That being said, having my own photography business was never a dream, actually. I had worked in some retail photography chains, and then in another studio as a wedding photographer. After several years of shooting weddings, I was finding myself missing photographing little people. We had some friends who had recently had babies, and I had them come over for sessions – and QUICKLY realized that babies were what I wanted to do! I always wish I had portraits like I take for my clients of my own babies – and that definitely inspires me. I don’t ever want anyone to feel like they missed out on something so important like I do!! (In my defense, newborn photography was not what it is today when my babies were babies!) I do photograph other genre’s when time allows – for instance, fall family portraits. But I do tend to stick mostly to newborns. Nothing better than snuggling a new baby, am I right?!

First… Practice, practice, and practice. And when you think you have practiced enough, keep practicing!!! Babies are fragile little creatures, and they need you to be perfect when handling them. Their safety is SO important! Do NOT try posing a baby in a position that you are unsure how to obtain.

Second… PATIENCE! So much patience is required for this business. There is absolutely no way to control a baby. You never know if you are going to get a baby who sleeps so well you are able to get your entire session completed in an hour and a half – or if you are going to have a baby who’s wide awake and wants to party with you for 4-5 hours!

Third… you really, and I mean REALLY need to LOVE babies. Yeah, everyone thinks babies are cute. But when they are pooping and peeing on you – its not always that cute 😉 But you have to be able to see past that and roll with the punches! If you don’t LOVE this I would imagine it would be super easy to get frustrated and burned out really easily.

I shoot with a Nikon D610 – and my 50mm lens hardly ever leaves my camera – unless its for a 35mm! 😉

All of my newborn sessions are held in my studio, where my clients and I have full access to my excessive prop-buying habit 😉

I have attended the Living Dreams workshop, Son Kissed Photography workshop, and have attended the 2016 Baby Summit.

Each of my sessions is completely styled along with my clients to their own personal taste prior to their session. Once they arrive in the studio with their baby, I just want them to be able to sit back and relax, and enjoy the session! I handle everything except feeding ;), so for many moms it is their first time with their arms free since they had their baby! I encourage them to bring things to keep them busy – such as a book, tablet – or those thank you cards they haven’t been able to get out since baby arrived! My studio is always stocked with snacks and drinks as well to keep them comfortable!

Located in Oshawa, ON Canada

Name: Shelly Ferguson

Representing: Shelly Ferguson Photography

I would describe my work as simple, natural, minimalist, artistic. I am very inspired in life by the beauty of simplicity. I see the beauty in the most basic of things and truly feel like art can be created with a minimalist concept in mind.

I actually have two pieces of advice…one is learn about business if you want to get into business, not just photography. My second bit of advice from the creative stand point would be to take the time and experiment with different genres/styles. You will never now what you are inspired to create until you try. You can love looking at many genres (I do!) but when it comes to creating, you will only know what is right for you once you experience it!

I use a Nikon D4 and typically my 35 mm or 50 mm lens (both 1.4) plus a macro lens (60 mm) I have tried other lenses and honestly just keep coming back to those basic ones – just like in my artwork, simplicity is best for me 🙂

I do 95% of my sessions in my studio. I know how my space/light/equipment will work for me and what I am able to create in it. I have everything I need in my tiny little space to create my style of simple, minimalist work.

Clients should expect that I will do everything I can to create beautiful images of their baby in a simple, artistic, minimalist way. I do not use props or many accessories. I keep all the focus on their baby, showcasing their pure beauty. I will work with their baby awake or asleep, following their cues, keeping them as comfortable and relaxed as possible and capture the beauty of who they are at this amazing young age. I will also capture the beautiful, loving connection between the parents and baby (and siblings…including fur siblings!) I am not a lifestyle photographer per say, I do still put much thought into ‘posing’ but it is always done in a natural, minimalist, artistic way to give them memories to last a lifetime!