Located in Sarnia, Ontario CA
The amount of props you have does not determine your talent, you don’t need tons of “things” to shoot newborn photography.
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 honestly enjoy spending time home with my husband and dog! Love family time with my siblings too. I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and I find myself “nesting” right now, I know once baby is here they will be my full time and my spare time and my most enjoyable time. At such a young age I started baby sitting, I have always LOVED kids and babies and have always been really good with them. I will admit I was scared to hold other peoples newborns when I started. I always let parents lay them down and I just would photograph them sitting there. I got more and more comfortable and extended my knowledge with safety, posing and soothing techniques. I surely enjoy it and love meeting new moms to chat with.
I photography a bit of everything, weddings, family, baby’s first year, engagement, couples. I like doing a bit of everything. I would get bored if I only did one thing.
How would you describe your photography style? What inspires your work?
I think my style is pretty “organic”. A lot of my props are vintage, textured, layered and fringed. I love bonnets and old school style. As I purchase items for my own baby, i see myself leaning in the same direction style wise while choosing outfits. I love nature stuff and plants, succulents. When the weather is nice I love to bring the newborns outside.
Who has inspried you and how did you first come across their work?
Rachel Vanoven and Erin tole have been use role models. I have learned a lot through rachels e-workbook. I purchased this and studied it on the computer and had it on my ipad. I watched it before every newborn session years ago.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting a newborn photography business?
Workshops, e-workshops, etc will get you farther than any “photography school.” The amount of props you have does not determine your talent, you don’t need tons of “things” to shoot newborn photography.
What camera do you use? What are your favourite lenses and what’s typically in your camera bag?
I have three cameras. 5M2, 5M3, 5DM4. I am currently using my m4 for all sessions and my m3 as a back up. I use my m2 on vacations etc. I have the following lenses: 85mm, 50mm, 100mm, 24-105mm, 135mm, 35mm. I shoot 90% of my newborn sessions with my 50mm and then use my macro for detail and close up shots.
What is your favorite place to hold sessions and why?Where do you photograph most of your sessions? (in studio? on location?)
I photography most of my newborn work in the studio. I have a studio in the central part of my city. When the weather is nice I will take them outside during june,july and august.
What (if any) photography training, mentoring or workshops have you taken?
Rachel Vanoven
Erin Tole
Tell us about starting your business, and what played a key role in developing a profitable income.
I started my business around 17. I photographed my first wedding back then. The wedding was perfect for a first time photography, but they were not my ideal client. I invested in good equipment, youtube lots of editing videos, practiced on friends and family. My photography actually started in highschool doing prom photos. It eventually turned into a career after college. I invested in a studio as I was so tired of bringing my items to peoples homes for newborn sessions. Raising my pricing to what I am worth and providing good quality work that matches that price.
Growing pains: tell us about some of your challenges you have faced in your business, and how you overcame them.
I think making the decision to get a studio was a major commitment and risk that I either needed to do or quit. It was a big decision when photography was and is your only income, so you know you have a monthly bill to pay on top of your mortgage at home, car etc. Once i made that jump my business really boomed.
Same pose but a different angle. I love seeing her unique little features as the light comes from behind her.
My favourite part of newborn sessions is mommy and baby photos. I always remind mom that baby will never be this small again and it always makes them tear up and really cherish how precious their baby is! This pose shows how small baby is, and compliments mom as well.
Potato sack! I do this pose every session. I LOVE how squishy and round they look!
When baby doesn't sleep, using that time wisely is so important! of course sleeping is ideal, that isn't always the case. If baby is happy and content, getting as many angles/poses is key. I used my 100mm macro to focus on this little guys face.
