Hey there! This is my story, I hope you love it as much as I do!
Photography is something I have loved since I was a kid. I still remember one of the first photographs I had ever taken. It was my best friend sitting on a rock near the railroad tracks. It was fall and the leaves were beautiful and bright. I remember the feeling I got when I looked at that photo, and it was truly a beautiful moment. After that, I was hooked. I took pictures of everything. Mountains, flowers, kids, sandy paths leading to the ocean, everything that caught my eye was documented. At the time I had no idea it would one day be my career, I just knew I loved this type of art.
Once I had my first baby, everything changed for me.
I booked a newborn session with a well-known photographer. I had looked at her photos before I got pregnant and remembered the feelings those photos gave me. I wanted to capture every detail of having a newborn, the adorable newborn scrunch, the tiny little toes, those adorable smiles. Watching the photographer do her thing made me realize that this type of photography is what I wanted to do.
I watched her every move during the session; it was like watching someone paint a picture or build a sculpture. Everything was intentional, the way she handled my sweet newborn, the poses that she put him in, and how she was able to take these sweet details and moments that pass us by so quickly and create something I could cherish for a lifetime.
Up to that point photography was a hobby and something I didn’t believe could be my job. I was working a full-time job, one that I stayed at for 8 years. Even though it wasn’t the job I wanted forever, it allowed me to have a steady income. During those 8 years, I had two beautiful babies and slowly inched my way into a career in photography. I was able to start my business on the side, I didn’t have a fancy camera or a studio at the time, but I photographed my children every chance I got. They were perfect little models and my inspiration.
After putting my work on social media for the world to see and doing way too many to count, free sessions for family and friends, I finally started to get some traction. I didn’t want to charge until I knew my work was worth paying for. I do not agree with that logic anymore but that’s for another blog 😉. Though it did motivate me to invest in photography workshops and mentors. I wanted to learn everything, from how to use manual mode on my camera, to editing the beautiful memories I was capturing for others.
Photographing weddings is something I had an interest in, so I started with that. It was something I could do on the weekends while I wasn’t working at my other job. I did this for a year, and after a long summer of working full time, photographing weddings, taking care of my two kids, and editing hundreds of photos, I realized weddings weren’t the right fit for me. I am so thankful to the amazing people I met during that time and don’t regret a moment I spent capturing special memories for so many.
I was back to square one and had no idea where my career in photography was going, until one day, I got a message from a past wedding client.
A bride from one of the weddings I had done the summer before was pregnant and reached out to me. She asked if I had ever done maternity and newborn photos, I told her I hadn’t but that I would love to do them for her anyway. Newborn photography was a passion of mine since that first session I had invested in for my own baby. That inquiry was a nudge in the right direction, and I was so excited to see where it took me.
I knew that newborn photography wasn’t something I could just pick up a camera and start doing. It is a type of photography that requires education, patience, time, and a gentle touch. I spent so many hours researching, studying, and learning everything I could. I found a fellow photographer who was willing to mentor me and allow me to sit in on some of her sessions. Through in person mentoring, as well as many workshops, I learned how to safely handle, understand their cues, and pose precious newborns in a way that is gentle, supportive, and never forced. I took many classes on newborn safety and posing and always had an experienced mentor with me until I was comfortable enough to do it on my own.
After my first newborn session I was hooked! It felt so different than all the other types of photography, more meaningful. The quiet, calm studio felt personal and intentional. I was capturing the beginning of life and something that parents will treasure for a lifetime.
Here I am more than 8 years later with a newborn photography business. It is so much more than just a business to me though, it is a passion that grows with every newborn that enters my studio. It has allowed me to quit my 9-5 job and have that one last baby of my own.
I am still learning and still growing every day, because this niche requires you to learn new techniques, keep up with trends, and advance safety standards. I constantly update my knowledge because the safety of the newborns I work with is the most important thing in my opinion.
When I think back to my journey as a newborn photographer it wasn’t perfect, or easy. It took a lot of long hours, late nights, and finding the right mentor, but I wouldn’t change anything about it. My hobby became my passion, and my passion became my profession. It is a beautiful story, and I am so thankful every time I walk into my studio. I feel blessed that I can be the one to document so many parents journey into parenthood and their babies first few days of life.
The sweet newborn smiles and curly toes don’t last forever, but the photos do. I will never forget how lucky I am to be the one to capture something so special.
If you are waiting on the arrival of your little one and want to capture those sweet moments in a quiet, safe and loving way I would love to be the one you choose. I recommend booking your session during pregnancy to ensure I have availability. I call each of my clients and we go over your vision, and I do my best to bring it to life.
If this is something that excites you please feel free to reach out so we can get started.
Frequently asked
Why should I book a maternity session?
I love answering this question. Maternity photos really show off a new mommas glow. You may not feel that glow or see it just by looking in the mirror, but I promise everyone else does! I love showing every woman how absolutely stunning they are while pregnant. The best way I can do this is by showing you from an outsiders perspective.
What does the investment look like for a maternity session?
Maternity sessions consist of a session fee for my time and expertise. Then you get to choose what ever fits your budget and we can tailor it to be perfect for you and your family. I offer high quality products that come from businesses who also truly care about their work. I offer fully edited digitals, high end albums, keepsake boxes, acrylic prints, as well as high end prints and frames.
How do I know you are the right maternity photographer for me?
I am a maternity photographer who truly cares about you and your family. I care about the quality of products and the experience you receive. If that is something you are looking for than I am the right one for you. The consultation call will give us an opportunity to get to know one another so you can be absolutely sure.
Where is your studio located and what makes it special.
My Maternity/Newborn studio is located in the heart of Grants Pass, Oregon. It is on the top floor of a beautiful historical building. With brick walls and hardwood floors it truly is something special and welcoming.