1. How did you get started in photography and when did you start your business?

In high school I took advance art classes and fell in love with portraits – both creating them and studying the originality of others. But, it wasn't until I joined United States Navy in 2006 I realized I had a passion for photography. It was my way of exhaling at the end of a full workday. In my free time I began photographing landscapes, but when I had my precious little girl I found that I loved photographing the little ones. My first job was helping a friend whose husband was deployed and would miss the birth of their first child.  I photographed the birth of her child and then photographed her little one throughout his first few days.  After this experience, I began capturing the pregnancies, births and the first several days for many of the wives on base whose husbands would miss these experiences.  But, I didn't officially start Anne Meintrup Photography until 2011.

2. Where are you located? Do you have a studio space or do you shoot on-location?

Currently I work out of my house in Metro St. Louis area.  My husband and I converted a 600 square foot in-law suite into a studio completely dedicated to Maternity, Newborn and Children’s Photography.

3. What do you shoot with and what are your favorite lenses?

I shoot with a Canon Mark III - which I am completely in love with! My favorite lenses are 35L 1.4 and 24-70 II 2.8.

4. Do you shoot anything other than newborns?

I love the simplicity, the purity of a newborn baby, the way every little natural detail tells a story, of who they are and who they will become.  I love to start photographing the mother while she is expecting - documenting her journey from the very beginning and completing the story with pictures of the entire new family – including the siblings as they start their new life together. 

5. How would you describe your style & where do you find your inspiration?

My style is simple, light and airy. I choose my props carefully and use them sparingly. I love to mix the posed baby images with a more relaxed parent and sibling shots. I also find it important to know the client - I draw inspiration from their story and use that inspiration when choosing the props and setting up each shot. When I have time I also enjoy browsing other published images – from catalogs to blog posts.  A couple of my clients have asked if I love Pottery Barn. I guess some of my images seem to look Pottery Barn-ish – maybe I spend too much time browsing that catalog! 

6. Have you taken any photography workshops and/or training?

Of course!!  I have taken several workshops and e-courses throughout the years. I consider myself a life-learner and I find it important to continue to grow and perfect my craft. Schoolteachers go to workshops, not to learn their subject area, but to learn how to make their expertise appeal to their students.  Workshops and e-courses not only encourage me to examine my art, but they also bring new ideas on how to adapt to my needs of my clients. 

7. Where do you like to shop for your props? Do you have favorite vendors?

I love the floral headbands from Sew Whimsey as they provide a classily beautiful look.   A Mother's Love Upcycled Hats has some of the most unique hats and pants sets for boys. Prop Me Up Prop Shop is my favorite when I am shopping for knit beanies – they even have knit pants to match. And if you are looking for an adorable blanket, Cheeky Beanies and Photography Props is the place to go.

8. Please share with us your top 5 favorite images!

I love creating a connection in an image. I want my clients’ friends and family to gasp the first time they enter their home and see the image of my clients holding their newborn on the wall. 

9. What are the 3 things you wish someone would have told you when you started?

Taking a class, workshop, or e-course doesn't mean you aren't good enough, it means you want to be better yourself and your craft.

Value yourself and your time.  Pricing yourself too low only hurts you and everyone else around you.

You do not need every prop - just a handful of simple bonnets and headbands will do.

10. Lastly, tell us about YOU! Who are you, other than a photographer?

 I am a mom of two crazy, wonderful children and I love our little life here in Edwardsville. We are a military family - my husband proudly serves in the US Navy (that’s how we met.)  We enjoy movies and play-dates, friends and board games.  As for me, I love to sip on a martini with my girlfriends, spend way too much time finding new DIY home projects to complete, and if I happen to find tickets to a St. Louis Blues game you might the crazy come out!

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Would you like to be our next Spotlight Photographer? E-mail us at info@newbornphotography.com with the subject “Spotlight Photographer.” We look forward to featuring you!