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

I got started in photography when my children were younger. I've always loved taking photos and I had an interest in documenting their hobbies and activities. It wasn't until 2012 that I got serious and started practicing with my camera more by taking photos of nature and my children and my nieces and nephews and I shared these photos and the requests started coming in from my friends and family who asked me to take photos for them. I've always been a "go for what you want" kinda girl so I went for it. I established a Facebook business page and offered free sessions to friends and family in the latter part of 2012 to build a portfolio and realized quickly that I lacked technical knowledge and wanted to know more and build my skills. In 2013, I did my first newborn session for a friend and fell in love instantly. I developed a passion for newborn photography that later led to a love for maternity and birth photography and 2015 was my first official year in business. I have come such a long way on this journey and look forward to where I'm going.

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

I have a studio adjacent to my home in Nashville, GA but I also shoot on-location.

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

I shoot with a Canon 6D. Lenses in my bag are the Canon 50mm 1.4, Canon 85mm 1.8 and Canon 24-70L 2.8. My favorite studio lens is my 24-70. My favorite outdoor lens is my 85mm.

4. What drew you to newborn photography? Do you photograph anything else?

I'm so honored by the huge responsibility that is placed on me when I am chosen to document the freshness of a new being. The importance of those memories challenges me to pour my heart into each session. The creative side of me loves posing and the technique involved with each position. And, let's face it, most of us newborn photographers LOVE shopping for props. I do photograph maternity, birth, families and seniors but I would love to one day photograph only birth, maternity and newborns.

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

My style is polished and full of variety. I love color but I also love neutrals. I love props but sometimes I keep it simple. Most importantly, I try not to get so caught up in "my" style or "my" art that I forget to remember who I'm creating these memories for. I love for parents to have lots of input on the colors I choose or the props that are chosen and I don't mind when they want to incorporate something personal or sentimental in their session.

6. Have you taken any photography workshops/training?

I have purchased and participated in online workshops with Kelly Brown and Ana Brandt. Most recently I was able to learn from several top professionals in the genre of newborn photography at the 2016 Newborn Retreat hosted by The Milky Way. I have also learned many invaluable lessons from my peers in online forum discussions. I attended Imaging USA this year and plan to attend the Baby Summit in the latter part of 2016.

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

I love local antique shops and yard sales for the unique props. I also shop many of the destash groups for gently used props but some of my favorite vendors to purchase new from are Peek-a-Bootique for wraps, The Wooley Hare for bonnets, ChelseaMProps for tiebacks and Luneberry for adorable tiebacks and rompers and Intuitions Backgrounds by Becky Gregory for backdrops and flokatis. I buy many of my fabric drops for the beanbag from destashes or from local fabric shops so I can see and feel the fabric in person.

8. What is something you wish someone would have told you when starting out?

1. Less is more when it comes to editing.

2. Don't compare yourself to other photographers with way more experience and education than you unless you are going to allow it to motivate, inspire and challenge you.

3. Value yourself.

9. What are your favorite things about NBP.com? How long have you been a member?

I've been a member for approximately 1 year now. I love that I get real referrals from the site. I love that the site has great web presence and shows up high on google searches. I love that it is always updated and looks professional and lastly, but certainly not least, I love the community. Being able to share images and discuss them with your peers and get courteous but honest feedback while at the same time being inspired is awesome.

10. Please share with us your Top 5 Favorite Images. Why are they your favorites?

Maybe it's the execution of a pose you've been trying to nail or the angle of a shot that just makes you go "aaahhh" with excitement or getting so much right in camera that you didn't have to do much in post or maybe it's a smile or the emotion you were able to capture that makes a photo a favorite. All of these reasons and probably more are why these are some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did capturing them.

11. What is your photography site and NewbornPhotography.com url?

Website  |  Facebook  |  NBP Profile | Twitter | Instagram | Google+ 

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

My husband and I pastor a church. We have 2 children, one is getting married this year and the other is graduating this year. I have a 3 1/2 year old Shorkie named Leo and I love him like one of the children. I love being on a boat. I love coffee and chocolate. I love to sing and travel. I am quiet and reserved until I get to know someone. I'm creative, competitive, moody and too serious sometimes but I'm passionate about life and family and faith.

Would you like to be our next Spotlight Photographer? Fill out our Spotlight Photographer form HERE! We look forward to featuring you!