1. How did you get started in photography and when did you start your business?
My love of photography started when I was 11 years old and got a little pink 110 camera for my birthday. I couldn't afford a good camera for a long time after that, so even though I wanted to, I was never take any courses in college. When my husband bought me my first film slr camera in 2005 I started learning in earnest and started my business officially in 2008.
2. Where are you located? Do you have a studio space or do you shoot on-location?
I live and work in
Orangeville, Ontario, out of a small home studio. I also do on-location work.
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3. What do you shoot with and what are your favorite lenses?
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II. My go to lenses are my 50mm 1.4 and my 70-200mm 2.8.
4. What drew you to newborn photography? Do you photograph anything else?
I have always loved babies, so I guess it was a natural for me to gravitate towards newborns, but it was also kind of a forced evolution. When we lived in the States I did a lot of senior photography and loved it, but then we moved to Canada, where senior photography isn't really a thing. I had to find a new niche, and I just found myself booking a lot of newborns until eventually it became my speciality.
5. How would you describe your style? Where do you find inspiration?
I would describe my style as simple, whimsical, and clean. I find inspiration everywhere! I've always been very inspired by painters, especially the Dutch painters like Rembrandt, and their treatment of light. That light quality is definitely one of my big inspirations. I am also inspired by so many other photographers and of course, probably most of all, by the people that I photograph.
6. Have you taken any photography workshops/training?
I have my Master's Degree in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
7. Where do you like to shop for props? Do you have favorite vendors?
I try to shop local when I can, I love Baby in Vogue for maternity gowns and Cocoa and Blush for her adorable newborn and baby outfits. They are both here in Ontario which is wonderful! I also love Peach Fuzz Props, another local prop shop that a good friend of mine is just getting of the ground. She sells amazingly beautiful New Zealand wool Flokati rugs!
8. What are three things you wish someone would have told you when starting out?
Just do what you love. I've wasted way too much time doing gigs that I don't enjoy and what has become really obvious to me is that when I do that I lose that thing that makes my work uniquely me, it becomes run-of-the-mill and the clients end up being disappointed. I no longer do parties and events etc. because I just lose myself when I do them. They're just not my thing.
You don't need all the fancy equipment! Learn how to use what you have and use it well, and most of all learn to understand light. If you do that you will create beautiful images. And yes, there's always that new fun piece of gear, and yes, it's always fun to have new toys, but you don't NEED them to be a good photographer. The same goes for all the fancy props. SO many times simple is better and without a doubt simple is beautiful!
and work very hard. I'm confident success will come if you're all in
9. What are your favorite things about NBP.com? How long have you been a member?
I joined
newbornphotography.com only a few months ago. I have enjoyed the opportunity to
ask for critique and advice when I need it, as well as to be inspired by the
work of so many talented artists!
10. Please share with us your Top 5 Favorite Images. Why are they your favorites?
These images are all fairly recent and I love them. I've come so far as a photographer in the last few years and these are really representative of where I am today and the style that I think is the most "me".
11. What is your photography site and NewbornPhotography.com url?
Website | Facebook |
NBP Profile | Twitter | Instagram
12. Lastly, tell us about YOU! Who are you other than a photographer?
Well, as they say, first things first. I am a Toronto dwelling, West Coast, American girl at heart. I love the rain and I think the Oregon Coast is the most beautiful place in the world. I love chocolate and Mexican food. A good book can be my best friend. I am addicted to creating things; cupcakes, crafts, clothing, and of course photographs. In a former life I was high school teacher and loved it!
Most importantly, I am a mom to three toddlers, two 2 year olds and a 1 year old. We started as foster parents in 2012 and much to our surprise by 2014 we'd adopted 3 kids under the age of two. I'm on a whirlwind of a ride with these three beautiful little people and a growing business and I couldn't be more grateful for the chaos!
Would you like to be our next Spotlight Photographer? Fill out our Spotlight Photographer form HERE! We look forward to featuring you!