How I Became a Photographer—and Why I Fell in Love with Newborn Photography

How I Became a Photographer—and Why I Fell in Love with Newborn Photography

Photography has always been a part of my story.

Growing up, my mom was a professional photographer in Pittsburgh, and my Pawpaw always had a camera in his hand. He had that timeless habit of documenting life—quiet moments, laughter, birthdays, everyday things. Looking back, I realize those snapshots were more than pictures. They were visual heirlooms, fragments of time that shaped my deep appreciation for preserving memories.

Despite being surrounded by photography most of my life, I didn’t initially imagine myself following the same path. That all changed after I had my second daughter.

Like many new moms, I wanted to capture those fleeting newborn days. I tried to do my own newborn session—and honestly, it was awful. Nothing went right. She was fussy, the lighting was wrong, and I felt completely overwhelmed. I left that experience saying, “I will never do newborn photography.”

But if you know me, you know this: I cannot stand not being good at something.

That frustration quickly turned into fuel. I became determined to learn everything I could about newborn photography—the right lighting, how to safely pose babies, how to create a calm and soothing environment. I dove into online courses, read extensively, and practiced relentlessly. But the real turning point came when I moved back to the Charlotte NC area and I invested in one-on-one mentoring with an extraordinary photographer, ZLM, in Atlanta. Her guidance elevated my skill set and gave me the confidence to bring my own creative vision to life.

From there, it became more than a challenge. It became my passion.

There’s something uniquely powerful about photographing newborns. It’s a time in life that’s both emotionally tender and incredibly brief. As a photographer, I get the privilege of freezing those first days—those tiny toes, sleepy smiles, and the deep, quiet love between parents and their new baby. It’s not just about cute photos. It’s about honoring the beginning of a family’s next chapter.

Today, I specialize in newborn photography because I believe those moments matter. And I know firsthand how quickly they pass.

If you had told me years ago—after that first terrible newborn session—that I would one day own a dedicated newborn studio filled with soft wraps, bonnets, and vintage-inspired props, I would have laughed. But here I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Every session is a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how powerful it is to do something you truly love.