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

My love for photography started when I was just a little one myself. My aunt was an oil painter and she would constantly photograph me for studies. I ended up falling in love with the camera. When I grew up photography was always something I had a passion for, but also something I kept on the back burner as I looked for a career. I was pretty lost and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to do something I was passionate about, and remembered something a career test coordinator had told me. She said many people actually excel and are happiest doing what they wanted to “grow up to be”. That got me to thinking, why am I trying to fit myself into careers that don’t make me happy, when all I’ve ever wanted was to be a photographer. So, with the incredible support and encouragement from my boyfriend I dove into learning everything I could about photography.

I knew the saying most photographers had was never work with children or animals, but I wanted a challenge. I knew I wanted to work with children and capture those sweet moments that fade so fast. I wanted to create those memories that would live on family’s walls for years to come. In 2013 I started So Cute Photo, and specialized in newborns. It has been such a growing experience, and I’ve loved every minute of it.

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

So Cute Photo is an on-location photography studio and I travel to cities in and around the Central Coast California such as: Morgan Hill, San Jose, and Monterey. I love to make the whole newborn photography experience as easy and convenient as I can for my clients and they love that I can bring my studio to them.

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

I shoot with a Canon 6D. For newborn photography I mostly use my 50 mm, and every once in a while for sweet little detail shots I use my 100mm. I also take studio lights with me on-location.

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

Some of the things that drew me to newborn photography was the challenge of it. You have to create the right environment, and realize for the most part they are running the show. As I grew as a photographer, I found my purpose and realized how important parents portraits are. So many times parents are a second thought at newborn photography sessions. Either cause new moms don’t want to be photographed or because it poses and extra challenge. I think those are the most important. I only have 1 photo of my mom holding me as a baby, and I realized how special these images will be to that little one when they grow up- not because of how little they are, but because these image capture how much their parents loved them from the moment they held them.

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

I like to think of my style as “sweet”. Soft natural colors accented with hints of pastels. I love the focus of the images to be on the baby and about the connection between baby and parent.

I find my inspiration everywhere. I think we all have a love affair with pinterest, so I find inspiration there. I find inspiration in props. I see a basket I love and all of a sudden I see the whole scene. Sometimes I get inspiration in challenges-in trying something new and making it work.

6. Have you taken any photography workshops/training?

For newborn photography I’ve taken several online workshops through Creative Live. I’ve watched every youtube video I could find, as well as some awesome tutorial videos from Keri Meyers and Robin Long. I’ve also taken an in person workshop with Kelly Brown. I’m constantly learning and trying to improve. I think many times people get caught up in the novelty of newborn photography and forget about the art and the light. Learning lighting has been one of my biggest learning experiences., and I’m still on that journey.

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

I shop for props just about everywhere. A lot of the times its in the home goods section of a store looking for the perfect box, bowl, or blanket. Since I’m an on-location photographer taking the studio with me has been a challenge so I love my bluebird props flooring. I also love soft colors and delicate headbands some of the vendors I’ve been using are: MyNewLove, Precious Little Bay, and Gracee Collection.

8. What are three things you wish someone would have told you when starting out?

I had some pretty awesome people around me giving me advice. I think maybe that is one of the biggest things- you will doubt yourself and surround yourself with those that support you. As artist we are constantly criticizing ourselves. On the positive side that makes us grow but it can also be debilitating sometimes. I’m so blessed to have an amazing man who when I get to that places reminds me how far I’ve come.

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

I love the community and there are so many ways to grow and learn. I love seeing peoples work and seeing what they do differently. The editing game is always fun to see how different everyone is. I joined just a few months ago and it has been an awesome experience.

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

It's so hard to choose! I love all of these images, every one of them has some special detail like fine blonde eyebrows, or a gorgeous thick head of hair, or beautiful lashes. These are the sweet details I love.

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

Website  |  Facebook  |  NBP Profile 

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

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