There is definitely something special about photographing newborns. Families invite me into their homes to meet this new addition, sometimes even before the grandparents, and other family and friends have met the newborn baby. They trust me to document this special time so they will have beautiful photographs to look at months and even years later.

With newborns I feel like you need to be so careful.  Sometimes you see babies in these dangerous positions and many people including even some photographers don’t realize the photographs are composites (ie. multiple images merged together).  Even though I have spent a lot of time trying to learn the craft of newborn photography I thought attending an in-person workshop would be essential to my growth as a newborn photographer.

After I had Sadie I thought about attending a workshop and was excited when I saw that Rachel Vanoven was offering one the following year. There are so many options these days for workshops.  At the time, I didn’t realize how big Rachel is in the newborn photography world.  I just liked her style, the babies always looked cozy and she seemed to be a posing guru.  There is so much that goes into newborn photography and this seemed like an amazing opportunity to learn from her and to meet some other incredible  photographers. I bookmarked the date the workshops would open (in July) and was excited when I was able to book the first class in the new year. I was hesitant about traveling to Indianapolis, IN in January given the awful weather last year in Boston; however, I lucked out this year with the storms and the dreadful polar vortex occurring before and after my trip.

Social media is a bit strange because before meeting Rachel I felt like I already knew her. She is very open on her facebook page about herself, family and business. And, she is what I expected – incredibly nice, helpful and a lot of fun.  We first met up on Sunday night at a local restaurant and the following day our work began. But let’s be honest because I enjoy photography so much it didn’t feel like work. Both days were packed with newborn models! I learned so much in this short period time. The challenge now is trying to incorporate what I learned into my own style back in Boston. At the workshop I was the only one without a studio space and the only one who incorporates lifestyle work into the newborn session.  During the two days, I jotted down pages of notes because I didn’t want to forget a single thing!

It was so nice to meet some other photographers and they are all amazing. Their sites are below:

Karen Fisher Photography in Fort Wayne, IN – www.karenfisherphotography.com
Whitney Girton Photography in Argos, IN – https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyGirtonPhotography
Chloe Colleen Photography in Pensacola,FL – http://chloecolleenphotography.com/
Kristina T Photography in Laredo, TX – https://www.facebook.com/KristinaCPhotography

There are a lot of photos below but I thought my clients might enjoy seeing all the thought, preparation and training that goes into being a newborn photographer.  All the newborn babies were posed by Rachel and I took and edited the photos.  Enjoy!

Working on macro shots.

I love the color and BW.

Big sister helping out.

Rachel taking a photo of big sister.                                                                A view of the amazing backdrop Rachel had custom built.

Karen, a workshop attendee, working with Rachel on a pose.

Whitney, one of the workshop attendees, working with Rachel to master a pose.

Here I am working with Rachel.

Here I am spotting.

Rachel working some magic.

 

Beth Ann is a photographer based in Belmont MA just outside of Boston MA. She is currently booking Boston MA Newborn photography, Boston MA family photography and Boston MA baby photography sessions in the Boston, MA area. Be sure to contact her to photograph your newborn, baby, family or wedding. Clients are from all over the Boston and New England area including but not limited Belmont, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Somerville, Natick and Weston.