As I was getting this blog ready for it’s grand re-introduction last week, I took a trip down memory lane. I scrolled through my entire blog… backwards. And wow, what a trip it was. It’s a humbling experience seeing photos that you’ve taken in the past, and it’s a wonderful blast of confidence to see how far you’ve come.
I started photographing newborns in the new “Kelley Ryden style” in 2010. I got a portable light setup, a huge beanbag, a backdrop stand, tons of ugly minky blankets, and a few knitted hats. My first newborn ever was a sweet little 4 pound girl that I was so scared to pose.
I handled hundreds of babies in the 7 years that I worked at the retail portrait studio, but this style was completely new to me. The whole session seems intimidating at first… white noise? Putting the heat on 80 degrees? Taking 4 hours to get a set of photos? That’s alot to walk into in the beginning.
But we all start somewhere, right?
I present to you some portraits from my very first newborn sessions, accompanied by some of my most recent work. (Even my logo has matured since then!)
I feel so fortunate to work in an industry where there is always room to learn… always room to grow as an artist and a business owner. Thank you so much to the Mama’s that trusted me with their sweet babies when I was just getting my baby program off the ground. 
To those photographers just starting out, I encourage you to stay strong. You will get frustrated at times. You will, at one point, feel like you just can’t make it. But I say… keep learning. Keep practicing. Soak up all of the knowledge that you can… there is so much educational material out there now that wasn’t available when I first broke into the newborn market. Do your research, and don’t get discouraged. And don’t be scared to ask questions.
by Crystal
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