I have a crush on Sandra Hill’s work – its divine! Her skin tones are natural, her editing is flawless and true to life. Her images are truly inspirational, I’m so pleased to interview this fellow Canadian newborn photographer! You can view more of her work at
Thankyou my friend, xo.
1. How did you get started as a photographer and what inspired you to start your business?
I got an old film SLR camera when my oldest was born almost 15 years ago. It was a hobby that progressed little by little. I knew that one day, I wanted to start a business of some sort, but didn’t want to start it until we were done having babies of our own. Newborn photography wasn’t as big as it is now (especially in Canada) when my kids were all babies, so I wasn’t even familiar with it. Someone had “liked” a Keri Meyers newborn image on fb, which drew me to her site, and thats when the light bulb went off.. and I just had to give it a try! Once I did, I fell in love with it.
2. How did you know you wanted to specialize in newborns and little ones?
Ive always had a love of art, and a love of babies.. so I put two and two together, a perfect match for me. I knew I wanted to specialize in one thing. I wanted to get amazing in one area of photography. Im a quiet kind of person, and newborn photography is a perfect fit for me.. not a lot of talking goes on. lol
3. Describe your style of photography.
I would say my style is natural and simple. I love old rustic props with a fresh new perfect baby. I love that combination. Also, simple. No crazy outgoing wild props. Thats not me as a person, and not what attracts me. In order for me to be passionate about my work, I need to create art that I also love as much as my clients do. I want my clients to look back on their newborn portraits years from now and still love them, something classic.. that never goes out of style. So they remember their baby just as they were when they were first born!
4. What camera do you shoot with, and what are your two favorite lenses?
I’m a Nikon girl. I have the D700 and I use the 50mm 1.4 for my newborns. I also have the 60 mm macro lens for the close ups.
5. On average, how many sessions do you have a month?
I usually have about 6 sessions a month. I don’t want to over book myself, and make clients wait forever for their images. Summer is always a busy baby season though, so sometimes more.
6. Do you use natural light or studio lights?
Natural light only! I wouldn’t have a clue what to do with a studio light!
7. If you weren’t a newborn photographer, what would you be doing?
Im actually an R.N, and I am still working part time at a walk in clinic. I just can’t totally give that part of my life up. I still enjoy working at the clinic and using that part of my brain lol Its variety, and gets me out of my crazy house.
8. How do you balance your business and family life?
I’m not sure I am! lol Thats really the toughest part of it all. My youngest is in school this year, so the plan is to work 9-3:30 and be done when they come home. Sure is hard though, to not go back to it when your business is run from your home. Your not leaving work and going home like most people do.
9. What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
Oh, I draw inspiration from other newborn photographers. I love looking at all different types of work. I definitely have my favourites. I never want to copy another photographer, but when I look through someones work, it might give me some new inspiration. Its hard to always be coming up with new things! I get inspiration from nature as well. Quite often when going for a walk in a path, I will be looking at colour combinations, and things that work well in nature.
10. If you could tell new photographers one thing, what would it be?
Oh Lord… long list. Most important I guess, is to not undercut yourself or you WILL burn out! Its a lot harder than it looks.
11. And finally (I can’t resist for all our American fans) . . .You live in Canada. Do you know Bob? Do you live in an igloo?
LOL My dads name is Bob! haha …no igloos in my yard.. however hubby is Native Indian.. but we do not live in a teepee
