Dawn Potter Photography

Dawn Potter is a Seattle area based photographer specializing in the art of posed newborns.

it's crazy to think that my journey started with a cheap digital camera and an obsession with babies, but that's exactly how it happened. after having four children of my own, i looked at my husband and told him this was something i had to do. it wasn't realistic for me to keep having babies just so i could continue to experience the newborn stage (even though i swear i could have lived a very fulfilled life doing just that!) it made sense for me to blend my love of art and creativity with my passion for babies, and nearly 6 years ago, I did just that.

Her journey has led her down a path she never could have imagined. Since starting her business, she has photographed well over a thousand babies in the past decade. She has won awards for the art she has created, and has taught many other newborn photographers at workshops and photography conferences in Canada, the US and South America.

Dawn has inspired so many photographers! She is an amazing instructor and phenomenal newborn photographer. She is so patient with each and every newborn she works with. Her attention to detail and ensuring each baby is posed properly makes her one of the top photographers in the industry.

Dawn is truly the newborn whisperer!

Lindsay Walden Photography

Lindsay Walden is an award winning and internationally featured fine art photographer based in Colleyville, Texas, near Dallas/Fort Worth. As a photographer her goal is to create art for her clients that is innovative and fresh all while giving them a seamless and truly luxurious experience.

Every detail in the client experience matters. She focuses on styling stunning photography sessions uniquely designed for each client and providing them with a one of a kind experience. From her fabulous hair and makeup artist to hundreds of couture gowns and fun props, she has everything her clients need for a beautiful session.

Lindsay has mentored hundreds of photographers from around the world. Her favorite subject to teach is the business side of the photography world. “What’s the point of working so hard to create beautiful art if you can’t make a good living doing so?” She teaches a detailed approach to pricing, branding and marketing to the luxury client.

Her style of teaching is very much like her art, unique and specific to my student. She wants to help each of her students grow in the areas where they will most benefit. She currently offer an online class for helping photographers build a luxury brand. She loves nothing more than seeing her students succeed in their businesses.

Anja McDonald Photography

Anja McDonald is an award winning and published photographer originally from Denmark in Scandinavia and now lives in Australia.

In addition to running a successful portrait studio, she is also an educator and international speaker in the photography industry. Anja offers training to all levels of photographers and due to having a degree in finance, she also helps photographers develop their business strategies.

She is well known for her use of lighting and editing style and by pairing that with Scandinavian simplicity, she has developed her signature style in photography.

CLJ Photography

I began photographing families over 13 years ago. After my daughter was born in 2009, I couldn’t tow the corporate job anymore so I picked up my camera and began photographing! I was drawn to maternity and newborn, but not until 2016 or so, did I realize I wanted to specialize.

I’ve worked my way from a tiny bedroom studio, to building a home with a larger room, to sharing a studio to finally my own large commercial space! I’ve been through it all and building that is so rewarding!

This is my first time organizing a conference and my first time teaching a group of photographers. I am so excited to meet everyone and I am so excited to teach!

Appleseed Photography

I'm Denise, a newborn photographer, digital designer, educator & sprinkler of kindness.

I absolutely adore everything to do with Newborn Photography & even more so, connecting with others that love it as much as I do, I'm all about sharing knowledge and encouraging others to follow their passion as we are all creative beings!

I used to feel like I had to control EVERYTHING about my sessions and found myself stressed out and disappointed until I made the decision to just GO WITH THE FLOW! No prep guides. No sets up ready before hand. Just winging it when the parents & baby arrive. My priority is focused on the care given to the clients, not so much focused on the perfect pose or accomplishing their pinterest printouts! It's all about the experience and I look forward to sharing how I do this with you!

https://www.instagram.com/estherkayphotography/

Esther Kay is a multi-award-winning photographer, international certified educator, and proud owner of Esther Kay Studio. With years of experience in the industry, Esther is an expert in maternity posing and lighting techniques. Esther has been mentoring photographers around the United States and in 2024 is touring and teaching photographers around the world. Esther is also a grand ambassador with some of the largest companies in the world such as ProPrintsLab, DreamBooksPro, and ZoomBackdrops.

Esther’s teaching approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and mastering the technical aspects of posing and lighting , while also encouraging her students to tap into their creativity and develop their own unique style. Through her teaching, Esther aims to inspire and empower photographers with consistency in their work, to create beautiful art for their clients to last a lifetime.

In addition to her successful career, Esther is a loving mother to two beautiful children and a wife to a kind-hearted musician. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and indulging in hobbies such as cycling, hot yoga, and camping.

Paula GoForth

Paula Goforth Photography is a premier Maternity, Newborn, and Family photography service based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Paula specializes in capturing life’s most cherished moments, offering a warm and personalized experience for every family. Her passion lies in creating timeless, emotive portraits that beautifully document the journey from maternity to newborn and beyond. With a relaxed, natural style and a keen eye for detail, Paula Goforth Photography ensures each session is not only enjoyable but also results in images that families will treasure for generations.  

https://www.instagram.com/erin_elizabeth_photography/

Hello! I’m Erin, the owner and founder of Erin Elizabeth Photography. While I was born and raised in a small town in northern Wisconsin, I’m now based out of Perth, Western Australia. I have been shooting newborn, maternity and family sessions for over 17 years. I have spent more than 13 of those years teaching thousands of photographers from all over the world, via my maternity and newborn workshops. I have also been featured as the keynote speaker for dozens of photography conferences on five continents. One day, Antarctica!

I have an amazing husband, two beautiful daughters (14 and 12), and one 25-year old stepson. I live to travel, and am a borderline obsessive animal lover - we have four dogs, four cats, a rabbit, two bobtail lizards, two red-tailed black cockatoos, two cockatiels, six finches, a canary and fifteen chickens. We are a literal zoo and I love ever minute of it!

I am thrilled to be teaching at this conference and can't wait to meet you all.

Charlene Arianna Photography

Charlene specializes in maternity, motherhood, and newborn portraiture with a style that blends glam, editorial, and fine art into portraits you will treasure forever. Charlene has been trained and certified by world famous award-winning photographers such as Ana Brandt, Lola Melani and John Russo. She has attended courses and workshops worldwide gaining hands-on unique experiences. With the knowledge gained in these experiences she looks forward to capturing memorable portraiture for her clients. Her work has been featured in magazines such as British Vogue, Pump, Artrells, Moevir and Gio Journal.

https://www.instagram.com/donatellanicolinistudio/

Donatella Nicolini is an acclaimed Italian photographer who has made a significant impact in the world of maternity and portrait photography. Specializing in maternity portraiture, Donatella has developed a unique style that seamlessly blends classic elegance with bold creativity. Her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous accolades, including being named "Maternity Photographer of The Year" in 2020 and "Family Photographer of The Year" in 2021 by SWPP The Society of Photographers in London, one of the world's most prestigious photography associations. Most recently, Donatella made history by becoming the first maternity photographer to be appointed as a Canon EMEA Ambassador, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the industry.

Since 2021 she has also been a proud Profoto Ambassador. In addition to her photography, Donatella is a sought-after speaker and educator in the field. She regularly conducts workshops, masterclasses, and private coaching sessions for professional photographers worldwide, sharing her expertise and inspiring others to elevate their craft.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements and influence, Donatella was featured in Forbes' "100 Successful Women of 2023" list, a testament to her impact not only in photography but also as a businesswoman and role model. Donatella's work has garnered international recognition, with her photographs featured in renowned publications such as Vanity Fair, Elle, Marie Claire, and Rolling Stone. Her images have also been exhibited at the Agorà Art Gallery in Manhattan, New York, further cementing her status as a globally recognized artist.

Through her lens, Donatella Nicolini continues to capture the essence of maternity with grace and artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photography and inspiring countless individuals along the way.

https://www.instagram.com/ponskoportraits/

Marta Ponsko: Expert in Creative Studio Lighting

Marta Ponsko is renowned for her mastery of studio lighting and her vibrant, neon maternity sessions. Originally starting her career as a newborn photographer, she has become widely recognized for her distinctive, colorful maternity and portrait photography. Specializing in magical glamour-style and nude pregnancy sessions, Marta excels in using studio light to create artistic and captivating portraits. 

Marta's success extends beyond photography; she is also a social media sensation and marketing expert. With a strong educational background in marketing and 16 years of business experience, she has developed a keen understanding of how to build a compelling personal brand and engage with audiences online. As a global speaker and photography educator, she has participated in numerous conferences worldwide. Her highly sought-after portrait and maternity masterclasses attract photographers eager to learn about studio lighting, posing, creative styling, and effective marketing strategies.

Dewdrops Photography

I am a wife, mother of three, photographer, and educator. Photographing newborns, babies, maternity, and families for almost 7 years has been my passion! Being a part of this special time in your life means the world to me. It has been truly a blessing to be one of Auburn and Opelika, Alabama area's most sought-after photographers.

My love for my own children is what ignited my desire to photograph babies and children with a focus on each child's personality. I use simple props and textures to enhance my images, not to distract from your child or baby's beauty.

I have also found a passion for teaching newborn photographers from all around the world. I instruct my students on how to safely photograph these precious gifts while maintaining a strong relationship with their local clientele. Photography is so much more than just clicking the shutter. From styling to editing, I guide my students and help put them on the path to success.

It is my desire to teach others how to handle and photograph babies with safety and creativity in mind. My students have gone on to be some of the most well-respected and sought-after photographers in their areas.

Above all, my goal is to inspire, support, and continue to grow. I am blessed to be a part of my clients' lives and my students' journeys.

https://www.instagram.com/myrtleandmossphotography/

Most known for her ability to capture authentic connection and emotive images, Ang grew up equally intrigued by expressing herself through art and developing deep connections with others. These two passions led to her becoming a labour and delivery nurse while growing her self-taught photography business on the side (with an emphasis/passion for capturing maternity and newborns). After becoming a mother she quickly learned the value of time by continually pouring from an empty cup. 

Nearly 10 years ago, after running a successful photography business for a decade, she transitioned to full-time photography and moved her family to Vancouver Island. As her career grew, Ang embraced the power of 'community over competition'. Leaning more and more to the teaching side of the industry she quickly learned that there’s nothing more powerful than a woman who is inspired from within and has a community walking alongside her — together we rise. 

Over the past several years, Ang has spoken at conferences across Canada and the USA, and taught countless workshops/retreats, inspiring other artists and entrepreneurs to perfect their craft, teach their trade, and connect with their audience on a soul level. No award or contest won can compare to the feeling of being a part of someone’s journey to success and abundance  — all while being their truest self, and her the same.

Today, she resides in her Hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her two boys, husband, 2 dogs, cat and 4 city chickens and is very excited about what is to come for 2025, including the Maternity and Newborn Summit. 

https://www.instagram.com/rachelvanovenphotographer/

I’ve been a part of the photography industry since founding Rachel Vanoven Photography in 2008, and I’ve never forgotten what that year was like for me — nearly two decades ago — when every time I picked my camera up, I was learning something new. Now, with thousands of sessions under my belt, traveling internationally for both speaking and teaching engagements (along with clients on multiple continents) I still remember those early photoshoots and what it was like to rely on my instinct as an artist, but also wanting so desperately to make sure the technical aspect was correct. Based on those two parts — technical along with art, are the foundations of my entire career in education.

I believe that new photographers have so much to offer this industry - perspectives that are important for those of us who have been in the game for years. So in 2017, I launched the Rachel Vanoven Collective, a monthly membership where we feature not only a video taught by me, but photographers from around the world — some with decades of experience, and others who are relatively new to the game, and it’s only pushed my own work to continue to grow while keeping up with the latest techniques that only come when we make a point to never stop learning.

I’ll forever be an advocate for both the beginners and the experts to come together and learn from each other. When you learn from me, it’s never going to be a one way street - I love being challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone, trying new things and letting my efforts turn into learning experiences for anyone I’m mentoring.

Also, once you’ve learned from me — you’re a part of the RVP family for life. I try to be as accessible as my schedule allows, I love answering questions, figuring out lighting/location problems, and watching those who learn from me go on to help others!

https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_lemmens_photographie/

Stéphanie Lemmens is a Belgian portrait photographer and owner of Stephanie Lemmens Photographie.

Graduated in Chemistry and Art Music, she worked during a few years as sales manager for a multi-national company.

Stephanie started to capture the moments of her sons childhood. The camera was just a gift to register her baby boy and became an important instrument of work - it became a passion. Her photography business was launched in autumn 2015.

Nowadays she is a distinguished multi-award winning portrait photographer and artist, and specialized in fine art portraits of woman, children of all ages and families. She has spoken and taught at many masterclasses and events over the world.

https://www.instagram.com/limordavid.studio.afunim/

Her journey into photography began after a successful 19-year career teaching architecture. Following the birth of her fifth child, she discovered the captivating world of newborn photography and quickly immersed herself in this niche.

 Limor has honed her craft under the mentorship of globally-acclaimed photographers, including Cass from Noelle Mirabella Photography, Marta Ponsko, Ana Brandt, and Natalie Houlding, among many others

"Her dedication to the art has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of Newborn Photographer of the Year by " - 35 Photos.

For the past eight years, Limor has shared her expertise by training photographers.

She is particularly renowned for the unique wrapping techniques she has developed, which have become her signature style.

https://www.instagram.com/naomihewittphotography/

Being a self taught newborn photographer for over 9 years has given me some unique perspectives and a few tricks up my sleeves when it comes to newborns/family posing and lighting. 

I enjoy all types of photography, but there is one that I am especially passionate about; newborns. There is nothing more fleeting like those first few weeks of life. I know all too well how easy it can be to forget all those special moments when mixed with endless diapers and sleepless nights. For that reason, I feel personally responsible to capture as many memories as I can with each session and go the extra mile to freeze those moments in time.  

I love to share what I have learned and the techniques I've acquired so that fellow newborn photographers can take some knowledge back to their own studio.

https://www.instagram.com/heather_gappi_photography/

Heather is pleased to share her passion for photography with our Summit. Heather fell in love with photography at 15 years old just minutes after she received her first SLR camera. Shortly after, her first niece was born and she found herself with a camera in her hand at all times. From there, Heather was her family's go-to "photographer" for all birthdays, holidays, special occasions, you name it. Photography quickly became her favorite thing to do. And one of her favorite parts of it, is meeting and working with people from all walks of life. She describe herself as a perfectionist when taking photos and find true happiness in capturing the most precious moments in someone's life.

Heather has provided mentoring for several years. This is her first time in a major conference setting as an instructor and we are excited to have her as part of our lineup.

https://www.instagram.com/lindsayadler_photo/

Fashion and beauty photographer Lindsay Adler has risen to the top of her industry as both a photographer and educator. Based in New York City, her fashion editorials have appeared in numerous publications including Vogue, Marie Claire, Numero, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and more. As a photographic educator, she is one of the most sought-after speakers internationally. 

Lindsay enjoys teaching on the industry’s largest platforms and most prestigious events. She has worked with some of the top brands in the photographic and related industries including Canon, Adobe and Profoto.  Her large client list includes major advertising, entertainment and aesthetics companies ranging from NBC, to Abbie, Grey, Origins and more.  

 A best-selling author and educator, she received the UN Photographic Achievement award in 2024 for her contributions to the industry. She is honored to have been named a Canon Explorer of Light as well as a Profoto Legend of Light, and the Rangefinder Icon of the Year 2020!

https://www.instagram.com/krystalsandefurphotography/

https://www.instagram.com/sophiabarrettstudios/

Sophia Barrett is a portrait photographer that takes her art beyond just taking photos. Her passion for her craft originates from her personal battle with infertility. She uses her art as a vehicle to celebrate the strength, beauty, courage, vulnerability, and love of her clients.

As a child growing up in a small northern town in Massachusetts with traditional Caribbean parents, the likelihood of falling into the path of portraiture was slim. Immediately following her graduation from Suffolk University New England School of Design with a degree in Interior Design, Sophia migrated to Atlanta in search of a new start. After three years of working for other companies, she decided to venture out and become her own boss. Sophia has nurtured her business to the powerhouse it is today all in the timeframe of eight years. In those years, her portfolio has developed to contain content from Weddings, Engagements, Maternity, Boudoir, Newborns, Headshots, and more. Most recently, she has decided to focus primarily on Maternity, Motherhood, & Modern Portraits. She is a proud wife and mother to a beautiful daughter.