We were lucky to catch up with Mama Photographer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mama , thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it definitely didn’t happen overnight. Like most creative businesses, it started slowly and grew over time through persistence, word of mouth, and a lot of learning along the way.
I launched my photography business in October of 2020. What began as a creative outlet quickly became something much deeper.
In the beginning, I balanced photography with other responsibilities, like slowly building my portfolio, refining my style, and learning the business side of things. There was a lot of trial and error, understanding my value, improving my workflow, and learning how to market my work in a way that felt authentic to me. I really took the time to figure out what works best for each baby and each family, because no two sessions are the same. My goal is always to create an environment that feels calm, natural, and unhurried so that everyone can relax and simply be present with their baby.
Looking back, I probably could have sped up parts of the process if I had invested earlier in hiring others to help me with marketing, my website, etc. But that’s ok. I have enjoyed doing it all myself. It feels very rewarding.
That said, the slower growth also shaped the photographer and business owner I am today. It allowed me to build genuine relationships with families and create a business that feels deeply aligned with who I am and what I want my work to represent.

Today, I see a new or returning family everyday. My patience and hard work have led me to run a business I once only dreamed about, and I feel incredibly grateful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Cindy, the heart behind Mama Photographer. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved holding babies. I used to collect Anne Geddes’ work and her calendars filled my room. I dreamed of photographing babies that beautifully one day.
That love for babies has fueled every bit of my creativity. Today, I bring that same care and wonder into every in-home newborn, baby, and family session. I arrive with everything needed, creating a calm, thoughtful environment tailored to each baby and family so everyone can feel relaxed and present in the moment. A new mama is just as delicate as a new baby, and I value that deeply. After much thought about getting a studio to make things easier for myself, I realized I’d rather make it easier for every family instead. This creates a calmer session.
Families often compliment the thoughtful details woven into their experience, from their very first message with me all the way through the end of their session. Over the last five years, I’ve learned how to make every session feel gentle, personal, and truly meaningful. I have a whole studio setup. A lightweight newborn posing table, studio light, and a collection of outfits, swaddles, and props, but I bring it all to their home, so they can simply enjoy this fleeting, beautiful time.
I’m a mama too, and I understand how special this season is for each family. From the very beginning, I built my business with a mama’s heart first and the business second. Many would say that’s not the path to success, but I didn’t listen and I’m glad I didn’t. That approach has allowed me to connect deeply with each family, and that connection alone feels like a major accomplishment. Over the last five-plus years, I’ve grown and added more to each session, carefully crafting every detail with intention and heart. Every supportive client I’ve met has helped me grow, and it’s a beautiful feeling. I wouldn’t change my approach for anything because I already love the outcome it creates.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has always been word of mouth. Families I’ve photographed refer me to friends, relatives, coworkers, and local mom groups. Many also share their experiences through Google reviews, which helps other families feel confident inviting me into their homes.
I also connect with new families through Google and Instagram, which are truly powerful platforms. When I first started my business, I invested a lot of money in advertising. Over the years, that has shifted. I no longer rely on paid ads the way I once did because people have come to know my work and the experience I provide.
Social media has played a big role in that growth. It allows me to share my work, my process, and the way I approach each session. Families often connect with that authenticity before they even reach out, which makes those first conversations feel very natural.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I make it a priority to stay connected with every family I photograph. One way I show my appreciation is by offering special pricing to every returning family for all future sessions. Their trust and loyalty mean the world to me, and being invited back to document milestones, new siblings, and family growth is truly the most rewarding part of my work. Watching a family grow over time and knowing I’m part of those precious moments isn’t just business, it’s an honor, and it’s what makes this work so meaningful for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mamaphotographer.com
• Instagram: @_mamaphotographer_
• Other: Google Reviews:
  Mama Photographer Google Reviews

Image Credits

All images by Mama Photographer