My Newborn Photography Journey: From Dream to Reality

Hello! I’m Elizabeth Lang, and I’ve been a portrait and wedding photographer since 2004. Photography has always been my passion, but there’s one area of the craft that has always stood out to me—newborn photography. From a young age, I was enchanted by the adorable poses and tender moments captured in Anne Geddes calendars, and that fascination with the beauty of newborns stuck with me throughout my life. What started as a childhood fascination has now become the heart and soul of my photography business.

In this blog post, I wanted to share my personal newborn photography journey, from humble beginnings to where I am today, capturing precious moments for families across Surrey and the Vancouver area.

A Childhood Dream Blossoms

As a kid, I was captivated by the Anne Geddes calendars—those iconic images of babies tucked inside flower petals, nestled in teacups, and surrounded by whimsical props. Even back then, I was fascinated by how newborns could look so angelic and peaceful in those beautifully crafted photos. Little did I know that this admiration would eventually become a lifelong passion!

I always knew I wanted to work with babies, but it wasn’t until much later that I realized how much I truly loved newborn photography.

Diving Into Newborn Photography: Self-Taught Beginnings

About 12 years ago, I began to dive deeper into newborn photography. At the time, education for newborn photographers wasn’t as accessible as it is now. There were no online courses, YouTube tutorials, or communities of photographers sharing tips like we have today. So, like many self-taught artists, I turned to what was available to me: the images I loved. The world has changed immensely and you can now find endless resources to learn any topic of interest! It's remarkable!

I spent countless hours studying newborn photos I admired—breaking them down to understand what made them so captivating. I learned about lighting, posing, and how to work with tiny subjects who can’t quite communicate their needs. This self-directed learning journey became my foundation, and it fueled my desire to create timeless, beautiful images that families would cherish forever.



Twin baby feet, newborn photography session details with Elizabeth Lang Photography

Learning from the Experts: Workshops and Continued Education

After learning on my own, I knew that to elevate my skills, I needed to learn from the best. That’s when I decided to take in-person workshops with expert photographers. These hands-on experiences provided me with invaluable techniques and insights that I could apply directly to my newborn sessions. I didn’t stop there. I also took several online workshopsand courses, immersing myself in the latest photography techniques, newborn safety, and industry trends.

The learning never stops for me—every time I pick up my camera, I discover something new. Whether it’s perfecting a new lighting technique or finding fresh ways to pose a newborn, I continue to grow as a photographer. This commitment to continuous learning is what allows me to stay passionate, evolve my style, and provide the best experience for my clients. Being able to try new things out is actually what keeps the passion alive for me.

The Early Days: Shooting from Home

In the early days of my newborn photography career, I didn’t have a dedicated studio space. My makeshift setup was in the main bedroom of my old house, and I’d create a cozy environment for my little clients by setting up blankets, backdrops, and props in whatever space I could.

As my skills grew, so did my passion for newborn photography. I began to book more sessions, and I quickly realized that I needed more space to work comfortably and professionally. That’s when my journey took an exciting turn.

A Tiny Studio and Growing Pains

When my family moved to our current home, I converted the teeny tiny art room into my newborn photography studio. It was a cozy, intimate space, perfect for small shoots with newborns. But as my business continued to grow, I found that I had outgrown the space within a few months. The room became too cramped for all the equipment and props I wanted to use, and I was beginning to feel a bit restricted. I moved into the main room here and it suited us fine for a few years.

It was clear I needed a bigger, more functional space to do the work I loved.

Parent poses with twins, parent poses are an important part of your newborn photography session. Elizabeth Lang Photography

A Dream Come True: My Dedicated Studio

Three years ago, we decided to make a big leap for both my business and our family. We took the plunge and converted our garage into a separate, self-contained studio. This decision was one of the best I’ve ever made. My new studio is everything I had dreamed of—spacious, bright, and equipped with everything I need to create stunning, high-quality newborn photos. It was a challenge to deal with the process of hiring contractors and getting the proper permits in place and of course you probably know that a 6 month project can turn into a 2 year project whenever you try to renovate. So after much waiting we finally finished!

Having a dedicated studio has been a game-changer for both my work and my family life. I no longer have to take over the house for sessions or disrupt our daily routine. My family can go about their day, and I can immerse myself in my work without distractions. It’s allowed me to provide an even more professional and comfortable experience for my clients while maintaining a work-life balance that I truly value.

Why I Love My Studio

I can’t express how much I love my new space. It’s peaceful, quiet, and gives me the freedom to truly focus on my craft. I’ve designed the studio to be a welcoming and calming space for both parents and babies, with soft lighting, a variety of props, and comfortable settings to ensure that every session feels relaxed and stress-free.

The separation of home and work has been a huge benefit to our family. I’m able to work efficiently, yet still be close enough to my family to enjoy time together. It’s been a huge positive for both my business and my personal life, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to create beautiful newborn images in a space I’m truly proud of.

The Best Decision I've Made

Looking back on my journey, from those early days of studying newborn photography to now having my dream studio, I can honestly say that converting the garage into a dedicated workspace was the best decision I could have made. It has elevated my work, given me the tools and space I need to continue growing, and has allowed me to provide my clients with the best possible experience.

I am beyond thankful to have the opportunity to capture such precious moments for families. Every newborn session is an opportunity to create timeless images that parents can treasure forever, and I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of that experience.

Thank You for Being Part of My Journey

Whether you’re a new client or a returning family, thank you for trusting me to capture your baby’s first moments. Your support has been invaluable, and I look forward to many more years of creating beautiful memories with you.

If you’re expecting a little one and would like to book a newborn session, I would love to work with you! Please reach out to me, and let’s create something truly special.

Contact Elizabeth Lang Photography to learn more about newborn sessions or book your session today. I can't wait to meet you and your bundle of joy!


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY


Parent poses with twins, parent poses are an important part of your newborn photography session. Elizabeth Lang Photography